Chthonius (Neochthonius) alpicola Beier, 1951: 163 Chthonius (N.) pygmaeus carinthiacus : Marcuzzi 1976: 377 alpicola : Callaini 1986a: 229 The Italian species of the Chthonius ischnocheles group (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae), with reference to neighbouring countries Gardini, Giulio Zootaxa 2021 2021-06-17 4987 1 1 131 5Z5DX Beier, 1951 Beier 1951 [151,527,942,969] Arachnida Chthoniidae Chthonius Animalia Pseudoscorpiones 10 11 Arthropoda species alpicola  ( Figs 26–40, 403)      Chthonius (Neochthonius) alpicola Beier, 1951: 163, fig. 1a.     Chthonius (N.) pygmaeus carinthiacus: Marcuzzi 1976: 377.    Neochthoniuscfr.  alpicola: Callaini 1986a: 229.     Typelocality: Austria, Salzburg, Krizersberg am Nordhangdes Untersberges ( 47°42’N, 12°59’E).   Distribution. Southern Germany( Bavaria), Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, North-central Italy.   Diagnosis ( ♂ ♀).An eyed epigean  Chthoniusthat differs from other species of the  ischnochelesgroup in the following combination of characters: anterior margin of carapace with 1 or 2 preocular microsetae on each side; posterior margin of carapace with 2 macrosetae and 1 or 2 lateral microsetae; anterior eyes with convex lens; chelicerae with 1–3 lateral microsetae; chela length 0.57–0.84 mm; movable chelal finger length 0.39–0.56 mm; chelal fingers with contiguous teeth; fixed chelal finger with 47–62 teeth; ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 1.0–1.3.   Type material examined.  AUSTRIA—  Salzburg: 2 ♂ 1 ♀(“ Typen”), Krizersberg am Nordhangdes Untersberges,  690 ma.s.l.,  20.IX.1936, Schüllerleg, Mischwaldmit feuchtem Bodenlaub( NMW);  4 ♀(“ Paratypen”), Glanegg am Nordhangdes Untersberges,  460 ma.s.l., 10. V.1936, Schüllerleg. ( NMW).   Kärnten— 1 ♂ 1 ♀(“Paratypen”), Graschlitzenbei Warmbad Villach, Eingang II der Tschamerhöhle,  550 ma.s.l., 18. VIII.1949, Strouhalleg. ( NMW);  2 ♀(“ Paratypen”), Gräflachbei Warmbad Villach, vor Versturzhöhle,  540 ma.s.l., 31. VIII.1949, Strouhalleg. ( NMW).   Oberösterreich— 1 ♀(“ Paratypus”), Mauthausen, nördl. Bahnhof,  8.IX.1948, Strouhalleg. ( NMW);  2 ♂ 3 ♀(“ Paratypen”), Grabenzwischen Greina. d. [and der] Donauund Dimbach,  13.IX.1948, Strouhalleg. ( NMW).  Other material examined.  CROATIA—  Istria— 2 ♀, Učka(Monte Maggiore),  800 ma.s.l.,  17.VI.1982, M. Serianileg.;  1 ♀, Vodice, Dane,  650 ma.s.l.,  27.VIII.1990, F. Gasparoleg.  ITALY— Venezia Giulia: Gorizia Prov.— 2 ♂, Cormons, Bosco di Plessiva, 6.III.1982, M. Seriani leg. Venezia Giulia: Trieste Prov.— 1 ♂ 1 ♀, near Aurisina, 29. V.1986, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♂ 7 ♀2 T, San Dorligo della Valle, Bagnoli della Rosandra, 22.IX.1983, M. Bodon leg.; 1 ♀, Sgonico, Grotta Ercole 6 VG/TS, 230 ma.s.l., 16.XII.1984, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♀, Trieste, Duino, 20 ma.s.l., 9.IV.1993, F. Gasparo leg.  Friuli: Pordenone Prov.— 1 ♀, Campone, Forchia di Meduno, 23. VI.2000, R. Monguzzi leg. ( RMM); 2 ♀3 T1 D, Chions, near Torrate, 23.I.1982, M. Seriani leg.; 8 ♂ 2 ♀, Montereale Valcellina, 360 ma.s.l., 27.VII.1995, F. Gasparo leg.; 3 ♀1 T, Sequals, peat bog near Sequals, 190 ma.s.l., 13.IV.2001, A., M. Zanetti, G. Tomasin, A. Tagliapietra & G. Governatori leg. ( MFNB); 1 ♀, id., 14. VI.2001, G. Colombetta leg. ( MFNB); 3 ♀, id., 14.X.2001, G. Colombetta leg., pitfall traps ( MFNB); 3 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 29.X.2001, G. Tomasin leg. ( MFNB); 1 ♂1 D, Valeriano, 3.I.1981, M. Seriani leg.; 2 ♀2 T, Vito d’Asio, Pielungo, 12. V.1985, M. Seriani leg., oak leaf litter; 2 ♂ 1 ♀1 T1 D, Zoppola, Parco Fluviale del Meduna, 13.VII.1991, G. Governatori leg.; 4 ♂, Zoppola, Fiume Meduna, 22.X.1991, G. Governatori leg.  Friuli: Udine Prov.— 2 ♂2 T, Artegna, 250 ma.s.l., 11. VIII.1992, F. Gasparo leg., pitfall traps; 3 ♂, near Bordano, 450 ma.s.l., 13. V.1992, F. Gasparo leg.; 7 ♂2 T, Cavazzo Carnico, 290 ma.s.l., 23.IX.1992, F. Gasparo leg.,  Picea abieswood; 1 ♀, Cervignano, Bosco Pradiziolo, 9.I.1982, M. Seriani leg., Querco–Carpinetum; 3 ♀, id., 16.I.1983, M. Seriani leg., oak wood; 3 ♂ 2 ♀1 T, id., 4.III.1983, M. Seriani leg.; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 6. V.1983, M. Seriani leg., mosses; 2 ♂, Chiusaforte, Raccolana, 400 ma.s.l., 14. VIII.1993, F. Gasparo leg., mixed wood; 1 ♂, peat bog of Fagagna, 171 ma.s.l., 14.X.2001, G. Colombetta leg., pitfall trap ( MFNB); 4 ♂ 10 ♀1 T, near Losaz, S slope of Monte Matajur, 13. VI.1993, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♂, Lusevera, Alta Val Torre, Isola Torrente Mea, 700 ma.s.l., 5. VIII.1992, G. Governatori leg. ( MFNB); 1 ♂, Lusevera, Plan di Tapou, 900 ma.s.l., 4.IX.2006, G. Colombetta & L. Dorigo leg., pitfall in beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂, Majano, peat bog of Casasola, 160 ma.s.l., 14. VI.2001, G. Colombetta leg., pitfall trap ( MFNB); 3 ♂3 T, id., 14.X.2001, G. Colombetta leg., pitfall traps ( MFNB); 1 ♀, Moggio Udinese, N slope of Monte Sernio, 1700 ma.s.l., 13. VI.2001, R. Monguzzi leg. ( RMM); 2 ♂, Moggio Udinese, Stavoli Cuel Lung Alto, slope of Monte Zovet, 700 ma.s.l., 19. VI.2001, G. Governatori leg., beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂, id., 30.X.2001, G. Governatori leg., beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂, id., 31. V.2002, A. Dall’Asta & G. Governatori leg., beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂, id., 25. VI.2002, A. Dall’Asta & L. Lapini leg., beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂7 T14 D, id., 22.VII.2002, A. Dall’Asta leg., beech wood ( MFNB); 1 ♂, Muzzana, 15.X.1982, M. Seriani leg., Querco-Carpinetum; 3 ♂, Pagnacco, peat bog of Lazzacco, 195 ma.s.l., 16.X.2001, G. Colombetta leg., pitfall traps ( MFNB); 1 ♀, Pontebba, 600 ma.s.l., 20.IX.1990, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♀, Raveo, 430 ma.s.l., 1. V.1997, F. Gasparo leg., mixed wood; 1 ♂ 5 ♀1 T, Resia, near Uccea, 780 ma.s.l., 1. VI.1986, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Rivignano, Risorgive Zarnicco, 13 ma.s.l., 19. VI.2001, G. Colombetta leg. ( MFNB); 2 ♂ 20 ♀, near Savogna, 26. VI.1994, S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 2 ♀, Taipana, Platischis, 700 ma.s.l., 9. V.1990, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♂, Tolmezzo, Caneva, 360 ma.s.l., 10. VI.1993, F. Gasparo leg., mixed wood; 1 ♂, Torreano, Prestento, 190 ma.s.l., 10.VII.1993, F. Gasparo leg.,  Carpinuswood; 5 ♂ 1 ♀6 T1 D, Trasaghis, Peonis, 180 ma.s.l., 13.XI.1991, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♀, Venzone, 270 ma.s.l., 25. V.1993, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♀, Villa Santina, 400 ma.s.l., 30.IV.1991, F. Gasparo leg.,  Carpinuswood.  Veneto: Belluno Prov.—2 T(  C. pygmaeus carinthiacus,det. M. Beier), Cadore, [no date, G. Marcuzzi leg.] ( MZUP).  Veneto: Treviso Prov.— 1 ♂, Susegana, Castello San Salvatore, 100 ma.s.l., 23.IX.2013, G. Gardini & C. Giusto leg., mixed wood.  Veneto: Venezia Prov.— 6 ♂ 4 ♀2 T1 D, Lison, Bosco di Lison, 25.IX.1986, M. R. Favretto leg.  Veneto: Verona Prov.— 1 ♂, Velo Veronese, Covoli di Velo, 22.VII.1996, A. Zanetti leg.  Piedmont: Turin Prov.— 1 ♀, Caselette, Cascina Farchetto, 400 ma.s.l., 2.VII.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 3 ♂ 2 ♀, Val della Torre, Truc di Brione, 390 ma.s.l., 27. V.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.  Liguria: Genoa Prov.— 2 ♀, Neirone, slope of Monte Caucaso, 1000 ma.s.l., 21. VIII.1973, R. Poggi leg.; 1 ♀, Rezzoaglio, 22.III.1978, S. Zoia leg.  Emilia: Reggio Emilia Prov.— 1 ♀2 T, Collagna, Passo del Cerreto, 1100 ma.s.l., 31. VIII.1980, G. Gardini, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg., beech wood.  Tuscany: Lucca Prov.— 2 ♀, Fornovolasco, NE slope of Pania della Croce, 1600 ma.s.l., 25. VI.1983, S. Zoia leg.; 5 ♀1 T, Seravezza, N slope of Monte Altissimo, 1200 ma.s.l., 13. VI.1977, G. Parodi & S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 2 ♂ 1 ♀4 T3 D, Seravezza, E slope of Monte Altissimo, 15.VII.1984, S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Vagli di Sotto, slope of Monte Tambura, 1200 ma.s.l., 4. V.1979, S. Zoia leg.  Tuscany: Massa–Carrara Prov.— 1 ♂ 4 ♀, Carrara, Campocecina, 10. VIII.1980, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♀, Zeri, near Lago Verde, 4.X.1980, A., L. Briganti leg.   SLOVENIA—  Goriškaregija— 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Idrija, between Godovičand Crnivrh,  700 ma.s.l.,  8.IX.1991, F. Gasparoleg.;  1 ♂ 1 ♀, Kobarid, Fiume Natisonenear Hurja, Potoki,  25.VII.1996, M. Bodon, S. Cianfanelli& G. Manganelli leg.  Notranjsko-kraška  regija— 2 ♂ 2 ♀, between Postojnaand Planina,  600 ma.s.l.,  2. VI.1991, F. Gasparoleg., beech wood.  Obalno-kraškaregija— 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Škocjanske Jame(= San Canziano),  29. VIII.1987, G. Gardini& R. Rizzerioleg., entrance.  Posavskaregija— 1 ♀, Krško, Gruskajama n. 1374,  20.VII.1978, T. Novakleg. Spodnjeposavska  regija— 9 ♂ 10 ♀10 T, Brežice,  28. VIII.1987, G. Gardini& R. Rizzerioleg.   Description of adults ( ♂ ♀).Integument slightly pigmented, carapace, tergites, chelicerae and pedipalps pale brown; weak hispid granulation on lateral surfaces of carapace, on cheliceral palm and on base of fixed chelal finger. Carapace ( Fig. 28) 0.8–0.9 times longer than broad, trapezoidal, constricted posteriorly; anterior margin between median macrosetae with a prominent epistome in both sexes ( Figs 26–27); ocular area as in fig. 28, anterior eyes with convex lens (diameter  0.035 –0.045mm), posterior eyes with flat lens, all eyes with a tapetum; distance from anterior eyes to anterior margin of carapace  0.025 –0.035mm; standard chaetotaxy m 4m:6:4:2:m 2m(22), but note substantial variability in the number of preocular microsetae (m 4mm, mm 4mm, mm4mmm) and in both the number and length of microsetae on posterior margin of carapace (m2, m 2mm, mm 2mm) even within the same population; length of anteromedian macrosetae 0.09–0.14 mm. Chaetotaxy of tergites 4:4:4:4:6:6:6:6:1T2T1:4:1T2T1:0. Chaetotaxy of sternites 10:(3)7–10(3):(2)7–8(2):8:6:6:6:6:2T1T2:0:2; genital opening of males flanked by 6–7 (rarely 5) setae on each side. Chelicerae ( Fig. 29) 1.9–2.1 ( ♂) or 1.9–2.05 ( ♀) times as long as broad, palm with 6 setae and 1–3 lateral microsetae; fixed finger with 7–10 teeth and 3–5 proximal microtubercles; movable finger with an isolated subapical tooth ( di) at level with the spinneret, and 7–10 teeth proximally reduced in size; gsratio 0.57–0.61; spinneret large and apically rounded, similar in both sexes ( Figs 29–30); rallum with 11 blades; serrulae interior and exterior with 12–14 and 15–17 blades respectively. Coxal setae: pedipalp 5 (including 2 on manducatory process), I 3 + 3 marginal microsetae, II 4, III 5, IV 6; coxa II with 5–9 coxal spines, coxa III with 3–5 coxal spines; intercoxal tubercle bisetose. Pedipalp: femur 4.2–4.9 ( ♂) or 4.2–4.8 ( ♀) times as long as broad, femoral chaetotaxy 3:5–6:2:5:1; chela ( Figs 33, 37) 4.9–5.8 ( ♂) or 4.8–5.3 ( ♀) times as long as deep; hand of chela 1.65–1.9 ( ♂) or 1.55–1.75 ( ♀) times as long as deep, ovoid in dorsal view ( Figs 31–32); fixed chelal finger with 47–62 contiguous teeth slightly inclined backwards, all cuspidate except the 6–12 proximal ones, which are apically rounded ( Figs 34–36, 38–40); all teeth with dental canal; base of fixed chelal finger with 2–4 microtubercles; fixed finger at level of est-itwith 9–14 teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices  0.007 –0.011mm; tip of fixed chelal finger with apical sensilla af  1-2, distal paraxial seta gradually curved and thin; movable chelal finger with 36–50 contiguous teeth, cuspidate and reclined in the distal half of the finger, increasingly reduced towards finger base, reaching back near b(between sband bthey are mainly recognizable only by the presence of dental canal) ( Figs 34–36, 38–40); movable finger at level of st-twith 9–11 teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices  0.009 –0.011mm; coupled sensilla pcmainly just distad of sb, rarely at level of sb; tip of movable chelal finger with apical sensilla am  1-2; trichobothria as in figs 33, 37; ratio sb -st/sb -b= 1.5–2.0; ratio of movable finger/hand of chela 1.8–2.1 ( ♂ ♀); ratio of pedipalpal femur/movable finger 0.9–1.0 ( ♂ ♀); ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 1.0–1.3 ( ♂ ♀).   FIGURES 26–32.  Chthonius alpicola Beier, 1951, slope of Mt. Matajur (Losaz, Udine). 26, male, anterior margin of carapace; 27, female, id.; 28, male, carapace; 29, male, right chelicera; 30, female, movable finger of right chelicera; 31, male, right chelal hand, dorsal view; 32, female, id.   FIGURES 33–40.  Chthonius alpicola Beier, 1951, slope of Mt. Matajur (Losaz, Udine). 33, male, right chela, antiaxial view; 34, male, detail of fingers at the chelal tip, antiaxial view; 35, male, detail of fingers at level of trichobothria est-itand st-t, antiaxial view; 36, male, detail of fingers at level of trichobothrium sb, antiaxial view; 37, female, right chela, antiaxial view; 38, female, detail of fingers at the chelal tip, antiaxial view; 39, female, detail of fingers at level of trichobothria est-itand st-t, antiaxial view; 40, female, detail of fingers at level of trichobothrium sb, antiaxial view. Measurements (in mm). Body length 1.1–1.45 ( ♂) or 1.2–1.65 ( ♀). Carapace 0.33–0.43 × 0.38–0.47 (0.35–0.44 anteriorly) ( ♂) or 0.37–0.50 × 0.41–0.55 (0.39–0.52 anteriorly) ( ♀). Chelicerae 0.32–0.41 × 0.155 –0.205( ♂) or 0.36–0.48 × 0.175 –0.245( ♀); movable finger length 0.16–0.22 ( ♂) or 0.185–0.26 ( ♀). Pedipalp: femur 0.36–0.49 × 0.085–0.11 ( ♂) or 0.41–0.54 × 0.09–0.12 ( ♀); chela 0.57–0.75 × 0.115 –0.145( ♂) or 0.63–0.84 × 0.13–0.16 ( ♀); hand length 0.19–0.25 ( ♂) or 0.20–0.28 ( ♀); movable finger length 0.39–0.50 ( ♂) or 0.42–0.56 ( ♀).  Description of tritonymph.Integument with weak pigmentation, hispid granulation less marked than in adults. Carapace 0.90–0.95 times longer than broad, form of anterior margin and eyes as in adults; diameter of anterior eyes  0.032 –0.034mm; chaetotaxy m 4m:6:4:2:m 2m(22), rarely 2 preocular microsetae on one side; length of anteromedian macrosetae 0.07 mm. Chaetotaxy of tergites as in adults. Chaetotaxy of sternites II–IX 5:(2)8(2):(1)6(1):7:6:6:6:6. Chelicerae 1.95–2.05 times as long as broad, palm with 5 setae and 1 lateral microseta; fixed finger with 6–8 teeth, proximally reduced in size, and a few proximal microtubercles; movable finger with an isolated subapical tooth ( di) and 6–7 teeth; gsratio 0.57–0.60; spinneret prominent and apically rounded as in females. Coxal setae: pedipalp 5 (including 2 on manducatory process), I 3 + 2 marginal microsetae, II 4, III 5, IV 5; coxa II with 4–6 coxal spines, coxa III with 2–5 coxal spines; intercoxal tubercle bisetose. Pedipalp: femur 4.1–4.6 times as long as broad; chela 4.9–5.05 times as long as deep; hand of chela 1.7 times as long as deep; fixed chelal finger with 40–43 contiguous teeth, all with dental canal; movable chelal finger with 30–33 teeth, reduced in size towards finger base, reaching back between stand b; coupled sensilla pcnearer to bthan to st; ratio of movable finger/hand of chela 1.9; ratio of pedipalpal femur/movable finger 1.0; ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 1.0–1.1. Measurements (in mm). Body length 0.90–0.95. Carapace 0.305–0.34 × 0.32–0.37 (0.29–0.33 anteriorly). Chelicerae 0.28–0.33 × 0.14–0.16, movable finger length 0.145–0.17. Pedipalp: femur 0.31–0.37 × 0.075–0.08; chela 0.48–0.54 × 0.095–0.11; hand length 0.16–0.19; movable finger length 0.31–0.36.   Remarks.Among the Italian species with contiguous chelal teeth of the  Chthonius ischnochelesgroup, the relationships of  C. alpicolaare uncertain. The presence of both preocular microsetae and lateral microsetae on the posterior margin of the carapace is shared only by highly specialised hypogean species, such as  C. italicus Beier, 1930,  C. caoduroi Callaini, 1987,  C. multidentatusBeier, 1963and  C. gallettii n. sp.(see Key to species). The measurements given by Beier (1963c)of a female from I Moi, Entratico ( Lombardy) (palpal hand 0.28, finger 0.55 mmlength) are consistent with the above description. Callaini (1986a)referred to  Chthoniuscfr.  alpicola three malesand one femalefrom Pradis ( Friuli), showing a ratio sb -st/sb -b= 1.72–2.03 instead of 1.5, as reported by Beier (1951), and estmore distal than in Beier (1951: 165, fig. 1a). The relative position of trichobothria sband estshows a high variability in studied populations and thus the specimens from Pradis are referred to  C. alpicola. The above description of  Chthonius alpicolaincorporates the measurements of Callaini (1986a). The species is newly recorded from Sloveniaand Croatia. 3323445604 [151,1250,1178,1205] Austria 47.7 Nordhang des Untersberges 1115 12.983334 Krizersberg am Nordhang 10 11 1 Salzburg holotype 3323445680 1936-09-20 NMW Schuller Austria 690 Krizersberg am Nordhang Typen 10 11 3 1 2 Salzburg 3323445541 V Austria 460 Glanegg am Nordhang 10 11 4 4 Salzburg paratype 3323445967 VIII Eingang II der Tschamerhohle Austria 550 Warmbad Villach Graschlitzen 10 11 2 1 1 Karnten paratype 3323445907 [256,1267,1574,1601] VIII Austria Graflach 540 Versturzhohle Warmbad Villach 10 11 2 2 Karnten paratype 3323445889 [305,1432,1611,1637] 1948-09-08 NMW Strouhal Austria Bahnhof Mauthausen 10 11 1 1 Oberoesterreich paratype 3323445714 1948-09-13 NMW Strouhal Austria Graben Donau Grein 10 11 5 3 2 Oberosterreich paratype 3323445666 1982-06-17 M. Seriani Croatia 800 Ucka 10 11 2 2 Istarska 3323445403 [294,987,1754,1781] 1990-08-27 F. Gasparo Croatia 650 Dane Vodice 10 11 1 1 Istria 3323445491 1991-09-08 F. Gasparo Slovenia Goriska 700 Crni Godovic 11 12 3 1 2 Idrija 3323445433 1996-07-25 M. Bodon & S. Cianfanelli & G. Manganelli Slovenia Fiume Natisone Potoki Hurja 11 12 2 1 1 Kobarid 3323445766 1991-06-02 VI F. Gasparo Slovenia 600 Planina 11 12 4 2 2 Postojna 3323445830 1987-08-29 VIII, R G. Gardini & Rizzerio Slovenia Obalno-kraska San Canziano Skocjanske Jame 11 12 2 1 1 3323445960 1978-07-20 T Novak Slovenia Gruska Posavska 11 12 1 1 Krsko 3323445362 [399,1260,1771,1797] 1987-08-28 T, VIII, R G. Gardini & Rizzerio Slovenia Brezice 11 12 19 10 9 Brezice