Benedictesmus Shear & Marek, new genus

Type Species: Benedictesmus aureus Shear & Marek, n. sp.

Species included: Bendictesmus aureus, n. sp., B. ellenae, n. sp., B. yaquina, n. sp. and B. timber, n. sp.

Diagnosis. Males of some Benedictesmus species have only 18 postcephalic rings, while females have 19. The short, simple gonopods have a bifurcate terminal zone (tz, Figs 101, 105); the pulvillus may be extended into a tube ( B. ellenae, n. sp., Fig. 106).

Etymology. The genus is named for the late Ellen M. Benedict (1931–2005), a pseudoscorpion specialist who provided much of the material for this study. Dr. Benedict taught at Portland State University, Malhuer Field Station and Pacific University.

Distribution. Coastal eastern Oregon.