Protochelifer naracoortensis

Protochelifer naracoortensis is a species of pseudoscorpion in the Cheliferidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1968 by Austrian arachnologist Max Beier. The specific epithet naracoortensis refers to the type locality.[1][2]

Protochelifer naracoortensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Pseudoscorpiones
Family: Cheliferidae
Genus: Protochelifer
Species:
P. naracoortensis
Binomial name
Protochelifer naracoortensis
Beier, 1968[1]

Description

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The body length of the holotype male is 2.7 mm; those of paratype females 3.3–3.4 mm. The colour is mainly reddish-brown.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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The species occurs in the Limestone Coast region of south-eastern South Australia. The type locality is Bat Cave, Naracoorte Caves National Park.[2][1]

Behaviour

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The pseudoscorpions are cave dwelling, terrestrial predators.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Beier, M (1968). "Some cave-dwelling Pseudoscorpionidea from Australia and New Caledonia". Records of the South Australian Museum (Adelaide). 15: 757–765 [763]. Retrieved 2023-11-21.
  2. ^ a b c "Species Protochelifer naracoortensis Beier, 1968". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-11-21.