Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi
Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi is a species of pseudoscorpion in the Pseudotyrannochthoniidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1971 by arachnologists Danilo Harms and Mark Harvey. The specific epithet eberhardi honours Stefan Eberhard, who collected the holotype, for contributions to Australian karst research.[1][2]
| Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Pseudoscorpiones |
| Family: | Pseudotyrannochthoniidae |
| Genus: | Pseudotyrannochthonius |
| Species: | P. eberhardi |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi | |
Description
The body length of the female holotype is 3.58 mm. The colour of the cephalothorax, pedipalps and legs is orange-brown, the chelicerae darker, and the soft body parts pale yellow. Eyes are totally absent.[1]
Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in north-eastern New South Wales. The type locality is the deep zone of Rolys Cave (SC-9), in the Stockyard Creek karst, in The Castles Nature Reserve, about 60 km north-west of Kempsey.[1][2]
Behaviour
The pseudoscorpions are cave-dwelling, terrestrial predators.[2]
References
- Harms, D; Harvey, MS (2013). "Review of the cave-dwelling species of Pseudotyrannochthonius from mainland Australia, with description of two troglobitic species". Australian Journal of Entomology. 52: 129–143 [132].
- "Species Pseudotyrannochthonius eberhardi Harms & Harvey, 2013". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2022-05-10. Retrieved 2023-10-08.