Redescription of Epiperipatus edwardsii, and descriptions of five new species of Epiperipatus from Brazil (Onychophora: Peripatidae)

Epiperipatus edwardsii (Blanchard, 1847) is redescribed based on fresh material collected near the type locality. Additionally, five new species of velvet worms of the genus Epiperipatus Clark, 1913 from Brazil are described: Epiperipatus hyperbolicus sp. nov., Epiperipatus lucerna sp. nov., Epiperipatus titanicus sp. nov. (Holotypes deposited in MNRJ: Murici, Alagoas State), Epiperipatus beckeri sp. nov. (Holotype female deposited in MNRJ: Camacan, Bahia State) and Epiperipatus marajoara sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in MZUSP: Breves, Marajó island, Pará State). The peculiar shape of the primary papillae (artichoke-like) of E. titanicus sp. nov. and E. beckerisp. nov. is documented for the first time. Epiperipatus titanicus sp. nov. has the largest number of pairs of oncopods (38 for males and 39 for females) among the Brazilian Onychophora. We also provide an identification key for Brazilian species of Epiperipatus.

Redescription of Epiperipatus edwardsii, and descriptions of five new species of Epiperipatus from Brazil (Onychophora: Peripatidae)

Epiperipatus edwardsii (Blanchard, 1847) is redescribed based on fresh material collected near the type locality. Additionally, five new species of velvet worms of the genus Epiperipatus Clark, 1913 from Brazil are described: Epiperipatus hyperbolicus sp. nov., Epiperipatus lucerna sp. nov., Epiperipatus titanicus sp. nov. (Holotypes deposited in MNRJ: Murici, Alagoas State), Epiperipatus beckeri sp. nov. (Holotype female deposited in MNRJ: Camacan, Bahia State) and Epiperipatus marajoara sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in MZUSP: Breves, Marajó island, Pará State). The peculiar shape of the primary papillae (artichoke-like) of E. titanicus sp. nov. and E. beckerisp. nov. is documented for the first time. Epiperipatus titanicus sp. nov. has the largest number of pairs of oncopods (38 for males and 39 for females) among the Brazilian Onychophora. We also provide an identification key for Brazilian species of Epiperipatus.(AU)

Two new cave-dwelling genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions from Brazil (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)

Two new genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions are described based on material from Brazilian iron ore and canga caves in the Carajás region, Pará, Brazil. Naderiore gen. nov. with a single species N. carajas sp. nov. and also monotypic Cangazomus gen. nov. (type species C. xikrin sp. nov.). The relationships of the two new genera with previously described genera are discussed. Naderiore most closely resembles Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008 and Calima Moreno-González & Villarreal, 2012, and can be distinguished from them by Dm3 modified as macrosetae in the male flagellum. Cangazomus most closely resembles Naderiore , Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, and Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008. It differs from all of them by the presence of two pairs of ramified spermathecal lobes, each composed of a differentiated stalk and distoterminal ramified bulbs, chitinized arch without anterior branch and notched lateral tip, pedipalps unarmed and not sexually dimorphic, and the male flagellar setae Dm3 as a microsetae.

Two new cave-dwelling genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions from Brazil (Arachnida: Schizomida: Hubbardiidae)

Two new genera of short-tailed whip-scorpions are described based on material from Brazilian iron ore and canga caves in the Carajás region, Pará, Brazil. Naderiore gen. nov. with a single species N. carajas sp. nov. and also monotypic Cangazomus gen. nov. (type species C. xikrin sp. nov.). The relationships of the two new genera with previously described genera are discussed. Naderiore most closely resembles Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008 and Calima Moreno-González & Villarreal, 2012, and can be distinguished from them by Dm3 modified as macrosetae in the male flagellum. Cangazomus most closely resembles Naderiore , Adisomus Cokendolpher & Reddell, 2000, and Piaroa Villarreal, Tourinho & Giupponi, 2008. It differs from all of them by the presence of two pairs of ramified spermathecal lobes, each composed of a differentiated stalk and distoterminal ramified bulbs, chitinized arch without anterior branch and notched lateral tip, pedipalps unarmed and not sexually dimorphic, and the male flagellar setae Dm3 as a microsetae.(AU)

Four new species of Cosmetus from Panama, with comments on the systematics of the genus (Opiliones: Cosmetidae)

Four new sympatric species of Cosmetus Perty, 1833 are described from "Reserva Natural Privada Burbayar, Provinciar Panamá, Panamá" (male holotypes deposited in MIUP). Cosmetus balboa sp. nov. can be distinguished by the combinations of following features: smooth ocularium, larger distal tubercle on pedipalpal femur, coxa I with large ventral tubercle directed upwards, coxa IV with one large dorsoproximal tubercle, two geminate (from base) dorsoapical tubercles with blunt apex. Cosmetus burbayar sp. nov., can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the irregular and discontinuous shape of its yellow spot, extending from lateral anterior to posterior margins and invading prosoma, areas I-III and free tergites. Cosmetus pollera sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeners by two small yellow and two large pairs of spots on prosoma and two other spots on posterior margin of dorsal scutum. Cosmetus tamboritos sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combinations of characters: having two retrolateral apical tubercles on bulla, one being double size of other; coxa IV lacks patches of a cluster of four tubercles on dorsolateral proximal region and two pointed tubercles fused at their apices; and femur IV with bifid retrolateral apical tubercle. The penis of Cosmetus arietinus (Mello-Leitão, 1940) and C. variolosus Mello-Leitão, 1942 are described for the first time. A table with the main diagnostic features of Cosmetus species is given. We suggest that the spine of area III, sexually dimorphic chelicerae and posterior legs, and pigmentation of dorsal scutum are good diagnosti c features at species level.

Four new species of Cosmetus from Panama, with comments on the systematics of the genus (Opiliones: Cosmetidae)

Four new sympatric species of Cosmetus Perty, 1833 are described from "Reserva Natural Privada Burbayar, Provinciar Panamá, Panamá" (male holotypes deposited in MIUP). Cosmetus balboa sp. nov. can be distinguished by the combinations of following features: smooth ocularium, larger distal tubercle on pedipalpal femur, coxa I with large ventral tubercle directed upwards, coxa IV with one large dorsoproximal tubercle, two geminate (from base) dorsoapical tubercles with blunt apex. Cosmetus burbayar sp. nov., can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the irregular and discontinuous shape of its yellow spot, extending from lateral anterior to posterior margins and invading prosoma, areas I-III and free tergites. Cosmetus pollera sp. nov. can be distinguished from congeners by two small yellow and two large pairs of spots on prosoma and two other spots on posterior margin of dorsal scutum. Cosmetus tamboritos sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genus by the following combinations of characters: having two retrolateral apical tubercles on bulla, one being double size of other; coxa IV lacks patches of a cluster of four tubercles on dorsolateral proximal region and two pointed tubercles fused at their apices; and femur IV with bifid retrolateral apical tubercle. The penis of Cosmetus arietinus (Mello-Leitão, 1940) and C. variolosus Mello-Leitão, 1942 are described for the first time. A table with the main diagnostic features of Cosmetus species is given. We suggest that the spine of area III, sexually dimorphic chelicerae and posterior legs, and pigmentation of dorsal scutum are good diagnosti c features at species level.(AU)

Taxonomic review of the Neotropical genus Neopachylus (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) / Revisão taxonômica do gênero Neotropical Neopachylus (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae)

A taxonomic review of the genus Neopachylus Roewer, 1913 together with keys to the species for both males and females are presented. Gephyropachylus marginatus Mello-Leitão, 1931 is considered a junior subjective synonym of Neopachylus serrinha Soares & Soares, 1947, and Huralvius incertus Mello-Leitão, 1935 is considered a synonym of Neopachylus nebulosus (Mello-Leitão, 1936). This genus is restricted to southern Brazil, occurring in states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul(AU)

Uma revisão taxonômica de Neopachylus Roewer 1913, juntamente com chaves para determinação de espécies com base em machos e fêmeas, são apresentadas. Duas espécies, ambas descritas por fêmeas, foram sinonimizadas: Gephyropachylus marginatus Mello-Leitão, 1931, considerado como sinônimo-júnior de Neopachylus serrinha Soares & Soares, 1947; e Huralvius incertus Mello-Leitão, 1935, considerado como sinônimo-júnior de Neopachylus nebulosus (Mello-Leitão, 1936). O gênero está restrito ao sul do Brasil (Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul)(AU)

Taxonomic review of the Neotropical genus Neopachylus (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae) / Revisão taxonômica do gênero Neotropical Neopachylus (Arachnida, Opiliones, Gonyleptidae)

A taxonomic review of the genus Neopachylus Roewer, 1913 together with keys to the species for both males and females are presented. Gephyropachylus marginatus Mello-Leitão, 1931 is considered a junior subjective synonym of Neopachylus serrinha Soares & Soares, 1947, and Huralvius incertus Mello-Leitão, 1935 is considered a synonym of Neopachylus nebulosus (Mello-Leitão, 1936). This genus is restricted to southern Brazil, occurring in states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul

Uma revisão taxonômica de Neopachylus Roewer 1913, juntamente com chaves para determinação de espécies com base em machos e fêmeas, são apresentadas. Duas espécies, ambas descritas por fêmeas, foram sinonimizadas: Gephyropachylus marginatus Mello-Leitão, 1931, considerado como sinônimo-júnior de Neopachylus serrinha Soares & Soares, 1947; e Huralvius incertus Mello-Leitão, 1935, considerado como sinônimo-júnior de Neopachylus nebulosus (Mello-Leitão, 1936). O gênero está restrito ao sul do Brasil (Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul)

Taxonomic revision of Parampheres (Arachnida: Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

Parampheres Roewer, 1913 is a relatively common genus of South American harvestmen. This genus is easily diagnosed by the remarkable yellow patches on the prosoma. Nonetheless, species determination within this group is challenging due the convoluted taxonomic history of the group and lack of a recent revision. In this study we revise Parampheres and describe a new species, Parampheres tenebris sp. nov., from Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by having dorsal scutum dark, and apophysis of coxa IV of male elongated. Furthermore, we propose the following new synonymies: Callampheres boliviensis Roewer, 1913, Pertyana ronae Mello-Leitão, 1927 and Parampheres tibialis Roewer, 1917 with Parampheres pectinatus Roewer, 1913. Parampheres now includes four species distributed from southern Brazil to adjacent areas in Argentina and Uruguay. In addition, we present a phylogenetic hypothesis based on morphological characters that supports the transfer of Parampheres from Gonyleptinae to Caelopyginae.

Taxonomic revision of Parampheres (Arachnida: Opiliones: Gonyleptidae)

Parampheres Roewer, 1913 is a relatively common genus of South American harvestmen. This genus is easily diagnosed by the remarkable yellow patches on the prosoma. Nonetheless, species determination within this group is challenging due the convoluted taxonomic history of the group and lack of a recent revision. In this study we revise Parampheres and describe a new species, Parampheres tenebris sp. nov., from Parque Nacional da Serra Geral, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The new species can be distinguished from the other species of the genus by having dorsal scutum dark, and apophysis of coxa IV of male elongated. Furthermore, we propose the following new synonymies: Callampheres boliviensis Roewer, 1913, Pertyana ronae Mello-Leitão, 1927 and Parampheres tibialis Roewer, 1917 with Parampheres pectinatus Roewer, 1913. Parampheres now includes four species distributed from southern Brazil to adjacent areas in Argentina and Uruguay. In addition, we present a phylogenetic hypothesis based on morphological characters that supports the transfer of Parampheres from Gonyleptinae to Caelopyginae.(AU)

Paecilaema batman, a new species of Brazilian troglophilous harvestman that exhibits a remarkable color patches variation (Opiliones: Cosmetidae)

A new species of harvestman, Paecilaema batman, from Brazilian limestone caves of the state of Goiás, is described, and a remarkable intraspecific color patch variation is discussed. Paecilaema batman sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by the following combination of features: chelicera similar in both sexes; prosoma without color patches; typical color patches on area I; and area III with two high spines. The new species is considered troglophilous.

Paecilaema batman, a new species of Brazilian troglophilous harvestman that exhibits a remarkable color patches variation (Opiliones: Cosmetidae)

A new species of harvestman, Paecilaema batman, from Brazilian limestone caves of the state of Goiás, is described, and a remarkable intraspecific color patch variation is discussed. Paecilaema batman sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by the following combination of features: chelicera similar in both sexes; prosoma without color patches; typical color patches on area I; and area III with two high spines. The new species is considered troglophilous.

Paecilaema batman, a new species of Brazilian troglophilous harvestman that exhibits a remarkable color patches variation (Opiliones: Cosmetidae)

A new species of harvestman, Paecilaema batman, from Brazilian limestone caves of the state of Goiás, is described, and a remarkable intraspecific color patch variation is discussed. Paecilaema batman sp. nov. differs from other species of the genus by the following combination of features: chelicera similar in both sexes; prosoma without color patches; typical color patches on area I; and area III with two high spines. The new species is considered troglophilous.

A new species of Imeri (Opiliones: Stygnidae: Heterostygninae) from the Brazilian Amazon

A new species of Stygnidae Simon, 1879, Imeri ajuba sp. nov., is described based on males and females from Coari, Amazonas, Brazil. The new species, differs from the only other species of the genus, Imerilomanhungae Pinto-da-Rocha & Tourinho, 2012, in having the following characteristics: three white marks on posterior margin of dorsal scutum, one white mark on free tergite I, three pairs of tubercles on area I, one pair of tubercles on area II, femur IV with ventromesal row of five tubercles, truncus of penis with six pairs of setae on lateral and ventral sides and ventral plate with two pairs of distal setae on dorsal portion.

Revision of the South American Fonckia (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachylinae) with the description of two new species

Fonckia Roewer, 1913 is revised and two new species are described in it: Fonckia contulmo sp. nov., from Monumento Nacional Contulmo, Araucanía, Chile, diagnosed mainly by the enlarged tubercles on the lateral margins of the dorsal scutum, between the median region of scutal area II and the posterior margin of the scutal area III; and Fonckia sosia sp. nov., from Parque Nacional Conguillio, Malleco, Chile, distinguished mainly by the absence of a dorso-basal apophysis on femur IV of the male and a spiniform, enlarged retroapical tubercle on tibia IV of the male. We propose the generic synonymy of Diconospelta Canals, 1934 under Fonckia Roewer, 1913, and the specific synonymy of D. vazferreirae Mello-Leitão, 1946 under F. processigera (Sørensen, 1902). We also propose the new combination F. gallardoi (Canals, 1934) comb. nov. As a consequence, the genus is henceforth composed of four species. We present an identification key for the species of Fonckia, as well as diagnoses and a discussion of the Chilean Pachylinae.

Revision of the South American Fonckia (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachylinae) with the description of two new species

Fonckia Roewer, 1913 is revised and two new species are described in it: Fonckia contulmo sp. nov., from Monumento Nacional Contulmo, Araucanía, Chile, diagnosed mainly by the enlarged tubercles on the lateral margins of the dorsal scutum, between the median region of scutal area II and the posterior margin of the scutal area III; and Fonckia sosia sp. nov., from Parque Nacional Conguillio, Malleco, Chile, distinguished mainly by the absence of a dorso-basal apophysis on femur IV of the male and a spiniform, enlarged retroapical tubercle on tibia IV of the male. We propose the generic synonymy of Diconospelta Canals, 1934 under Fonckia Roewer, 1913, and the specific synonymy of D. vazferreirae Mello-Leitão, 1946 under F. processigera (Sørensen, 1902). We also propose the new combination F. gallardoi (Canals, 1934) comb. nov. As a consequence, the genus is henceforth composed of four species. We present an identification key for the species of Fonckia, as well as diagnoses and a discussion of the Chilean Pachylinae.

A new species of Imeri (Opiliones: Stygnidae: Heterostygninae) from the Brazilian Amazon

A new species of Stygnidae Simon, 1879, Imeri ajuba sp. nov., is described based on males and females from Coari, Amazonas, Brazil. The new species, differs from the only other species of the genus, Imerilomanhungae Pinto-da-Rocha & Tourinho, 2012, in having the following characteristics: three white marks on posterior margin of dorsal scutum, one white mark on free tergite I, three pairs of tubercles on area I, one pair of tubercles on area II, femur IV with ventromesal row of five tubercles, truncus of penis with six pairs of setae on lateral and ventral sides and ventral plate with two pairs of distal setae on dorsal portion.

Revision of the South American Fonckia (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae: Pachylinae) with the description of two new species

Fonckia Roewer, 1913 is revised and two new species are described in it: Fonckia contulmo sp. nov., from Monumento Nacional Contulmo, Araucanía, Chile, diagnosed mainly by the enlarged tubercles on the lateral margins of the dorsal scutum, between the median region of scutal area II and the posterior margin of the scutal area III; and Fonckia sosia sp. nov., from Parque Nacional Conguillio, Malleco, Chile, distinguished mainly by the absence of a dorso-basal apophysis on femur IV of the male and a spiniform, enlarged retroapical tubercle on tibia IV of the male. We propose the generic synonymy of Diconospelta Canals, 1934 under Fonckia Roewer, 1913, and the specific synonymy of D. vazferreirae Mello-Leitão, 1946 under F. processigera (Sørensen, 1902). We also propose the new combination F. gallardoi (Canals, 1934) comb. nov. As a consequence, the genus is henceforth composed of four species. We present an identification key for the species of Fonckia, as well as diagnoses and a discussion of the Chilean Pachylinae.(AU)

A new species of Imeri (Opiliones: Stygnidae: Heterostygninae) from the Brazilian Amazon

A new species of Stygnidae Simon, 1879, Imeri ajuba sp. nov., is described based on males and females from Coari, Amazonas, Brazil. The new species, differs from the only other species of the genus, Imerilomanhungae Pinto-da-Rocha & Tourinho, 2012, in having the following characteristics: three white marks on posterior margin of dorsal scutum, one white mark on free tergite I, three pairs of tubercles on area I, one pair of tubercles on area II, femur IV with ventromesal row of five tubercles, truncus of penis with six pairs of setae on lateral and ventral sides and ventral plate with two pairs of distal setae on dorsal portion.

A new species of Cryptocellus (Arachnida: Ricinulei) from Eastern Amazonia

Cryptocellus canga sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in several caves at Carajás National Forest, Pará, Brazil. The new species differs from other species of the genus by the morphology of copulatory apparatus of the male leg III.