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Gymnobisium capense Neethling & Neethling 2023, sp. nov.
No full textGymnobisium capense sp. nov. Figs 5–7 Holotype: ♀, SOUTH AFRICA, Western Cape, Rheenendal, Jubilee Creek Nature Reserve, 33°53′S, 22°58′E, 308m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 7.XII.2015 (NMBAP 00336). Paratypes: 4♀, 4♂, Same data as holotype (NMBAP 00337). Etymology. The Latin adjective capēnse means to belong to, or be from, the Cape Province in South Africa. The name refers to the main geographic distribution of this species. Diagnosis. Large species (chela length ♀ 1.83–1.90 mm, ♂ 1.59 –1.74 mm), with chelae significantly more bulbous in females than in males (chela ratio ♀ 2.96–3.16 versus ♂ 3.70 –3.88 times longer than broad); fixed finger multi-toothed structure with seven strongly sclerotized teeth; cheliceral hand with six setae; galea with six rami; rallum with seven to eight blades, distal blades split apically. Differs from all congeners, except Gymnobisium inukshuk, by the presence of an extra basal seta on each chelicera. Differs from G. inukshuk by the presence of two pairs of well-developed eyes. Description Carapace: Somewhat broader than long, subquadrate, overall smooth and without furrow. Dark brown in females, lighter in males. Two pairs of eyes located dorso-laterally at the front (Fig. 5A, C). Small seta located on the dorso-anterior margin of each of the posterior eyes. Female carapace with 27, male carapace with 28 setae, arranged 4: 6: 2: 6: 9(10). Abdomen: Tergites and sternites smooth, undivided and uniseriate. Female abdominal tergites uniformly dark brown. Male tergites same colour as carapace anteriorly and gradually darken posteriorly. Male tergites VIII–X often have a significantly darker central band (Fig. 5A, C). In both sexes the lateral and posterior edges of tergites I–XI are distinctly lighter in colour, tergite XII uniformly lighter in colour. The tergal setae are located on the posterior edge of each tergite, within the lighter coloured band. In both sexes sternites lighten in colour moving from posterior to anterior of abdomen (Fig. 5B, D). In females the sternites lighten in colour from dark brown (same colour as tergites) to light or transparent brown, and in males they lighten from dark brown to tan. Sternites I and II are fused and hardly distinguishable. Female operculum with 14 setae, eight along the posterior margin and six additional setae clustered loosely alongside, near the centre. Males with 27 setae at the operculum cluster. Pleural membrane cream to light yellow in colour, faintly papillate. Tergal chaetotaxy: 7(8): 9(10): 10(12): 11(11): 12(12): 12(12): 11(12): 12(12): 11(11): 9(9): 11(12): 2(2). Sternal chaetotaxy: 14(27):?(?): 21(24): 21(16): 21(19): 19(16): 19(18): 17(15): 14(14): 13(13): 11(12): 2(2). Pedipalp: All segments smooth and coloured orange-brown in both sexes. Trochanter cone-shaped and rounded anteriorly, curved slightly posteriorly. Base narrow, widening distally. Setae present on the anterior surface. Femur slender, 3.70–3.79 (♀) to 3.86–3.95 (♂) times longer than wide, somewhat constricted basally, widening just distal of base. Shallow disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae absent from base, though distributed evenly over rest of surface. Patella constricted and slightly angled at base, widening markedly distal at around a quarter segment length, 2.57–2.75 (♀) to 2.85–2.92 (♂) times longer than wide. Several small lyriform fissures present on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. Two larger lyriform fissures present latero-dorsally from these, where the segment starts to widen. Deep disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae sparse at base, more numerous on wide part of patella (Fig. 7B). Chela: In both sexes smooth and uniformly orange-brown, fingers may be slightly darker. Female hand bulbous, strongly convex on the prolateral edge, slightly less so on the retrolateral edge (Fig. 6A, B). Male hand smaller, markedly less convex prolaterally (Fig. 6C, D). Pedicel short in both sexes, retrolateral condyle small but distinct and rounded. Fingers narrow, same length as hand (with pedicel) and curved slightly prolaterally. Fixed and movable chelal fingers with eight and four trichobothria respectively (Fig. 7A). Terminal multi-toothed structure of fixed finger extends beyond venom tooth of movable finger in both sexes, structure of female thicker, bent acutely downward (Fig. 7E), more slender and less bent in males (Fig. 7F). In both sexes, structure contains seven strongly sclerotized teeth; front tooth not significantly larger than tooth just behind it; five teeth in line behind front tooth, raised and slightly prolateral, most distal tooth expanded, reaching beyond front tooth; single large tooth on retrolateral surface, behind raised teeth. Both fingers with rounded, juxtadentate teeth situated on flexible lamellae. Lamella on fixed finger originating roughly one quarter finger length from base, on movable finger roughly one third finger length from base. Female fixed finger with 63–65 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 15–16 proximal to lamella base, together with seven strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Male fixed finger with 63–66 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 19–20 proximal to lamella base, together with seven strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Female movable finger with 54–57 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 19–20 proximal to lamella base. Male movable finger with 61–64 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 27–29 proximal to lamella base. Two thickened, spine-like setae present on distal end of movable finger in both sexes. Chelicera: Hand with six long and acuminate setae, es shorter, two basal setae, bs’ and bs”, present (Fig. 7C). Female fixed finger with 13 teeth, male with ten. Female moveable finger with ten teeth, male with nine. Galea of both sexes divided into two major rami, each terminating in three smaller rami (Fig. 7D). Female rallum with seven (Fig. 7G) to eight (Fig. 7H) long, acuminate blades; most distal blade with small, finger-like, protuberances clustered at distal end; when present on subdistal blade, only single protuberance present. Male rallum with seven long, acuminate blades; distal and subdistal blades with two to three, finger-like, protuberances at distal end, spaced apart (Fig. 7I). Lamina exterior absent in both sexes. Coxae and legs: Pedipalpal coxae same colour, or slightly lighter than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I–IV tan. Legs I–IV light brown to tan in colour. All legs diplotarsate with subterminal tarsal setae dentate distally; claws simple; arolium shorter than claws. Measurements (mm): Body length ♀ 2.94– 3.14 ♂ 2.26–2.44; Carapace ♀ 0.82–0.85 x 0.82–0.89 (0.96–1.00) ♂ 0.62 –0.68 x 0.70–0.73 (0.88–0.93); Chelicera ♀ 0.64–0.66 x 0.33–0.35 (1.89–1.94) ♂ 0.50 –0.53 x 0.26–0.28 (1.89–1.92), movable finger length ♀ 0.38– 0.40 ♂ 0.31–0.33; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 1.06–1.11 x 0.28–0.30 (3.70– 3.79) ♂ 0.85 –0.91 x 0.22–0.23 (3.86–3.95), patella ♀ 0.88–0.90 x 0.32–0.35 (2.57–2.75) ♂ 0.74 –0.79 x 0.26–0.27 (2.85–2.92), chela ♀ 1.83–1.90 x 0.58–0.64 (2.96–3.16) ♂ 1.59 –1.74 x 0.41–0.47 (3.70–3.88), hand ♀ 0.94–0.97 x 0.58–0.64 (1.52–1.62) ♂ 0.79 –0.89 x 0.41–0.47 (1.89–1.93), movable finger length ♀ 0.95– 0.99 ♂ 0.81–0.88; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.58–0.61 x 0.11–0.12 (5.08–5.27) ♂ 0.48 –0.52 x 0.10 (4.80–5.20), patella ♀ 0.40–0.42 x 0.12–0.13 (3.23–3.33) ♂ 0.32 –0.36 x 0.11 (2.91–3.27), tibia ♀ 0.45–0.47 x 0.10 (4.50–4.70) ♂ 0.36 –0.40 x 0.08 (4.50–5.00), metatarsus ♀ 0.27–0.28 x 0.09 (3.00–3.11) ♂ 0.23 –0.24 x 0.07 (3.28–3.43), tarsus ♀ 0.30–0.31 x 0.07 (4.29–4.43) ♂ 0.25 –0.26 x 0.06 (4.17–4.33); Leg IV femoropatella ♀ 1.07–1.12 x 0.23–0.24 (4.65–4.67) ♂ 0.88 –0.95 x 0.20 (4.40–4.75), tibia ♀ 0.88–0.89 x 0.16 (5.50–5.56) ♂ 0.69 –0.76 x 0.13 (5.31–5.85), metatarsus ♀ 0.38–0.41 x 0.10 (3.80–4.10) ♂ 0.31 –0.35 x 0.08 (3.88–4.36), tarsus ♀ 0.40–0.43 x 0.09 (4.44–4.78) ♂ 0.36 –0.37 x 0.07 (5.14– 5.29). Remarks. The first specimen of this species was collected from the forests near Knysna in 1947 by R.F. Lawrence, but was misidentified as Gymnobisum quadrispinosum by Beier (1947). Gymnobisium capense sp. nov. is the only gymnobisiid other than G. inukshuk with six setae on the cheliceral hand. Additional material examined. SOUTH AFRICA: Eastern Cape: 1♀, 2♂, 5 Tritonymphs, 10 Deutonymphs, Stormsrivier, Stormsrivier Forest Nature Reserve, 33°59′S, 23°54′E, 185m a.s.l., Indigenous forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 5.XII.2012 (NMBAP 00331); 1♀, 1♂, 1 Tritonymph, 1 Deutonymph, Stormsrivier, Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, 34°1′S, 23°53′E, 47m a.s.l., Coastal forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 5.XII.2012 (NMBAP 00330); 1♀, Same locality, 34°1′S, 23°53′E, 47m a.s.l., Coastal forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 20.XII.2013 (NMBAP 00329); Western Cape: 1♂, Knysna, Diepwalle Forest, 33°57′S, 23°10′E, 548m a.s.l., Indigenous forest, Burlese funnels, leg. J.T. Doyen & C.E. Griswold, 13.XI.1985 (NM 19969); 1♀, Same location, Diepwalle Forest [33°56′S, 23°7′E], leg. R.F. Lawrence, 1947 (SAMC B6911) (misidentified as Gymnobisium quadrispinosum); 4♀, 7♂, 1 Tritonymph, Same location, Valley of Ferns, 34°54′S, 23°8′E, 680m a.s.l., Indigenous forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 31.I.2017 (NMBAP 00321); 1♂, Rheenendal, Jubilee Creek Nature Reserve, 33°53′S, 22°58′E, 308m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 20.XII.2011 (NMBAP 00317); 3♀, 3♂, Same location, 33°53′S, 22°58′E, 308m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 8.XII.2012 (NMBAP 00316); 1♀, 2♂, Same location, 33°53′S, 22°58′E, 308m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 18.XII.2013 (NMBAP 00315); 3♂, 2 Tritonymphs, 2 Deutonymphs, 1 Protonymph, Same location, 33°53′S, 22°58′E, 308m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 7.XII.2015 (NMBAP 00318); 1♀, 1♂, Wildernis, Hoekville, Woodville Forest, 33°56′S, 22°38′E, 254m a.s.l., Indigenous forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 8.XII.2012 (NMBAP 00320); 4♀, 2 Tritonymphs, 1 Deutonymph, Same location, 33°56′S, 22°38′E, 254m a.s.l., Indigenous forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 29.I.2017 (NMBAP 00319).Published as part of Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6) on pages 508-512, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, http://zenodo.org/record/776245
Gymnobisium prionotogladiatum Neethling & Neethling 2023, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Gymnobisium prionotogladiatum</i> sp. nov. <p>Figs 21–23</p> <p> <b>Holotype:</b> ♀, SOUTH AFRICA, Eastern Cape, Fort Beaufort, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve, 32°41′S, 26°30′E, 1088m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 11.X.2015 (NMBAP 00343).</p> <p> <b>Paratypes:</b> 2♀, 2♂, Same data as holotype (NMBAP 00344).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The species name is a compound of the ancient Greek word <i>prionotós</i>, meaning jagged or serrate, and <i>gladiatum</i>, derived from the Latin word <i>gladius</i> meaning sword. The name refers to the multi-toothed structure found at the tip of the fixed chelal finger, which in this species contains a row of six small and highly sclerotized teeth, thus giving it the appearance of a serrated blade.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> Moderately sized species (chela length ♀ 1.56–1.61 mm, ♂ 1.52 –1.56 mm), with chelae more bulbous in females than in males (chela ratio ♀ 3.28–3.32 versus ♂ 3.80 –3.90 times longer than broad); fixed finger multi-toothed structure with eight strongly sclerotized teeth; cheliceral hand with five setae; galea with six to seven rami; rallum with eight to nine blades, sub-distal blade sometimes with an apical split. Differs from all congeners, except <i>Gymnobisium octoflagellatum</i>, by having eight teeth on the fixed finger multi-toothed structure; differs from <i>G. octoflagellatum</i> by having seven rami, while the latter has a minimum of eight.</p> <p> <b>Description</b></p> <p> <i>Carapace:</i> Somewhat broader than long in both sexes, subquadrate, overall smooth and without furrow. Brown in females, darker in males. Two pairs of eyes located dorso-laterally at the front. Small seta located on the dorsoanterior margin of each of the posterior eyes. Carapace of both sexes with 20 setae, arranged 4: 4: 4: 2: 6.</p> <p> <i>Abdomen:</i> Tergites and sternites smooth, undivided and uniseriate, brown in females and darker in males (Fig. 21A, C). In both sexes the lateral and posterior edges of tergites I–XI are distinctly lighter in colour, tergite XII uniformly brown. The tergal setae are located on the posterior edge of each tergite, within the lighter coloured band. Sternites I–II tan in females, with sternites III–XI light brown, becoming slightly darker towards the posterior edge of the abdomen. Male sternites I–II tan; III–IX light brown; X–II dark brown (Fig. 21B, D). Sternites I and II are fused and hardly distinguishable. Female operculum with nine setae, loosely grouped in the centre along the fuse line of sternites I and II. Males with 16 setae at the operculum cluster, five located along the posterior margin of sternite II at the genital opening, 11 additional setae located anteriorly next to these, loosely grouped in the centre of sternite II. Male sternite III with nine setae located on the anterior margin of the sternite, at the genital opening. Pleural membrane cream to light yellow in colour, faintly papillate.</p> <p>Tergal chaetotaxy: 6(6): 10(8): 9(8): 11(9): 12(10): 12(11): 12(11): 12(10): 11(9): 9(9): 12(11): 2(2).</p> <p>Sternal chaetotaxy: 9(16):?(?): 24(18): 18(16): 15(17): 13(15): 13(14): 14(15): 14(11): 11(9): 12(11): 2(2).</p> <p> <i>Pedipalp</i>: All segments smooth and bright orange-brown in colour in both sexes. Trochanter cone-shaped and rounded anteriorly, curved slightly posteriorly. Base narrow, widening distally. Setae present on the anterior surface. Femur very slender, 3.79–4.05 (♀) to 4.14–4.45 (♂) times longer than wide, somewhat constricted basally, widening just distal of base. Deep disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae absent from base, though distributed evenly over rest of surface. Patella constricted and slightly angled at base, widening markedly distal at around a third segment length, 2.68–2.73 (♀) to 3.00–3.26 (♂) times longer than wide. Several small lyriform fissures present on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. Two larger lyriform fissures present latero-dorsally from these, where the segment starts to widen. Deep disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae sparse at base, more numerous on wide part of patella (Fig. 23B).</p> <p> <i>Chela</i>: In both sexes smooth and uniformly bright orange-brown, fingers may be slightly darker. Female hand larger and slightly more bulbous, strongly convex on the prolateral edge, slightly less so on the retrolateral edge (Fig. 22A, B). Male hand smaller, less convex prolaterally (Fig. 22C, D). Pedicel regular in both sexes, retrolateral condyle small but distinct and rounded. Fingers narrow, longer than hand (without pedicel) and curved slightly prolaterally. Fixed and movable chelal fingers with eight and four trichobothria respectively (Fig. 23A).</p> <p>Terminal multi-toothed structure extends well beyond venom tooth of movable finger in both sexes, curving downward. Female structure slightly more curved than male (Fig. 23E). In both sexes the structure consists of a large terminal tooth preceded by a row of six smaller, highly sclerotized teeth that remain constant in size. This row is situated slightly prolaterally behind the terminal tooth. Located retrolaterally at the base of the smaller teeth is another larger tooth.A single accessory tooth may also be present in some males, located above the six smaller teeth, and just distal of the basal large tooth (Fig. 23F). Both fingers with rounded, juxtadentate teeth situated on flexible lamellae. Lamella on female fixed finger originating roughly one quarter finger length from base, on movable finger at mid finger length. Lamella on male fixed finger originating roughly one third finger length from base, on movable originating just basal of finger midpoint. Female fixed finger with 57–60 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 11– 13 proximal to lamella base, together with eight strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Male fixed finger with 56–58 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 12–14 proximal to lamella base, together with eight strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Female movable finger with 56–58 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 22–23 proximal to lamella base, 33–34 on lamella, and one small, lightly sclerotized tooth at the posterior base of the venom tooth. Male movable finger with 54–56 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 18–19 proximal to lamella base, 35–36 on lamella, and one small, lightly sclerotized tooth at the posterior base of the venom tooth. Two thickened, spine-like setae present on distal end of movable finger in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Chelicera</i>: Hand with five long and acuminate setae, <i>es</i> shorter (Fig. 23C). Female fixed finger with 12 teeth, male with 11. Female moveable finger with nine teeth, male with ten. Galea of females divided into six rami (Fig. 23D), seven in males (Fig. 23G). Female rallum with nine long, acuminate blades, subdistal blade with a small, finger-like, protuberance at terminal (Fig. 23H). Male rallum with eight long, acuminate blades (Fig. 23I). Lamina exterior absent in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Coxae and legs</i>: Pedipalpal coxae same colour, or slightly lighter than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I–IV tan. Legs I–IV light brown to tan in colour. All legs diplotarsate with subterminal tarsal setae dentate distally; claws simple; arolium shorter than claws.</p> <p> <b>Measurements (mm):</b> Body length ♀ 1.86– 2.26 ♂ 1.88–1.98; Carapace ♀ 0.66–0.68 x 0.77–0.80 (0.85–0.86) ♂ 0.59 –0.62 x 0.62–0.66 (0.94–0.95); Chelicera ♀ 0.54–0.56 x 0.26–0.28 (2.00–2.08) ♂ 0.46 –0.50 x 0.25–0.26 (1.84–1.92), movable finger length ♀ 0.33– 0.34 ♂ 0.29–0.30; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 0.89–0.91 x 0.22–0.24 (3.79– 4.05) ♂ 0.89 –0.91 x 0.20–0.22 (4.14–4.45), patella ♀ 0.71–0.75 x 0.26–0.28 (2.68–2.73) ♂ 0.75 –0.78 x 0.23–0.26 (3.00–3.26), chela ♀ 1.56–1.61 x 0.47–0.49 (3.28–3.32) ♂ 1.52 –1.56 x 0.39–0.41 (3.80–3.90), hand ♀ 0.77–0.82 x 0.47–0.49 (1.63–1.67) ♂ 0.76 –0.79 x 0.39–0.41 (1.93–1.95), movable finger length ♀ 0.74– 0.76 ♂ 0.71–0.75; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.41–0.43 x 0.11–0.12 (3.58–3.73) ♂ 0.39 –0.41 x 0.11–0.12 (3.42–3.54), patella ♀ 0.31–0.32 x 0.11 (2.82–2.91) ♂ 0.28 –0.29 x 0.11 (2.54–2.64), tibia ♀ 0.34–0.36 x 0.09–0.10 (3.60–3.78) ♂ 0.33 –0.34 x 0.07–0.08 (4.71–4.25), metatarsus ♀ 0.19–0.20 x 0.08 (2.37–2.50) ♂ 0.17 –0.18 x 0.06–0.07 (2.57–2.83), tarsus ♀ 0.22–0.23 x 0.07 (3.14–3.28) ♂ 0.21 –0.22 x 0.06 (3.50–3.67); Leg IV femoropatella ♀ 0.81–0.86 x 0.20–0.21 (4.05–4.09) ♂ 0.80 –0.83 x 0.19–0.21 (3.95–4.21), tibia ♀ 0.67–0.71 x 0.12 (5.58–5.92) ♂ 0.65 –0.67 x 0.13 (5.00–5.15), metatarsus ♀ 0.29–0.31 x 0.08 (3.62–3.87) ♂ 0.27 –0.29 x 0.08 (3.37–3.62), tarsus ♀ 0.35–0.37 x 0.08 (4.37–4.62) ♂ 0.34 –0.35 x 0.08 (4.25–4.37).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Although geographically close to both <i>Gymnobisium cuneatum</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> and <i>G. hogsbackense</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, the latter are isolated in the indigenous Afromontane forest patches of their type locality, while <i>G</i>. <i>prionotogladiatum</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> occurs over a larger geographic area in both indigenous Afromontane forest patches as well as coastal bushland. The first specimens of this species were collected in 1945, but were misidentified as <i>G. quadrispinosum</i>.</p> <p> <b>Additional material examined.</b> <b>SOUTH AFRICA</b>: <i>Eastern Cape</i>: 5 Tritonymphs, Fort Beaufort, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve, 32°41′S, 26°30′E, 1092m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 30.XI.2012 (NMBAP 00325); 3♀, 1♂, 1 Tritonymph, Same location, 32°41′S, 26°30′E, 1090m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Vegetation beating, leg. C.R. Haddad, 30.XI.2013 (NMBAP 00324); 2♀, 10♂, 49 Tritonymphs, Same location, 32°41′S, 26°30′E, 1092m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 11.X.2015 (NMBAP 00326); 7 Tritonymphs, Fort Beaufort, Katberg, 32°28′S, 26°40′E, 1244m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling & C. Neethling, 1.XII.2012 (NMBAP 00333); 1♀, Same location [32°28′S, 26°40′E], Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. N. Leleup, I.1961 (RMCA 127851, previously ZA 64); 2♀, 1 Tritonymph, Port St. Johns [31°36′S, 29°32′E], Coastal bush, leg. R.F. Lawrence, VII.1945 (NMSA 680).</p>Published as part of <i>Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6)</i> on pages 529-533, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7762456">http://zenodo.org/record/7762456</a>
Gymnobisium megalodontum Neethling & Neethling 2023, sp. nov.
No full textGymnobisium megalodontum sp. nov. Figs 14–17 Holotype: ♂, SOUTH AFRICA, Free State, Harrismith, Platberg Nature Reserve, 28°16′S, 29°11′E, 1967m a.s.l., Montane bushveld, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 14.III.2012 (NMBAP 00346). Paratypes: 2♂, Same data as holotype (NMBAP 00345). Etymology. The species name is a compound of the ancient Greek words megálo, meaning great, and dónti, meaning tooth. The name refers to the lightly sclerotized tooth at the posterior base of the venom tooth on the movable chelal finger, which is significantly enlarged in this species. Diagnosis. Moderately sized species (chela length ♀ 1.22–1.27 mm, ♂ 1.12 –1.23 mm), with chelae more bulbous in females than in males (chela ratio ♀ 2.95–2.97 versus ♂ 3.32 –3.50 times longer than broad); fixed finger multi-toothed structure with five strongly sclerotized teeth; cheliceral hand with five setae; galea with six rami; rallum with eight blades. Differs from all congeners by having a distinctly enlarged tooth just preceding the venom tooth of the movable chelal finger. Description Carapace: Somewhat broader than long in females, somewhat longer than broad in males, subquadrate, overall smooth and without furrow. Brown in colouration in both sexes. Two pairs of eyes located dorso-laterally at the front (Fig. 14A, C). Small seta located on the dorso-anterior margin of each of the posterior eyes. Female carapace with 28, male carapace with 27 setae, arranged 4: 6: 2: 4: 4: 8(7). Abdomen: Tergites and sternites smooth, undivided and uniseriate, brown in both sexes (Fig. 14A, C). In both sexes the lateral and posterior edges of tergites I–XI are distinctly lighter in colour, tergite XII uniform brown. The tergal setae are located on the posterior edge of each tergite, within the lighter coloured band. In both sexes sternites X–XI same colour as tergites; III–IX lighter brown; I & II tan (Fig. 14B, D). Sternites I and II are fused and hardly distinguishable. Female operculum with seven setae loosely grouped in the centre of the posterior margin of sternite II. Males with 20 setae at the operculum cluster on sternites II, seven situated centrally along the posterior margin of sternites II with another 13 clustered centrally just anteriorly. Male sternites III with 13 setae situated centrally along the anterior margin, at the genital opening. Pleural membrane cream to light yellow in colour, faintly papillate. Tergal chaetotaxy: 7(7): 10(10): 11(11): 12(13): 12(12): 12(12): 12(13): 11(12): 11(11): 10(9): 11(10): 2(2). Sternal chaetotaxy: 7(20):?(?): 17(18): 18(17): 14(16): 14(16): 14(16): 13(13): 12(15): 11(11): 11(10): 2(2). Pedipalp: All segments smooth and dark orange-brown in colour in both sexes. Trochanter cone-shaped and rounded anteriorly, curved slightly posteriorly. Base narrow, widening distally. Setae present on the anterior surface. Femur slender, 3.30–3.55 (♀) to 3.67–3.75 (♂) times longer than wide, somewhat constricted basally, widening just distal of base. Deep disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae absent from base, though distributed evenly over rest of surface. Patella constricted and slightly angled at base, widening markedly distal at around a third segment length, 2.32 (♀) to 2.48–2.66 (♂) times longer than wide. Several small lyriform fissures present on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. Two larger lyriform fissures present latero-dorsally from these, where the segment starts to widen. Very shallow disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae sparse at base, more numerous on wide part of patella (Fig. 16B). Chela: In both sexes smooth and uniformly dark orange-brown. Female hand larger, prolateral surface more convex, than those of males. Male hand smaller, markedly less convex prolaterally (Fig. 15B, D). Viewed retrolaterally, female chelal hand presents a somewhat rectangular shape, less pronounced in males (Fig. 15A, C). Pedicel regular in both sexes, retrolateral condyle small but distinct and rounded. Fingers thicker, shorter than hand (without pedicel) in females, same length as hand (without pedicel) in males, and curved slightly prolaterally. Fixed and movable chelal fingers with eight and four trichobothria respectively (Fig. 16A). Terminal multi-toothed structure extends slightly beyond venom tooth of movable finger in females, equidistant with venom tooth in males. In both sexes this structure is small, containing five strongly sclerotized teeth; front tooth significantly larger than the four teeth behind it (Fig. 16C). Both fingers with rounded, juxtadentate teeth situated on flexible lamellae. Lamellae originating roughly one third finger length from base on both female fingers. Lamella on male fixed finger originating just over one third finger length from base, on movable finger just distal of finger midpoint. Female fixed finger with 36–38 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, eight to nine proximal to lamella base, together with five strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Male fixed finger with 41–43 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 13–14 proximal to lamella base, together with five strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Female movable finger with 35–36 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, eight to nine proximal to lamella base. Male movable finger with 43–45 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 17–19 proximal to lamella base. Both sexes possess a distinctly enlarged, lightly sclerotized, tooth situated between the terminal lamellae teeth and the venom tooth (Fig. 16C). Two thickened, spine-like setae present on distal end of movable finger in both sexes. Chelicera: Hand with five long and acuminate setae, es shorter (Fig. 16D). Female fixed finger with 12 teeth, male with 11. Female moveable finger with eight teeth, male with six. Galea of both sexes divided into six rami (Fig. 16E). Rallum of both sexes with eight long, acuminate blades (Fig. 16F). Lamina exterior absent in both sexes. Coxae and legs: Pedipalpal coxae same colour, or slightly lighter, than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I–IV cream to tan. Legs I–IV light brown to tan in colour. All legs diplotarsate with subterminal tarsal setae dentate distally; claws simple; arolium shorter than claws. Measurements (mm): Body length ♀ 1.86– 2.10 ♂ 1.75–1.80; Carapace ♀ 0.58–0.59 x 0.60–0.62 (0.95–0.97) ♂ 0.53 –0.58 x 0.52–0.56 (1.02–1.03); Chelicera ♀ 0.43–0.45 x 0.22–0.23 (1.95–1.96) ♂ 0.35 –0.38 x 0.19–0.20 (1.84–1.90), movable finger length ♀ 0.26– 0.28 ♂ 0.20–0.22; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 0.64–0.66 x 0.18–0.20 (3.30– 3.55) ♂ 0.60 –0.66 x 0.16–0.18 (3.67–3.75), patella ♀ 0.58 x 0.25 (2.32) ♂ 0.56 –0.57 x 0.21–0.23 (2.48–2.66), chela ♀ 1.22–1.27 x 0.41–0.43 (2.95–2.97) ♂ 1.12 –1.23 x 0.32–0.37 (3.32–3.50), hand ♀ 0.67–0.69 x 0.41–0.43 (1.60–1.63) ♂ 0.60 –0.67 x 0.32–0.37 (1.81–1.87), movable finger length ♀ 0.49– 0.51 ♂ 0.52–0.56; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.31–0.32 x 0.08–0.09 (3.55–3.87) ♂ 0.27 –0.30 x 0.08 (3.37–3.75), patella ♀ 0.22–0.24 x 0.08–0.09 (2.67– 2.75) ♂ 0.19 –0.22 x 0.08 (2.37–2.75), tibia ♀ 0.26–0.28 x 0.08 (3.25–3.50) ♂ 0.22 –0.26 x 0.06–0.07 (3.14–3.71), metatarsus ♀ 0.15–0.16 x 0.06 (2.50–2.67) ♂ 0.13 –0.15 x 0.06 (2.17–2.50), tarsus ♀ 0.17–0.19 x 0.05 (3.40–3.80) ♂ 0.18 –0.20 x 0.06 (3.00–3.33); Leg IV femoropatella ♀ 0.56–0.58 x 0.12–0.14 (4.14–4.67) ♂ 0.52 –0.57 x 0.12– 0.14 (4.07–4.33), tibia ♀ 0.47–0.49 x 0.08–0.09 (5.44–5.87) ♂ 0.45 –0.50 x 0.07–0.08 (6.25–6.42), metatarsus ♀ 0.18–0.19 x 0.07 (2.57–2.71) ♂ 0.15 –0.20 x 0.07 (2.14–2.86), tarsus ♀ 0.26–0.28 x 0.06 (4.33–4.67) ♂ 0.22 –0.26 x 0.06 (3.67–4.33). Remarks. Although Gymnobisium megalodontum sp. nov., G. inukshuk, G. octoflagellatum and G. prionotogladiatum sp. nov. all have an isolated, lightly sclerotized tooth at the posterior base of the venom tooth, those found in G. megalodontum sp. nov. are significantly larger (Fig. 17A, B). Additional material examined. SOUTH AFRICA: Free State: 1♂, Fouriesburg, Meiringskloof, 28°36′S, 28°13′E, 1799m a.s.l., Montane bush, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 20.III.2017 (NMBAP 00334); 1♀, 6♂, 3 Tritonymphs, Harrismith, Platberg Nature Reserve, 28°16′S, 29°11′E, 1967m a.s.l., Montane bushveld, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 14.III.2012 (NMBAP 00335).Published as part of Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6) on pages 520-524, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, http://zenodo.org/record/776245
Gymnobisium cuneatum Neethling & Neethling 2023, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Gymnobisium cuneatum</i> sp. nov. <p>Figs 8–10</p> <p> <b>Holotype:</b> ♀, SOUTH AFRICA, Eastern Cape, Hogsback, Hogsback State Forest, 32°36′S, 26°56′E, 1080m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 20.III.2013 (NMBAP 00339).</p> <p> <b>Paratype:</b> ♂, Same data as holotype (NMBAP 00342).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> The Latin adjective <i>cuneatum</i> means wedge-shaped. The name refers to the shape of the chela that is characteristic for this species.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> Moderately sized species (chela length ♀ 1.28–1.30 mm, ♂ 1.20 –1.23 mm) with short, robust chelal fingers giving the chelae a wedge shape; female chelae not significantly more bulbous than male’s (chela ratio ♀ 3.12–3.17 versus ♂ 3.24 –3.32 times longer than broad); fixed finger multi-toothed structure with five strongly sclerotized teeth; cheliceral hand with five setae; galea with six rami; rallum with eight blades. Differs from all congeners by the wedge-shaped appearance of their chelae.</p> <p> <b>Description</b></p> <p> <i>Carapace:</i> Somewhat longer than broad, subquadrate, overall smooth and without furrow. Brown in females, dark brown in males. Two pairs of eyes located dorso-laterally at the front (Fig. 8A, C). Small seta located on the dorso-anterior margin of each of the posterior eyes. Carapace with 22 setae in both sexes, arranged 4: 6: 4: 2: 6.</p> <p> <i>Abdomen:</i> Tergites and sternites smooth, undivided and uniseriate. Female abdominal tergites uniformly brown, slightly lighter than carapace. Male tergites same colour as carapace and uniform (Fig. 8A, C). In both sexes the lateral and posterior edges of tergites I–XI are slightly lighter in colour, tergite XII uniformly lighter in colour. The tergal setae are located on the posterior edge of each tergite. Sternal colouration differs between male and female (Fig. 8B, D). In females the sternites darken from tan near the coxae to light brown at the posterior of the abdomen. Male sternites stay tan with marginally darker lateral edges from sternites I–VIII, then dark brown for sternites IX–XI. Tergite and sternites XII light brown in colour in both sexes. Sternites I and II are fused and hardly distinguishable. Female operculum with eight setae clustered in two groups along the posterior border of sternite II, one group at each side of the genital opening. Males with 16 setae at the operculum cluster on the posterior edge of sternites II, 13 setae on the anterior edge of sternite III at the genital opening. Pleural membrane cream to light yellow in colour, faintly papillate.</p> <p>Tergal chaetotaxy: 6(6): 7(7): 10(9): 12(10): 12(12): 12(12): 11(12): 11(11): 10(8): 8(8): 9(11): 2(2).</p> <p>Sternal chaetotaxy: 8(16):?(?): 23(19): 18(19): 14(17): 16(15): 14(15): 14(15): 15(14): 12(13): 9(11): 2(2).</p> <p> <i>Pedipalp</i>: All segments smooth and brown in colour in both sexes. Trochanter cone-shaped and rounded anteriorly, curved slightly posteriorly. Base narrow, widening distally. Setae present on the anterior surface. Femur slender, 3.50–3.70 (♀) to 3.55–3.72 (♂) times longer than wide, somewhat constricted basally, widening just distal of base. Shallow disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae absent from base, though distributed evenly over rest of surface. Patella constricted and slightly angled at base, widening markedly distal at just under a third segment length, 2.37–2.48 (♀) to 2.46–2.54 (♂) times longer than wide. Several small lyriform fissures present on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. Two larger lyriform fissures present latero-dorsally from these, where the segment starts to widen. Shallow disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae sparse at base, more numerous on wide part of patella (Fig. 10B).</p> <p> <i>Chela</i>: In both sexes smooth and uniformly brown, fingers may be slightly darker. Both male and female chela similarly wedge-shaped, convex on the prolateral edge, less so on the retrolateral edge. Male hand smaller. Pedicel regular in both sexes, retrolateral condyle very small and rounded. Fingers thick, much shorter than hand (without pedicel) and curved slightly prolaterally (Fig. 9A–D). Fixed and movable chelal fingers with eight and four trichobothria respectively (Fig. 10A).</p> <p>Terminal multi-toothed structure of fixed finger small and extends beyond venom tooth of movable finger in both sexes. In both sexes (Fig. 10D), consists of a large terminal tooth preceded by four smaller, heavily sclerotized, teeth that do not extend lower than the terminal tooth. Both fingers with rounded, juxtadentate teeth situated on flexible lamellae. Lamella on fixed finger originating roughly one third finger length from base, on movable approximately in the middle. Female fixed finger with 38–39 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 11 proximal to lamella base, together with five strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Male fixed finger with 39–40 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 10–11 proximal to lamella base, together with five strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Female movable finger with 33–34 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 12–13 proximal to lamella base. Male movable finger with 32–35 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 12–14 proximal to lamella base. Two thickened, spine-like setae present on distal end of movable finger in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Chelicera</i>: Hand with five long and acuminate setae, <i>es</i> shorter (Fig. 10C). Both male and female fixed finger with 13 teeth, moveable finger of both with eight teeth. Galea of both sexes divided into two major rami, each terminating in three smaller rami (Fig. 10E). Male and female rallum with eight (Fig. 10F) long, acuminate blades. Lamina exterior absent in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Coxae and legs</i>: Pedipalpal coxae same colour, or slightly lighter than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I–IV tan. Legs I–IV light brown to tan in colour. All legs diplotarsate with subterminal tarsal setae dentate distally; claws simple; arolium shorter than claws.</p> <p> <b>Measurements (mm):</b> Body length ♀ 2.12– 2.30 ♂ 1.79–1.89; Carapace ♀ 0.56–0.59 x 0.63–0.68 (0.87–0.89) ♂ 0.55 –0.58 x 0.58–0.60 (0.95–0.97); Chelicera ♀ 0.48–0.49 x 0.25–0.26 (1.88–1.92) ♂ 0.44 –0.45 x 0.23–0.24 (1.87–1.91), movable finger length ♀ 0.28– 0.29 ♂ 0.26; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 0.74–0.77 x 0.20–0.22 (3.50–3.70) ♂ 0.67 –0.71 x 0.18–0.20 (3.55–3.72), patella ♀ 0.64–0.67 x 0.27 (2.37–2.48) ♂ 0.61 –0.64 x 0.24–0.26 (2.46–2.54), chela ♀ 1.28–1.30 x 0.41 (3.12–3.17) ♂ 1.20 –1.23 x 0.37 (3.24–3.32), hand ♀ 0.70–0.73 x 0.41 (1.71–1.78) ♂ 0.65 –0.68 x 0.37 (1.76–1.84), movable finger length ♀ 0.50– 0.52 ♂ 0.47–0.49; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.34–0.38 x 0.10 (3.40–3.80) ♂ 0.35 x 0.08–0.09 (3.89–4.37), patella ♀ 0.22–0.25 x 0.10 (2.20–2.50) ♂ 0.23 –0.25 x 0.09 (2.55–2.78), tibia ♀ 0.31 x 0.09 (3.44) ♂ 0.27 –0.29 x 0.09 (3.00–3.22), metatarsus ♀ 0.14–0.15 x 0.07 (2.00–2.14) ♂ 0.14 –0.15 x 0.07 (2.00–2.14), tarsus ♀ 0.22–0.23 x 0.06 (3.67–3.83) ♂ 0.20 –0.22 x 0.06 (3.33–3.67); Leg IV femoropatella ♀ 0.69–0.76 x 0.18–0.19 (3.83–4.00) ♂ 0.73 x 0.22 (3.32), tibia ♀ 0.58–0.60 x 0.12 (4.83–5.00) ♂ 0.51 –0.57 x 0.12 (4.25–4.75), metatarsus ♀ 0.24 x 0.08–0.09 (2.67–3.00) ♂ 0.24 x 0.08 (3.00), tarsus ♀ 0.30–0.32 x 0.08 (3.75–4.00) ♂ 0.29 –0.30 x 0.08 (3.62–3.75).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> The species is known only from its type locality.</p> <p> <b>Additional material examined.</b> <b>SOUTH AFRICA</b>: <i>Eastern Cape</i>: 2♀, 4♂, Hogsback, Hogsback State Forest, 32°36′S, 26°56′E, 1080m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 20.III.2013 (NMBAP 00328).</p>Published as part of <i>Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6)</i> on pages 512-516, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7762456">http://zenodo.org/record/7762456</a>
Gymnobisium hogsbackense Neethling & Neethling 2023, sp. nov.
No full text<i>Gymnobisium hogsbackense</i> sp. nov. <p>Figs 11–13</p> <p> <b>Holotype:</b> ♀, SOUTH AFRICA, Eastern Cape, Hogsback, Hogsback State Forest, 32°36′S, 26°55′E, 1174m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 20.III.2013 (NMBAP 00341).</p> <p> <b>Paratype:</b> ♂, Same data as holotype (NMBAP 00340).</p> <p> <b>Etymology.</b> <i>Hogsbackense</i> refers to the type locality of this species, Hogsback, and is in honour of the indigenous Afromontane forest in the area that has high levels of biodiversity.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis.</b> Moderately sized species (chela length ♀ 1.46–1.49 mm, ♂ 1.38 –1.41 mm), with chelae distinctly and significantly more bulbous in females than in males (chela ratio ♀ 2.98–3.04 versus ♂ 3.71 –3.94 times longer than broad); fixed finger multi-toothed structure with seven strongly sclerotized teeth; cheliceral hand with five setae; galea with six rami; rallum with eight blades. Differs from all congeners, except <i>Gymnobisium capense</i> <b>sp. nov.</b>, by having seven teeth on the fixed finger multi-toothed structure; differs from <i>G. capense</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> by lacking an extra basal seta on the cheliceral hand.</p> <p> <b>Description</b></p> <p> <i>Carapace:</i> Somewhat longer than broad, subquadrate, overall smooth and without furrow. Light or pale brown in both sexes, slightly darker in males. Two pairs of eyes located dorso-laterally at the front. Small seta located on the dorso-anterior margin of each of the posterior eyes. The carapace of both sexes with 20 setae, arranged 4: 4: 4: 2: 6.</p> <p> <i>Abdomen:</i> Elongate and mostly of uniform width. Tergites and sternites smooth, undivided and uniseriate. Abdominal tergites uniformly light brown in both sexes, slightly darker in males (Fig. 11A, C). In both sexes the posterior margin of tergite I–XI presents a thin, slightly darker band. Tergal setae located on the posterior edge of each tergite within the darkened band. In both sternites remain mostly uniform in colour across the abdomen (Fig. 11B, D). In females the sternites are light brown and in some specimens almost translucent. Male sternites also light brown in colour, lighter than male tergites and somewhat darker than the female sternites, and remain uniformly coloured across the abdomen. Some male specimens present slightly darker posterior sternites. Sternites I and II are fused and hardly distinguishable. Female operculum with 15 setae, six along the posterior margin of sternites II, and seven additional setae clustered loosely alongside, near the centre. Males with 21 setae at the operculum cluster, nine centrally along the poster margin of sternites II, 12 clustered centrally alongside. Male sternites III with 19 small setae situated, in two loose rows, centrally along the anterior margin at the genital opening. Pleural membrane of both sexes cream in colour, faintly papillate.</p> <p>Tergal chaetotaxy: 6(8): 9(12): 10(12): 12(12): 12(11): 12(12): 12(12): 12(11): 11(12): 8(9): 10(10): 2(2). Sternal chaetotaxy: 15(21):?(?): 20(20): 20(17): 18(16): 15(15): 15(14): 13(14): 13(13): 12(13): 10(10): 2(2).</p> <p> <i>Pedipalp</i>: All segments smooth and coloured orange-brown in both sexes. Trochanter cone-shaped and rounded anteriorly, curved slightly posteriorly. Base narrow, widening distally. Setae present on the anterior surface. Femur slender, 3.11–3.25 (♀) to 3.36–3.54 (♂) times longer than wide, somewhat constricted basally, widening just distal of base. Deep disto-prolateral excavation present. Setae absent from base, though distributed evenly over rest of surface. Patella constricted and slightly angled at base, widening markedly in females, less in males, at around quarter segment length from base, 2.44–2.61 (♀) to 3.08–3.17 (♂) times longer than wide. This gives female patellae a much thicker appearance, while male patellae appear more as elongate tapered cones. Several small lyriform fissures present on the dorsal surface, just distal of base. One to two larger lyriform fissures present latero-dorsally from these, where the segment starts to widen. Disto-prolateral excavation present and deeper on female patellae. Setae sparse at base, more numerous on wide part of patella.</p> <p> <i>Chela</i>: In both sexes smooth and uniformly orange-brown, fingers may be slightly darker. Female hand significantly more bulbous, strongly convex on the prolateral edge, slightly less so on the retrolateral edge (Fig. 13D). Male hand much thinner, markedly less convex prolaterally (Fig. 13E). Pedicel taller than wide and short in females (Fig. 12A, B), markedly longer and more rounded in males (Fig. 12C, D), retrolateral condyle small but distinct and rounded. Female chelal fingers thicker, shorter than hand (without pedicel), while male fingers are narrow and longer than hand (without pedicel). Fingers curved slightly prolaterally in both sexes. Fixed and movable chelal fingers with eight and four trichobothria respectively (Fig. 13A).</p> <p>Terminal multi-toothed structure of fixed finger extends beyond venom tooth of movable finger in both sexes, bent slightly downward, thicker in females, more slender in males. In both sexes, this structure contains seven strongly sclerotized teeth; front tooth with a minute protuberance on the retrolateral surface (Fig. 13C). Proximal and just prolateral of the larger front tooth, five smaller, raised teeth located in a straight line, followed by a larger tooth situated retrolaterally on the structures surface. Both fingers with rounded, juxtadentate teeth situated on flexible lamellae. Lamella on fixed finger of female chela originating roughly one fifth finger length from base, originating roughly midway on movable finger. On male chela, lamellae originate midway on both fingers. Female fixed finger with 49–50 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, eight to nine proximal to lamella base, together with seven strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Male fixed finger with 50–51 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 20–22 proximal to lamella base, together with seven strongly sclerotized teeth on distal structure. Female movable finger with 44–46 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 16–17 proximal to lamella base. Male movable finger with 44–46 lightly sclerotized, juxtadentate teeth, 20–22 proximal to lamella base. Two thickened, spine-like setae present on distal end of movable finger in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Chelicera</i>: Hand with five long and acuminate setae, <i>es</i> shorter (Fig. 13F). Female fixed finger with 13 teeth, male with 11. Female moveable finger with ten teeth, male with eight. Galea of both sexes divided into two major rami, each terminating in three smaller rami (Fig. 13B). Rallum of both sexes with eight long, acuminate blades (Fig. 13G). Lamina exterior absent in both sexes.</p> <p> <i>Coxae and legs</i>: Pedipalpal coxae same colour, or slightly lighter than rest of pedipalps. Coxae I–IV tan. Legs I–IV light brown to tan in colour. All legs diplotarsate with subterminal tarsal setae dentate distally; claws simple; arolium shorter than claws.</p> <p> <b>Measurements (mm):</b> Body length ♀ 2.19– 2.29 ♂ 2.16–2.31; Carapace ♀ 0.74–0.79 x 0.67–0.71 (1.10–1.11) ♂ 0.64 –0.67 x 0.57–0.61 (1.10–1.12); Chelicera ♀ 0.50–0.52 x 0.24–0.26 (2.00–2.08) ♂ 0.40 –0.43 x 0.22 (1.82– 1.95), movable finger length ♀ 0.30– 0.31 ♂ 0.25–0.26; Pedipalps: femur ♀ 0.78–0.81 x 0.24–0.26 (3.11–3.25) ♂ 0.74 –0.78 x 0.22 (3.36–3.54), patella ♀ 0.73–0.78 x 0.28–0.32 (2.44–2.61) ♂ 0.76 –0.80 x 0.24–0.26 (3.08–3.17), chela ♀ 1.46–1.49 x 0.49 (2.98–3.04) ♂ 1.38 –1.41 x 0.35–0.38 (3.71–3.94), hand ♀ 0.87 x 0.49 (1.77) ♂ 0.74 –0.77 x 0.35–0.38 (2.03–2.11), movable finger length ♀ 0.65– 0.66 ♂ 0.61–0.62; Leg I: femur ♀ 0.38–0.40 x 0.09–0.10 (4.00–4.22) ♂ 0.36 –0.37 x 0.09–0.10 (3.70–4.00), patella ♀ 0.27–0.30 x 0.09–0.10 (2.70–3.00) ♂ 0.26 –0.29 x 0.09 (2.89–3.22), tibia ♀ 0.35–0.37 x 0.08–0.09 (4.11–4.37) ♂ 0.34 –0.36 x 0.08 (4.25–4.50), metatarsus ♀ 0.19–0.20 x 0.06 (3.17–3.33) ♂ 0.18 –0.20 x 0.06 (3.00–3.33), tarsus ♀ 0.25–0.26 x 0.05 (5.00–5.20) ♂ 0.21 –0.24 x 0.05 (4.20–4.80); Leg IV femoropatella ♀ 0.67–0.73 x 0.16–0.17 (4.19–4.29) ♂ 0.67 –0.70 x 0.15–0.17 (4.12–4.47), tibia ♀ 0.55–0.64 x 0.10–0.12 (5.33–5.50) ♂ 0.59 –0.63 x 0.10–0.11 (5.73–5.90), metatarsus ♀ 0.21–0.25 x 0.08 (2.62–3.12) ♂ 0.24 x 0.07 (3.43), tarsus ♀ 0.32–0.35 x 0.06 (5.33–5.83) ♂ 0.31 –0.33 x 0.06 (5.17–5.50).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> Both <i>Gymnobisium cuneatum</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> and <i>G</i>. <i>hogsbackense</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> have, so far, only been collected at the type locality, lending further support to the indigenous Afromontane forests of Hogsback being an endemism hotspot. Harvey <i>et al.</i> (2016) provided sequence data for specimens from Hogsback that can likely be referred to this species. The reason is that <i>G. cuneatum</i> <b>sp. nov.</b> was sampled only from the indigenous state forest, located along the mountain side, while <i>G. hogsbackense</i> specimens were also sampled in the pine plantation, located close to the sampling site of the specimens referred to in Harvey <i>et al.</i> (2016).</p> <p> <b>Additional material examined.</b> <b>SOUTH AFRICA</b>: <i>Eastern Cape</i>: 2♀, 1♂, 1 Tritonymph, Hogsback, Hogsback State Forest, 32°36′S, 26°56′E, 1080m a.s.l., Afromontane forest, Leaf litter sifting, leg. J.A. Neethling, 20.III.2013 (NMBAP 00327); 1♀, 4♂, Same location, Pine Plantation, 32°35′S, 26°56′E, 1201m a.s.l., Pine plantation, Leaf litter sifting, leg. U.F.S. Entomology Students, 21.III.2013 (NMBAP 00232).</p>Published as part of <i>Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6)</i> on pages 516-520, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7762456">http://zenodo.org/record/7762456</a>
V. RAS, S. NEETHLING, A. ENGELBRECHT, A.C. MORANDINI, K.M. BAYHA, H. SKRYPZECK & M.J. GIBBONS (2020) There are three species of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa: Discomedusae) in the Benguela upwelling ecosystem, not two Zootaxa, 4778: 401-438.
No full textRas, V., Neethling, S., Engelbrecht, A., Morandini, A.C., Bayha, K.M., Skrypzeck, H., Gibbons, M.J. (2020): V. RAS, S. NEETHLING, A. ENGELBRECHT, A.C. MORANDINI, K.M. BAYHA, H. SKRYPZECK & M.J. GIBBONS (2020) There are three species of Chrysaora (Scyphozoa: Discomedusae) in the Benguela upwelling ecosystem, not two Zootaxa, 4778: 401-438. Zootaxa 4852 (5): 600-600, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4852.5.1
Gymnobisium inukshuk Harvey & Giribet 2016
No full text<i>Gymnobisium inukshuk</i> Harvey & Giribet, 2016 <p> <i>Gymnobisium inukshuk</i> Harvey & Giribet, 2016: 79–84, figs 5–11; Ferreira <i>et al.</i> 2020: 75–76, fig. 1I.</p> <p> <b>Holotype:</b> ♀, SOUTH AFRICA, Western Cape, Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, Inukshuk Cave, 33°59′S, 18°24′E, 708m a.s.l., leg. D. de Bivort, A. Hitchcock, P. Swart, G. Giribet, 5.XI.2011 (SAM ENW-C007258, previously MCZ IZ-21577), not examined.</p> <p> <b>Paratypes:</b> 2♀, Same data as holotype (MCZ IZ-21577), not examined.</p> <p> <b>Diagnosis and description.</b> For a diagnosis and detailed description of the species, see Harvey <i>et al.</i> (2016).</p> <p> <b>Remarks.</b> The species was described from three female specimens that were found under rocky debris in the dark zone of Inukshuk cave in 2011. As yet, no male specimens have been collected. These are true troglobitic pseudoscorpions, completely lacking eyes and possessing elongated pedipalps and legs. They were the first new South African gymnobisiid species to be described since <i>Gymnobisium octoflagellatum</i> in 1947. Due to its recent and highly detailed description, a redescription of the species is unnecessary.</p>Published as part of <i>Neethling, J. A. & Neethling, C., 2023, A systematic revision of the South African Gymnobisiidae (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisioidea), pp. 501-543 in Zootaxa 5256 (6)</i> on page 520, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5256.6.1, <a href="http://zenodo.org/record/7762456">http://zenodo.org/record/7762456</a>
Diffusive author(s), cohesive author: Analysis of S/N (1994)
No full textThis study indicates the ways in which various aspects of the author(s) are brought forth in Dumb type’s performance art, the S/N production. Previous research has suggested a non-hierarchical organization of Dumb type and the absence of a “privileged author” in Dumb type’s collaborative work, S/N. However, the results that I have investigated from member’s interviews on the creative process of S/N along with my analysis of the recorded images of S/N, indicate a different aspect of the author(s). First, S/N was created through, so to speak, the collective ideas of the members of Dumb type. Further, S/N has at least nine quotations from previous performances, installations, and printed writings, besides the work-in-progress technique. Explicating one of the “author functions” as given by Michel Foucault, each text has plural subjects of the author. However, it has been revealed from members’ interviews that Teiji Furuhashi had a decision-making role in selecting the members’ ideas within the performance. Since then, S/N has had plural subjects of creation; however, Furuhashi is one of the subjects of creation along with the “privileged author.” S/N has plural authors (diffusive authors) yet at the same time, it has a “privileged author,” Teiji Furuhashi (cohesive author)
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