Arthropoda

8 pages, 1962 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Amblyomma auricularium (Acari: Ixodidae) in Nine-Banded Armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus: A New Record for the Neotropical Region of Mexico

by Vicente Homero González-Álvarez, Elena Prudente-Peláez, Luis Ángel Díaz-Vargas, Marco Antonio Ayala-Monter, Gabriela Alvarado-Rodríguez and Carmen Guzmán-Cornejo

Arthropoda 2025, 3(2), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020009 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 233

Abstract

The nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, is one of only two species of armadillo found in Mexico. Among the ectoparasites reported on this mammal are ticks of the genus Amblyomma. Between December 2022 and April 2024, 52 ticks of different developmental stages (females, males, and nymphs) were collected from five D. novemcinctus. All ticks were morphologically identified as A. auricularium. This study reports for the first time the presence of this tick species in the Municipality of Santiago Llano Grande, Oaxaca. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

55 pages, 19829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seven New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western New Guinea, Indonesia

by Christian Lukhaup, Rury Eprilurahman and Thomas von Rintelen

Arthropoda 2025, 3(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020010 - 6 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Seven new species of the genus Cherax from the western region of Western New Guinea, Indonesia, are described and illustrated. All new species—Cherax veritas n. sp. from the southeastern part of Misool Island of Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua; Cherax arguni n. sp. and Cherax kaimana n. sp. from the northern part of Kaimana Regency, West Papua; Cherax nigli n. sp. from the southeastern part of Kaimana Regency, West Papua; Cherax bomberai n. sp. from the northeastern part of the Fakfak Regency, West Papua; Cherax farhadii n. sp. and Cherax doberai n. sp. from the Teluk Bintuni Regency, West Papua—belong to the northern group of Cherax. The new species are compared with their closest relatives, from which they can all be easily distinguished by morphological characters, such as the shape of the chelae, rostrum, body, and by their coloration. A molecular phylogeny based on a mitochondrial gene fragment, 16S, supports the morphology-based description of the seven new species, which can also be clearly distinguished by sequence differences. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 14116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Genus of Ectinosomatidae (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) Symbiont in the Digestive Tract of Eudistoma vannamei Millar, 1977 (Ascidia, Polycitoridae)

by Paulo H. Corgosinho, Terue C. Kihara, Amilcar Farias, Nikolaos Schizas, Elizabeth Neves and Rodrigo Johnsson

Arthropoda 2025, 3(2), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020008 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 147

Abstract

A new genus of Ectinosomatidae is recorded in association with an Ascidia from a permanent submerged coral community in Barra Beach, Salvador City, Bahia State (Brazil). The new taxon belongs to a smaller group of genera in the family Ectinosomatidae based on the geniculate maxilla and the prehensile first swimming leg. This group is composed of Bradiellopsis, Chaulionyx, Halophytophilus, and Sigmatidium. The new genus differs from the others due to distinct aspects of the mandible gnathobasis, which features sharp processes on the pars incisiva and pars molaris followed by a short spinulated area and a serrulated seta; the presence of a two-segmented endopod of the first swimming leg, with the first endopodal segment longer than all exopodites combined; and a short, quadratic second endopodal segment with two strong curved claws. In addition, it differs from other genera due to the distinct armature of the first to fourth swimming legs and the presence of fused exopod and baseoendopod on the fifth swimming leg. Cruscollatus gen.nov. lives specifically within the digestive tract of Eudistoma vannamei Millar, 1977, an Ascidia species endemic to northeastern Brazil. This study reports the first documented association between a harpacticoid copepod of the family Ectinosomatidae (order Harpacticoida) and ascidian hosts (Ascidia). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Taxonomy of Cladocera and Copepoda)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of Traffic Intensity on Taxonomic and Functional Diversity in Understory Spiders from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

by Rebeca Esther Da Justa Ximenes, Matheus Leonydas Borba Feitosa, Nancy Lo-Man-Hung, Hugo Rodrigo Barbosa-da-Silva, André Otávio Silva-Junior, Alysson Henrique Alcântara Lins, Geraldo Jorge Barbosa de Moura and André Felipe de Araújo Lira

Arthropoda 2025, 3(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020007 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 135

Abstract

Although it has its advantages for the development of urban areas, road construction is among the greatest threats to biodiversity, due to fragmentation, habitat loss, and changes in landscape structure. This study investigated the effects of different traffic intensities on the understory spider assemblage in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Understory spiders were collected between 09:00 h–16:00 h using beating tray samples on roadside vegetation on roads with and without traffic. In total, 1616 spiders belonging to 24 families and 317 morphospecies were collected. The families Araneidae and Theridiidae were more abundant and showed a higher number of morphospecies on both roads. Understory spiders were classified into seven guilds. However, no significant differences were found in functional and taxonomic richness and abundance between the roads. These results indicate that understory spider assemblages showed no significant response to traffic intensity, suggesting potential resilience to this disturbance in the studied context. Additionally, the proximity between locations may result in the founder effect, with spiders migrating from the preserved site to the impacted site. Overall, this study indicates that traffic presence does not significantly impact the diversity and composition of understory spider assemblages in the studied region. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 15189 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones, Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species

by Leonardo Sousa Carvalho, Maria Idalete Lopes Silva, Priscila Emanuela de Souza and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira

Arthropoda 2025, 3(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020006 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 456

Abstract

The genus Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is endemic to northeastern Brazil and comprises cave-dwelling species with limited distributions. Based on newly collected specimens, this study provides a description of a new cave-dwelling Troglorhopalurus species and the first detailed description of the male hemispermatophore of the genus. Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. is diagnosed based on morphometric characters, distinct carapace granulation, and differences in the pedipalps and metasomal carinae and peg sensillae shape. The hemispermatophore of Troglorhopalurus is like other Centruroidinae species, with internal, external, and basal lobes. Additionally, we discuss the distribution and conservation status of Troglorhopalurus species. Troglorhopalurus lacrau distribution range is extended based on additional epigean and hypogean records. This species may be reassessed from data deficient to least concern. Based on the limited localities and declining habitat quality, we propose that T. iuiu n. sp. be considered endangered. This research underscores the importance of further sampling to explore species-specific variations and promote conservation efforts for these ecologically specialized scorpions. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Arthropoda, Volume 3, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 5 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI