Biology:Balgachernes

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Short description: Genus of pseudoscorpions

Balgachernes
Scientific classification e
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Pseudoscorpiones
Family: Chernetidae
Genus: Balgachernes
Harvey, 2018[1]
Type species
Balgachernes occultus
Harvey, 2018

Balgachernes is a monotypic genus of pseudoscorpions in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia, and was described in 2018 by Australian arachnologist Mark Harvey. The name of the genus combines the common name 'balga' for the grasstree species Xanthorrhoea preissii, with which the pseudoscorpions are associated, with the genus name Chernes (Greek: 'labourer').[1][2][3]

Species

The genus contains the single species Balgachernes occultus Harvey, 2018. The specific epithet occultus (Latin: 'cover' or 'conceal') refers to the pseudoscorpions’ preference for living among balga leaves.[1][2][4]

Description

The body length of males is 2.74–3.58 mm; that of females is 2.11–3.76 mm. The colour is mainly dark reddish-brown, with the legs yellowish-brown.[1]

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in south-west Western Australia where it has been recorded from the Swan Coastal Plain, Darling Scarp and Stirling Range National Park. The type locality is Ashendon Road, east of Pickering Brook, a suburb of Perth.[4] The pseudoscorpions have only been found in balga (Xanthorrhoea preissii) grasstrees, with which they appear to have a specialised association.[1]

References

Wikidata ☰ {{{from}}} entry