Ayyalonia dimentmani n. g., n. sp. (Ayyaloniini n. Trib., Chthoniidae, Pseudoscorpiones) from a cave in Israel

B.P.M. Curcic

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Publication Date

1-1-2008

Publication Title

Archives of Biological Sciences

Volume Number

60

Issue Number

3

Abstract

A new eyeless troglobitic pseudoscorpion, Ayyalonia dimentmani n. g., n. sp., is described from inside karstic voids in Israel that form a completely isolated, old underground ecosystem with living populations of blind pseudoscorpions, crustaceans, collembolans, thysanurans and mites. The scorpions, of which only empty carcasses have been found may represent extinct derives or recently dead specimens belonging to an unknown population existing somewhere in the Ayyalon underground spaces. The pseudoscorpions analyzed prove to differ from all other pseudoscorpions and are placed in a new tribe, new genus, and a new species. The possibility is suggested that the subterranean false scorpions are relicts of an old circum-tropical pattern of distribution (either of early Miocene or late Mesozoic age and origin) that differs from the present Mediterranean location of Israel.

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS0803331C

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