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Paratemnoides Harvey, 1991 is currently represented by 28 species and two subspecies, which are widespread in the world, except for Europe and Antarctica. Paratemnoides sinensis (Beier, 1932) represents the only species of this genus currently recorded from China.Five new Paratemnoides species collected from China are described, including detailed diagnoses and illustrations: P. guangdongensis sp. nov. from Guangdong, P. parvus sp. nov., P. politus sp. nov. and P. yunnanensis sp. nov. from Yunnan and P. trisulcus sp. nov. from Guangxi. An identification key to all known Paratemnoides species from China and a distribution map are also provided.

The pseudoscorpion genus Shravana Chamberlin, 1930, belonging to the family Ideoroncidae Chamberlin, 1930, currently contains 13 species. To date, no ideoroncid species has been recorded from China.The family Ideoroncidae Chamberlin, 1930 is reported from China for the first time. A new species of the genus Shravana Chamberlin, 1930, collected from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described under the name of Shravana zhui Gao & Zhang, sp. nov. on the basis of both sexes. The finding of this new species expands the distribution range of this family in Asia.

During a survey on the arachnid fauna in the Central Brazilian Cerrado, Goiás State, a new species of the genus Cheiridium Menge, 1855, was found. This specimen represents the third record of this genus in Brazil, and it is described as a new species, Cheiridium piracanjubae sp. n. The species represents an important record for a biome considered a biodiversity hotspot, but with a still poorly known arachnid fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new Lagynochthonius species of the pseudoscorpion family Chthoniidae are described, based on morphological characters: Lagynochthonius duo sp. nov., Lagynochthonius gibbus sp. nov., Lagynochthonius hepingensis sp. nov., Lagynochthonius houi sp. nov., and Lagynochthonius sanhuaensis sp. nov. All specimens were collected from epigean habitats in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Larca is described from dry habitats in a cave in central Colorado. Like other cave-dwelling species of Larca, the new species Larca boulderica sp. nov., shows relatively modest morphological adaptations, such as pale colouration and slightly elongated appendages, compared with their epigean counterparts. This species is the sixth cave-dwelling species of Larca described from North America and, like other cave-dwelling Larca in North America and Europe, tends to be distributed in more southerly regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty new species of the genus Bisetocreagris Ćurčić, 1983 are described from caves in the provinces of Guizhou (B. baiyunensis sp. nov., B. baimensis sp. nov., B. bangenensis sp. nov., B. daxingensis sp. nov., B. diaojiangensis sp. nov., B. dongjiensis sp. nov., B. duolangpingensis sp. nov., B. ganxiaoensis sp. nov., B. guanyinensis sp. nov., B. matuoensis sp. nov., B. sanhensis sp. nov., B. shahensis sp. nov., B. shangshanensis sp. nov. and B. yaolinensis sp. nov.), Yunnan (B. mahnerti sp. nov. and B. tuanjiensis sp. nov.), Sichuan (B. tianyangensis sp. nov.), Chongqing (B. xianduhensis sp. nov.), Hubei (B. changchaoensis sp. nov.) and Guangxi (B. xiniuyanensis sp. nov.). An identification key is provided to all known Chinese cave-inhabiting representatives of the genus Bisetocreagris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty new species of the genus BisetocreagrisĆurčić, 1983 are described from caves in the provinces of Guizhou (B. baiyunensis sp. nov., B. baimensis sp. nov., B. bangenensis sp. nov., B. daxingensis sp. nov., B. diaojiangensis sp. nov., B. dongjiensis sp. nov., B. duolangpingensis sp. nov., B. ganxiaoensis sp. nov., B. guanyinensis sp. nov., B. matuoensis sp. nov., B. sanhensis sp. nov., B. shahensis sp. nov., B. shangshanensis sp. nov. and B. yaolinensis sp. nov.), Yunnan (B. mahnerti sp. nov. and B. tuanjiensis sp. nov.), Sichuan (B. tianyangensis sp. nov.), Chongqing (B. xianduhensis sp. nov.), Hubei (B. changchaoensis sp. nov.) and Guangxi (B. xiniuyanensis sp. nov.). An identification key is provided to all known Chinese cave-inhabiting representatives of the genus Bisetocreagris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Catatemnus Beier, 1932 is reported for the first time from China and includes six new species: C. huae sp. nov. from Hainan Island, C. laminosus sp. nov., C. ramus sp. nov., C. scaber sp. nov., and C. tengchongensis sp. nov. all from Yunnan Province, and C. tibetanus sp. nov. from Xizang Autonomous Region. Descriptions and illustrations of all the new species are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of pseudoscorpion, Allochthonius lini sp. nov. (Xiaoguoquan Cave) and Selachochthonius yinae sp. nov. (Xiao Cave) from Yunnan Province, Allochthonius xuae sp. nov. (Yelaoda Cave) from Guizhou Province, are described and illustrated. An identification key is provided for all known Chinese representatives of the family Pseudotyrannochthoniidae.

Five new species of the genus Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 are described from caves in the provinces of Yunnan (T. huilongshanensis sp. nov., T. xinzhaiensis sp. nov., and T. yamuhensis sp. nov.), Guizhou (T. dongjiensis sp. nov.), and Sichuan (T. huaerensis sp. nov.). An identification key is provided for all known representatives of the genus Tyrannochthonius from China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species of the genus Metachelifer Redikorzev, 1938 are described from caves in the provinces of Tak (M. takensis sp. nov. and M. thailandicus sp. nov.), Chiangmai (M. mahnerti sp. nov.), and Nakhon Ratchasima (M. cheni sp. nov.). An identification key is provided to all known world representatives of the genus Metachelifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new pseudoscorpion species, Selachochthonius naledi sp. nov., is herein described. It can be distinguished from the other species of the genus mainly by the absence of eyes, number and morphology of chelal teeth and coxae setae and by the appendices proportions. This new species represents the fourth record for the genus in South Africa. We also provide some ecological remarks of the new species and recommendations for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Wolbachia are the most widely spread endosymbiotic bacteria, present in a wide variety of insects and two families of nematodes. As of now, however, relatively little genomic data has been available. The Wolbachia symbiont can be parasitic, as described for many arthropod systems, an obligate mutualist, as in filarial nematodes or a combination of both in some organisms. They are currently classified into 16 monophyletic lineage groups (“supergroups”). Although the nature of these symbioses remains largely unknown, expanded Wolbachia genomic data will contribute to understanding their diverse symbiotic mechanisms and evolution. Results This report focuses on Wolbachia infections in three pseudoscorpion species infected by two distinct groups of Wolbachia strains, based upon multi-locus phylogenies. Geogarypus minor harbours wGmin and Chthonius ischnocheles harbours wCisc, both closely related to supergroup H, while Atemnus politus harbours wApol, a member of a novel supergroup S along with Wolbachia from the pseudoscorpion Cordylochernes scorpioides (wCsco). Wolbachia supergroup S is most closely related to Wolbachia supergroups C and F. Using target enrichment by hybridization with Wolbachia-specific biotinylated probes to capture large fragments of Wolbachia DNA, we produced two draft genomes of wApol. Annotation of wApol highlights presence of a biotin operon, which is incomplete in many sequenced Wolbachia genomes. Conclusions The present study highlights at least two symbiont acquisition events among pseudoscorpion species. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that the Wolbachia from Atemnus politus (wApol), forms a separate supergroup (“S”) with the Wolbachia from Cordylochernes scorpioides (wCsco). Interestingly, the biotin operon, present in wApol, appears to have been horizontally transferred multiple times along Wolbachia evolutionary history.

Background: Paratemnoides Harvey, 1991 is currently represented by 28 species and two subspecies, which are widespread in the world, except for Europe and Antarctica. Paratemnoidessinensis (Beier, 1932) represents the only species of this genus currently recorded from China., New Information: Five new Paratemnoides species collected from China are described, including detailed diagnoses and illustrations: P.guangdongensis sp. nov. from Guangdong, P.parvus sp. nov., P.politus sp. nov. and P.yunnanensis sp. nov. from Yunnan and P.trisulcus sp. nov. from Guangxi. An identification key to all known Paratemnoides species from China and a distribution map are also provided., (Yanmeng Hou, Lingchen Zhao, Feng Zhang.)

A new pseudoscorpion species, Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov., is described. It can be distinguished from the other species of the genus mainly by the number and shape of chelal teeth, the number of coxae setae, the arrangement of carapacal setae, and its measurements. This new species represents the first record for the genus in Kyrgyzstan. We also provide recommendations for future research on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the biodiversity of pseudoscorpions was studied in two different habitats (Oak forests and cultivated areas) in Kuhdasht, Khorramabad, and Delfan counties during eight months of 2016. For this purpose, in each habitat, a cycle area of about 100m radius was selected and samples were taken from 20 plots each with 200 m2 inside the cycle. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 10 and a diameter of 50cm. The soil samples were then transferred to the laboratory and the specimens were extracted using Berlese trap. Different indices of biodiversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Brilloun) were calculated using Excel and SDR v.4. Comparison of species diversity in different habitats showed that Delfan (Shannon index = 2.529) had a greater diversity of species than Khorramabad (Shannon index = 2.508) and Kuhdasht (Shannon index = 2.390). The results of calculating the species structure of the pseudoscorpion population in the province showed that Minniza babylonica, Calocheiridius centralis, and Cardiolpium bisetosum were dominant in three studied counties. It seems that these three species were unrestricted in terms of height, temperature, and humidity in the three cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pseudoscorpion genus Shravana Chamberlin, 1930, belonging to the family Ideoroncidae Chamberlin, 1930, currently contains 13 species. To date, no ideoroncid species has been recorded from China., New Information: The family Ideoroncidae Chamberlin, 1930 is reported from China for the first time. A new species of the genus Shravana Chamberlin, 1930, collected from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described under the name of Shravanazhui Gao & Zhang, sp. nov. on the basis of both sexes. The finding of this new species expands the distribution range of this family in Asia., (Zhizhong Gao, Kaiquan Zhang, Feng Zhang.)

Pseuodoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones) have been little studied, although they are the third largest group in the Arachnida in number of species. Pseudoscorpions have features resembling those of true scorpions. Due to their small size (the largest pseudoscorpion being no larger than 1 cm) systematic studies have proven difficult. A high-performance microscope is necessary for detailed studies. In the present study, the pseudoscorpion Atemnus politus (Simon, 1878) collected in Osmaniye province, Turkey, was used to describe systematic and taxonomic characters, including chelicerae, pedipalps, walking legs, and cuticular structures on appendages using stereo light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study revealed characteristic features of this species. This is the first SEM study of A. politus and provides an important contribution to understanding the morphology of pseudoscorpions and demonstrates the taxonomic value of SEM micrographs. Probable functions of some of the structures observed are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specimens of a Neobisium (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae) were collected from Craig yr Aber woods, Bridgend, Wales, in November 2017. Using morphological characters and DNA barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene they were identified as N. simile (L. Koch, 1873), a species new to Britain. Molecular comparison with other Neobisium specimens confirms N. simile as the most similar species (88% similarity) with which it forms a single clade, although the degree of dissimilarity could suggest an unrecognized sibling species. A detailed morphological description of N. simile from Craig yr Aber is provided, along with the DNA barcode, in view of the potential for future taxonomic revision. A probable record of N. simile from Wales in 1984 is discussed. Knowledge of the distribution and ecology of N. simile is summarized. The Welsh population of N. simile was probably introduced from the Pyrenees or south-western France, possibly with imports of raw materials for the steel industry. British pseudoscorpion workers should be vigilant for N. simile, though it may be restricted to South Wales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Wolbachia are the most widely spread endosymbiotic bacteria, present in a wide variety of insects and two families of nematodes. As of now, however, relatively little genomic data has been available. The Wolbachia symbiont can be parasitic, as described for many arthropod systems, an obligate mutualist, as in filarial nematodes or a combination of both in some organisms. They are currently classified into 16 monophyletic lineage groups ("supergroups"). Although the nature of these symbioses remains largely unknown, expanded Wolbachia genomic data will contribute to understanding their diverse symbiotic mechanisms and evolution. Results: This report focuses on Wolbachia infections in three pseudoscorpion species infected by two distinct groups of Wolbachia strains, based upon multi-locus phylogenies. Geogarypus minor harbours wGmin and Chthonius ischnocheles harbours wCisc, both closely related to supergroup H, while Atemnus politus harbours wApol, a member of a novel supergroup S along with Wolbachia from the pseudoscorpion Cordylochernes scorpioides (wCsco). Wolbachia supergroup S is most closely related to Wolbachia supergroups C and F. Using target enrichment by hybridization with Wolbachia-specific biotinylated probes to capture large fragments of Wolbachia DNA, we produced two draft genomes of wApol. Annotation of wApol highlights presence of a biotin operon, which is incomplete in many sequenced Wolbachia genomes. Conclusions: The present study highlights at least two symbiont acquisition events among pseudoscorpion species. Phylogenomic analysis indicates that the Wolbachia from Atemnus politus (wApol), forms a separate supergroup ("S") with the Wolbachia from Cordylochernes scorpioides (wCsco). Interestingly, the biotin operon, present in wApol, appears to have been horizontally transferred multiple times along Wolbachia evolutionary history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite numerous approaches to the resolution of euarthropod phylogeny, mainly based on modern sequence information and traditional external morphology, the resulting hypotheses are often contradictory and leave many questions about euarthropod evolution unanswered. The comparison of developmental and structural aspects of the nervous system has shown to be a valuable contribution to the assessment of current phylogenetic hypotheses. One promising approach for the generation of new character sets is the morphology of transmitter systems and the discovery of individually identifiable neurons, which allow phylogenetic comparisons on the single cell level. In this context, the serotonin transmitter system has been investigated to a considerable degree. Studies to date have yielded important stimuli to our understanding of euarthropod relationships and the evolution of their nervous systems. However, data on other transmitter systems remain fragmented, and their value with respect to phylogenetic questions remains speculative. The biogenic amine histamine is a promising transmitter; a substantial amount of data has been reported in the literature and the homology of some histaminergic neurons has been suggested. Here, we present a comprehensive review of histaminergic neurons in the ventral nerve cord of Euarthropoda. Using immunocytochemical labeling of histamine combined with confocal laser-scanning microscopy, we investigated the transmitter system in phylogenetically relevant taxa, such as Zygentoma, Remipedia, Diplopoda, and Arachnida. By reconstructing ground patterns, we evaluated the significance of this specific character set for euarthropod phylogeny. With this approach, we identified a set of neurons, which can be considered homologous within the respective major taxon. In conclusion, the histaminergic system contains useful information for our understanding of euarthropod phylogeny, supporting the proposed clades Tetraconata and Mandibulata. Furthermore, this character set has considerable potential to help resolve relationships within the major clades at a deeper level of taxonomy, due to the considerable variability in neurite morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far 107 families of chelicerates are known from the Rovno amber, which is comparable with those known from the Baltic amber (144 families) and three times more than in Bitterfeld amber; 19 families of arachnids reported from Rovno amber are not known in Baltic amber deposits. The tropical mite family Eupalopsellidae is excluded from the Rovno amber fauna. The mite family Autognetidae and spider genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Oonopidae) are reported from Rovno amber for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual dimorphism between females and males can sometimes be related to particular mating behaviors. In pseudoscorpions, very little is known about the relationship between sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and reproductive behavior. This paper describes sexual dimorphism and the mating behavior patterns of Lustrochernes argentinus (Thorell, 1877), a Neotropical species of Cheliferoidea. We measured different body structures and appendages of 14 individuals of each sex, with the values compared with a T-test. We also analyzed the sexual behavior repertoire occurring during mating between nine couples. We found SSD for several structures: the fixed and movable finger width, and the angle between IV coxae are larger in females, in contrast with the gap between fingers which is bigger in males. The analysis of sexual behavior patterns in this species showed that the reproductive behavioral repertoire is structured in three phases: Phase I (examination), Phase II (spermatophore deposition) and Phase III (sperm transfer) with a mean duration of 2.2 min, 5 min, and 7.5 min, respectively. Some structures that showed SSD, and also the composition and duration of different behavioral phases, are different from those of other species of the family Chernetidae. We discuss the results based on current knowledge in pseudoscorpion biology with prospects of further studies studying sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An illustrated description of Rhacochelifer disjunctus (L. Koch, 1873) collected in Slovakia is presented. One female was found phoretic on Lepidoptera in a Malaise trap. Another 37 specimens, including both sexes, tritonymphs and a protonymph, collected in the 1950s were deposited in the Natural History Museum in Prague, Czech Republic and identified as well. The discoveries of R. disjunctus specimens at five localities within Slovakia represent the first records of the species for this country.

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao (ABC Islands) are located at the southern margin of the Caribbean Plate, just north of South America. Little is known of the arachnid fauna of these islands, and the only work on spiders was published over a century ago. Here we provide a list of arachnids opportunistically collected from the islands, including Klein Bonaire and Klein Curaçao, over approximately 2 months. More than 750 specimens from 4 arachnid orders, (Amblypygi, Pseudoscorpiones, Scorpiones, Araneae) were collected and identified. We recovered 1 species of amblypygid, 2 species of pseudoscorpions, 1 species of scorpion, and 76 species of spiders. Additionally, we compared species diversity between urban and natural areas. The number of species is relatively low given the proximity to South America, but this likely reflects that collecting only took place for a short time and was opportunistic as opposed to systematic. Nevertheless, we found 25 new records and >20 likely undescribed species for the islands, providing insights into the spider fauna of northern South America and indicating that additional surveys of the area are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pseudoscorpions are very small arthropods with almost worldwide distribution. They possess a unique venom delivery system in the chelal hands of their pedipalps that has evolved independently from that of scorpions and spiders. Studies on the venom composition of pseudoscorpions are very rare. Recently, the potential venom composition of the pseudoscorpion Synsphyronus apimelus Harvey, 1987 (Pseudoscorpiones: Garypidae) has been studied by transcriptome analysis. However, a proteome analysis of venom to identify the genuine venom compounds of pseudoscorpions has not yet been performed. In our study, we have developed a non-invasive approach for extracting minute amounts of venom, which for the first time allowed collecting pure venom samples of pseudoscorpions with minimal contaminations and high reproducibility. These experiments first required a morphological investigation of the venom delivery system with a focus on the role of the lamina defensor in the release of venom. Likely, the venom delivery system of pseudoscorpions has a mechanism that prevents the release of venom if the prey is not successfully penetrated by a venom tooth. Electrical stimulation of a gland-containing chelal hand in combination with a mechanical stimulation of the lamina defensor at the base of the venom tooth resulted in an average of 5 nl of collected venom. The utility of the method was then validated by repeated venom extractions and subsequent analysis of the venom composition using MALDI-TOF mass fingerprinting. Subsequent proteomics analysis in combination with transcriptome analyses of chelal hand tissue has identified the first genuine venom compounds of pseudoscorpions with putative antimicrobial peptides. For our experiments, we used the house pseudoscorpion Chelifer cancroides (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pseudoscorpiones: Cheliferidae). Highlights • First protocol for extraction and analysis of the venom of pseudoscorpions. • Venom extraction required both mechanical and electrical stimuli. • Combined peptidomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed sequences of several venom components. • Experimentally determined precursors show sequence similarity with antimicrobial peptides of scorpions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New cases of phoresy by chernetids (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) are documented from Slovakia and Austria. Pseudoscorpion phoresy involving Heteroptera as a host is documented for the first time in Slovakia, as well as a case of phoresy by the genus Pselaphochernes Beier, 1932. Three chernetid species were observed for the first time as phoretic in Austria on Mecoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A redescription of males of Neobisium (N.) moreoticum from Georgia is provided. Notes on its morphological variability and geographical distribution in Georgia are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Stenohya species (Neobisiidae) are described from southwestern China: Stenohya arcuata sp. n. and Stenohya bicornuta sp. n., both from the Gaoligong Mountains, Yunnan Province. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations of the two new species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new Bisetocreagris species are described from southern China: Bisetocreagris shunhuangensis sp. n. from Hunan Province, B. wangi sp. n. and B. gaoi sp. n. from Guizhou Province. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations of the three new species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Phoresy is a common dispersal behavior among pseudoscorpions. Neotropical pseudoscorpions, mainly from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, are known for their dispersal relationships with beetles and flies. Here, we report phoretic association among nymphs of Sphenochernes camponoti (Chernetidae) and Fannia flies (F. pusio, F. yenhedi, and F. canicularis) (Diptera, Fanniidae). Twelve flies, each carrying a young pseudoscorpion, were collected in Caatinga vegetation in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Sphenochernes camponoti is a myrmecophilous pseudoscorpion that lives in Camponotus and Acromyrmex colonies. Despite its association with ants, this pseudoscorpion uses other winged arthropods to disperse. This is the first report of phoresy by Sphenochernes camponoti.

Two new pseudoscorpion species of Bisetocreagris Ćurčić, 1983, B. guangshanensis sp. nov. and B. gracilenta sp. nov., belonging to the family Neobisiidae, are described based on specimens collected in karst caves in Guizhou Province, China. Detailed diagnosis, descriptions and illustrations are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During study on soil mesofauna in Choqa Sabz Forest and Dalab Protected Area in Ilam Province (western Iran), the following pseudoscorpions belonging to four families were collected and identified: Chthonius (Chthonius) shelkovnikovi Redikorzev, 1930, Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) negarinae Nassirkhani and Vafai, 2015, Paramenthus nanus Mahnert, 2007, Cardiolpium asiaticum (Dashdamirov, 1990), and Acanthocreagris iranica Beier, in Mahnert 1976. All of these species are new to the fauna of western Iran. In this survey, the adults of A. iranica collected from Ilam and Lorestan Provinces are redescribed and figured. Additionally, its tritonymph and deutonymph are briefly described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Bisetocreagris species belonging to the family Neobisiidae are described from China: Bisetocreagris yangae sp. n. from Anhui Province and Bisetocreagris parva sp. n. from Zhejiang Province. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations of the two new spe- cies are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Catatemnus Beier, 1932 is reported for the first time from China and includes six new species: C.huae sp. nov. from Hainan Island, C.laminosus sp. nov. , C.ramus sp. nov. , C.scaber sp. nov. , and C.tengchongensis sp. nov. all from Yunnan Province, and C.tibetanus sp. nov. from Xizang Autonomous Region. Descriptions and illustrations of all the new species are provided., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Yanmeng Hou, Lingchen Zhao, Feng Zhang.)

The pseudoscorpion genus Megachernes is recorded for the first time in Iran. Adults and protonymphs of Megachernes pavlovskyi Redikorzev, 1949 were found in a porcupine nest and under stones in the Deh Sheikh (Pataveh) cave, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, Southwest Iran. A short description of the species is provided, based on the main morphological and morphometric characters of the adults.

We present the results of the first study on the karyotypes of four European species of Roncus: Roncus alpinus L. Koch, 1873, Roncus lubricus L. Koch, 1873, Roncus transsilvanicus Beier, 1928 and Roncus sp. The diploid number was 2n = 23 in Roncus sp., 2n = 43 in R. alpinus and R. transsilvanicus and 2n = 45 in R. lubricus. Telocentric autosomes predominate in species with a high chromosome number and metacentric autosomes in Roncus sp. We assume that the ancestral situation for this genus is a high number of chromosomes. A low number of chromosomes is very likely a consequence of centric fusions, which have possibly played a very important role in karyotype evolution in the genus Roncus. All the species analyzed have the X0 sex chromosome system. The X chromosome is metacentric and is the smallest element in the karyotypes of all the species analyzed.

The manuscript name Chelifer longimanus Kollar, 1848, most often cited as Obisium longimanum Kollar, was first introduced in a note by Kollar (1848) that has been overlooked in the taxonomic literature on pseudoscorpions. No description or indication has been associated with this name, which is therefore a nomen nudum. It corresponds to the valid pseudoscorpion species Neobisium spelaeum (Schiödte, 1847), having been found at one of the type localities of the latter (Postojna Cave, Slovenia). Two specimens originally identified as O. longimanum (probably by V. Kollar) are present in the collections of the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien.