A new cave-dwelling species of Charinus (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from northern Brazil.

We present the description and illustration of a new species within the genus Charinus Simon, 1892, discovered in a cave located in the state of Tocantins, situated in the northern region of Brazil. Charinus tocantinensis sp. nov., can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of distinctive characters: pedipalp femur with four dorsal spines and four ventral spines; well-developed median eyes and median ocular tubercle; female gonopods sucker-like, slightly longer than wide, opening rounded and margins with fold with each a small posterior slit; cheliceral claw with ten denticles. In addition to the species description, we have included a key for identifying Charinus species in Brazil, along with a distribution map that highlights the known species in the country. This newly described species marks the first formal documentation of a Charinus species within the state of Tocantins. With the addition of this species, the global tally of recognized Charinus species now stands at 98, and Brazil, in particular, is home to a total of 44 formally described species within this genus.

Synopsis of the Ptiloneuropsis Roesler, 1940 (Psocodea: Psocoptera: Ptiloneuridae), with a new cave-dwelling species from Brazil.

A new cave-dwelling species of Ptiloneuropsis from southeastern Brazil, is here described based on both sexes, illustrated and named as: Ptiloneuropsis krenaki sp. nov. This new species differs from Ptiloneuropsis immaculata Roesler, 1940 and Ptiloneuropsis diamantina Silva-Neto, Garca Aldrete & Rafael, 2018 in details of the hypandrium and phallosome. In addition to the third new species of the Ptiloneuropsis, descriptions of variation in the fore and hindwings veins are also given. The diagnosis of Ptiloneuropsis is updated, and P. immaculata is redescribed. Furthermore, the first identification key for Ptiloneuropsis species, based on males, is presented.

Groundwater is a hidden global keystone ecosystem.

Groundwater is a vital ecosystem of the global water cycle, hosting unique biodiversity and providing essential services to societies. Despite being the largest unfrozen freshwater resource, in a period of depletion by extraction and pollution, groundwater environments have been repeatedly overlooked in global biodiversity conservation agendas. Disregarding the importance of groundwater as an ecosystem ignores its critical role in preserving surface biomes. To foster timely global conservation of groundwater, we propose elevating the concept of keystone species into the realm of ecosystems, claiming groundwater as a keystone ecosystem that influences the integrity of many dependent ecosystems. Our global analysis shows that over half of land surface areas (52.6%) has a medium-to-high interaction with groundwater, reaching up to 74.9% when deserts and high mountains are excluded. We postulate that the intrinsic transboundary features of groundwater are critical for shifting perspectives towards more holistic approaches in aquatic ecology and beyond. Furthermore, we propose eight key themes to develop a science-policy integrated groundwater conservation agenda. Given ecosystems above and below the ground intersect at many levels, considering groundwater as an essential component of planetary health is pivotal to reduce biodiversity loss and buffer against climate change.

Environmental Drivers of the Moonmilk Microbiome Diversity in Some Temperate and Tropical Caves.

Moonmilk is a cave deposit that was used for medical and cosmetic purposes and has lately raised interest for its antimicrobial potential. We studied five moonmilk samples from four caves with different microclimatic conditions, two temperate in north-western and northern Romania (Ferice, Fața Apei, and Izvorul Taușoarelor caves) and one tropical in Minas Gerais, Brazil (Nestor Cave). The physicochemical and mineralogical analyses confirmed the presence of calcite and dolomite as the main phase in the moonmilk. A 16S rRNA gene-based metabarcoding approach showed the most abundant bacteria phyla Proteobacteria, GAL15, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota. The investigated caves differed in the dominant orders of bacteria, with the highest distance between the Romanian and Nestor Cave samples. Climate and, implicitly, the soil microbiome can be responsible for some differences we found between all the samples. However, other factors can be involved in shaping the moonmilk microbiome, as differences were found between samples in the same cave (Ferice). In our five moonmilk samples, 1 phylum, 70 orders (~ 36%), and 252 genera (~ 47%) were unclassified, which hints at the great potential of cave microorganisms for future uses.

New troglobitic species of Benthana Budde-Lund, 1908 and Benthanoides Lemos de Castro, 1958 from iron-ore caves and their important record in the Amazon biome (Crustacea: Isopoda: Philosciidae).

A new cave-restricted species of Benthana and two cave-restricted species of Benthanoides are described from iron-ore caves located in the Serra dos Carajás complex, Pará state, in the Amazon biome. Benthana alba n. sp. occurs only in one cave in the south of Serra Norte, in the plateau N5 (cave N5SM2_0077); Benthanoides amazonicus n. sp. occurs in several caves in the north of Serra Norte, in the plateau N1; and Benthanoides tarzan n. sp. occurs in several caves in the Serra do Tarzan. This record represents an important distribution data for Benthana that typically occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, indicating that such species may represent a relict lineage of this genus. Additionally, efforts must be directed towards the conservation of these species, all of which are associated with caves occurring in areas of intense mining activity.

Three new cricket species and a new subgenus of Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from caves in northeastern Brazil.

The genus Endecous (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae), commonly found in caves, comprises more than 20 species, grouped into three subgenera: E. (Endecous), E. (Pedroecous) and E. (Notendecous). In this study, from differences observed mainly in the male genitalia, we describe a new subgenus-Endecous (Ramalhoecous) n. sp.-as well as three new species-E. (R.) infernalis n. sp., E. (E.) zin n. sp. and E. (E.) zaum n. sp.-all of them collected in caves in the Serra do Ramalho region, Northeastern, Brazil. We also briefly discuss some troglomorphisms verified in one of the new species: E. (R.) infernalis n. sp.

Two new species of Endecous Saussure, 1878 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from caves in central-western Brazil, with the proposition of a new subgenus to accommodate E. vitreus Bolfarini & Campos, 2023.

The genus Endecous (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae) encompasses over 20 species, grouped into four subgenera: E. (Endecous), E. (Pedroecous), E. (Notendecous), and E. (Ramalhoecous). In this study, we present the description of two novel species belonging to the subgenus Endecous (Endecous) Saussure, 1878 (Phalangopsidae) discovered in caves located within the Serra da Bodoquena region of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The descriptions are based on the distinguishing male genitalia characteristics, among other traits. Furthermore, we introduce a new subgenus, namely Endecous (Bodoquenaecous), specifically created to accommodate the recently discovered species E. vitreus, also found in caves within the same area. Initially, E. vitreus was placed under the subgenus Endecous; however, due to its numerous distinct traits, the establishment of a new subgenus became justified. In this study, we also introduce the first pictorial key for the subgenera within the genus Endecous. Additionally, we briefly discuss observed troglomorphic adaptations in species belonging to this genus. Finally, comprehensive ecological observations and conservation status assessments are provided for both newly described species, as well as for E. vitreus.

The first cave-dwelling species of Whiteheadiana Perrault, 1994 (Carabidae: Clivinini) from Brazil.

The new species Whiteheadiana thaisae sp. nov., is described and illustrated. This is the first species of the genus known for Toca do Gonalo cave, located in Campo Formoso municipality, Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The new species differs from the other species of the genus by presenting frontal lateral projections two times longer than eyes; frons with two parallel carinae deeply notched near the clypeus, shallow toward the gena, and it is a restricted eventual cave-restricted. Ecological notes about habitat and conservation issues are provided.

Adaptive shifts in Neotropical planthoppers: new troglobitic species and the first surface species of Ferricixius Hoch & Ferreira, 2012 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from Brazilian caves.

Here we describe three cixiid species new to science which we assign to the hitherto monotypic genus Ferricixius Hoch & Ferreira, 2012 from Brazil. Ferricixius michaeli sp. nov. and F. goliathi sp. nov. of the new species arelike the type species Ferricixius davidi Hoch &Ferreira, 2012obligately cavernicolous and display varying degrees of troglomorphy, such as the reduction of compound eyes, wings, and bodily pigmentation, while F. urieli sp. nov. displays well developed compound eyes and wings, andalthough so far only found inside cavesis ecologically classified as either epigean, or subtroglophile. We provide a modified diagnosis for the genus and an identification key to the species of Ferricixius, as well as information on the distribution, ecology, and habitat of the three new species herein described. Evolutionary implications are discussed, and adaptive shifts from epigean to subterranean habitat are presumed to be the most likely scenario underlying the evolution of cave dwelling Ferricixius.

Intraspecific wing venation and phallosome taxonomy updates in species of Loneura Navs (Psocodea, Ptiloneuridae), with one new species from cave and key to Loneura species from Brazil.

cavernicola sp. nov. is here described and illustrated, based on male and female specimens collected in caves located in an ecotone region between the Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado biome) and the Atlantic Forest, in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. Illustrations are provided of 19 types of variation in the fore and hindwings veins of males and females. Illustrations are presented of the holotype of L. maracaensis Garca Aldrete, along with illustrations of 18 types of variation in the fore and hindwing veins of males and females. Additionally, a new methodology applied in some specimens of L. maracaensis to process the genital pieces allowed us to know the arrangement and delimitations of each of the sclerites and their possible position during copulation. We therefore propose a phallosome taxonomic update. In these everted male genitalia, the spermatic sac and attached glands were identified for the first time. An identification key is presented to the Brazilian species of Loneura, based on males.

Expanding the taxonomic knowledge of Adelosgryllus Mesa amp; Zefa, 2004 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae): description of four new species for Brazilian subterranean habitats.

In this study, four new Brazilian species are described for the genus Adelosgryllus Mesa Zefa, 2004, occurring in Minas Gerais, Tocantins and Par states. Three of these species were found in caves and one was found in endogenous habitats, representing the first record of species form this genus for such habitats. The morphology of the phallic complex was used as the main criterion for distinguishing the new species, the copulatory papilla was also described for one of the new species. Finally, we bring a brief discussion about the ecology, distribution, and conservation of these species.

A Highly Troglomorphic New Genus of Sminthuridae (Collembola, Symphypleona) from the Brazilian Semiarid Region.

Here, we describe the highly troglomorphic Troglobentosminthurus gen. nov. from Água Clara cave system, Caatinga domain, Bahia, Brazil. Troglobentosminthurus luridus gen. nov. sp. nov. has remarkably long antennae, legs and furca, and lacks body pigments, except for small orange eye patches which also show a reduction in the number of eyes (5 + 5) and lens sizes. The overall morphology of the genus, with long and highly sub-segmented antennae, resembles other Sminthurinae of the Temeritas-group, especially Temeritas Richards and Galeriella Curcic and Lucic. However, it is unique, especially in the combination of the number of antennae IV subsegments and eyes, frontal head chaetotaxy and empodial complex morphology. Two type specimens have remnants of a mite and another specimen from the new species in their gut contents, supporting the species may be occasional predators and even cannibals. We also provide identification keys and comparative tables to the subfamilies of Sminthuridae and the Temeritas-group of genera.

A new species of Arachnopsita (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from caves in Guatemala.

The current work presents the description of a new species for the genus Arachnopsita Desutter-Grandcolas Hubbell, 1993 from caves in the municipality of Raxruh, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. The morphology of the phallic complex was used as the main criterion for distinguishing the species. In addition, we present the additional description for Arachnopsita cavicola (Saussure, 1897) and Arachnopsita uncinata Desutter-Grandcolas, 1997 from a new analyzed material. Finally, we present some ecological remarks for all the studied species as well as a brief discussion on troglomorphic traits for the genus.

A new troglophilic species of Erebonyx (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from Brazilian caves.

The genus Erebonyx was proposed to accommodate a single troglobitic species from northeastern Brazil. A second cricket belonging to this genus is herein described, but although it was also found in caves, it does not bear any troglomorphic traits, suggesting it is a troglophilic species. The new species differs from the other species on the genus in the phallic sclerites, presence of developed eyes (with ommatidia), pigmented integument, and the presence of stridulatory file on the tegmina. In addition, we present the description of the external morphology, together with the staining and description of tegmina. Finally, we present a brief discussion regarding its habitat, distribution and possible conservation actions for the species.

Eukoenenia mocororo (Palpigradi: Eukoeneniidae): a new troglobitic palpigrade from a Brazilian ferruginous cave.

A new troglobitic palpigrade from Southeastern Brazil is described based on nine specimens (including males, females and immatures of all stages) collected in an iron ore cave named "Mocororô". The most peculiar trait of Eukoenenia mocororo sp. nov. that readily distinguishes it from other Eukoenenia species described worldwide is the presence of fourteen pairs of setae (including the fusules) on first lobe of male genitalia. Although other palpigrades have been reported from Brazilian iron ore caves, this record is remarkable because Mocororô cave is inserted in Peixe Bravo River Valley (Northern Minas Gerais state)-a ferruginous system with dozens of caves that have been targeted for biospeleological studies only a few times. Therefore, the description of this new species, besides contributing to the conservation of Mocororô cave, constitutes an example of the high potential for discoveries in this region.

Erebonyx catacumbae, n. gen. et sp.: a blind, troglobitic cricket from Brazil (Orthoptera, Grylloidea, Phalangopsidae).

Erebonyx catacumbae, new genus and species of a troglobitic phalangopsid cricket are described from Brazil. Few specimens were collected from a limestone cave located in the municipality of Campo Formoso, northern State of Bahia, in a semi-arid zone characterized by the Caatinga vegetation. A brief discussion on troglomorphisms is provided, as well as some ecological remarks and potential threats for this species.

The first record of Adelosgryllus Mesa amp; Zefa, 2004 (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsidae) from caves, with the description of a new species from Brazil.

The first species for the genus Adelosgryllus Mesa Zefa, 2004 recorded in caves is herein described. We used the morphology of the phallic complex as the main criteria to differentiate this species from the congeneric ones. In addition, we discussed the natural history of the new species, some aspects of its association to the cave habitats, and the intraspecific variation of the right tegmen observed in two populations of this new species.

Checklist and identification key to Brazilian species of Triplocania Roesler (Psocodea: 'Psocoptera': Psocomorpha: Ptiloneuridae), with four new cave-dwelling species.

Four species of Triplocania are described and illustrated (T. brancoi n. sp., T. ferratilis n. sp., T. pains n. sp., and T. zairae n. sp.), all based on male specimens collected in caves of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. An identification key is presented to the Brazilian species of Triplocania, based on males, together with information on both sexes and distributions.

Coarazuphium lundi (Carabidae: Zuphiini), a new Brazilian troglobitic beetle, with the designation of a neotype for C. pains Álvares Ferreira, 2002.

In this paper, we describe Coarazuphium lundi sp. nov., from a single male specimen collected in Gruta 06L cave located in the municipality of Prudente de Morais (Minas Gerais state, Brazil). The two most striking differences between C. lundi and other species of the genus is the presence of two pairs of posterior supraorbital setae and the elytra shape with parallel, not rounded sides. Coarazuphium pains Álvares Ferreira 2002 is an endemic species restricted to a few caves at the Bambuí Carbonatic Group in the midwest of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The holotype of C. pains was unfortunately lost in 2010, due to a fire that destroyed almost the entire zoological collection at the Butantã Institute, São Paulo state in Brazil. In recent years, several species of the genus have been described and compared to C. pains only based on its paper description, clearly prompting the need for the C. pains neotype designation. In order to provide a necessary standard for comparison, a neotype is designed for this species based on the material collected from the best approximation of the type locality (caves). Lastly, we also provide a brief discussion on the presence of eyespots of C. cessaima, originally described as blind.