: Ada Universitatis (arolinaeActa Universitatis CAROLINAE — BIOLOGICA 1978: 489—785. xx. 1980 Department of Systematic Zoology, Charles University, SOIL MITES OF THE FAMILY RHAGIDIIDAE (ACTINEDIDA : EUPODOIDEA). MORPHOLOGY, SYSTEMATICS, ECOLOGY MILosLav ZACHARDA Received October 25, 1979 Abstract: The comprehensive work on the soil mites of the family Riagiitdae ( Actinedidas Eupodoidea) including a world fauna revision is presented. A rich Czechoslovakian material of these mites was handled on the basis of this revision. Methods of collection and preparation ‘are outlined. A standardization of specific descriptions is suggested. The general and spe morphology including @ phylogenetical evaluation of morphological characters are described, ‘A new generic classification is suggested on the basis of the phylogenetic evaluation of the morpho: logical characters. Adaptive synapomorphic morphological characters are categorized as troglo- ‘morphisms, edaphomorphisms and adaptations of mouthparts to food. Twenty genera are pre~ sented, sixteen as the new ones: Robustocheles gen. n., Crassocheles gen. n., Laroempadia gen. n., Pavaltetorhagidia gen. n., Elliotta gen. no, Troglocheles gen. n., Foveacheles wen, n., Brevipalpte gen. n., Traegaardhia gen. n., Arcrorhagidia gen. n., Eskimaia gen. nq, Evadorhagidia gen. ti, Shibaia gen. n., Thoria gen, n., Hanmenia gen. n., Tuberostoma gen. 1 Seventy-four species are presented, and thirty-five as the new ones: Robustocheles montana 5. R. robusta sp. n., R. tricuspidata sp..n., R. dentata sp. a. Crassockeles muralis sp. n., C. virgo sp.n., Rhagidia puukya sp. n., R. suseki sp. n., R. eackae sp. n., R. eampbellensis sp. n., Latoempodlia ‘macroempodiata sp. n., L, similis sp. n.. Parallelorhagidia hawaiiensis sp. n., Poecilophysts prendo- ‘eflexa sp. Puy P. arena sp. n., P. strandimanni sp. n., Foveacheles brevichelae sp. tu F. incoguita Sp. ny F. magna sp. n., F. holsingeri sp. n., F. rupestris sp, uy F. willmauni sp. no, F, mira sp. 1, F. tuktoyaktukensis sp. n., F. alpina sp. n., F. emendata sp, n., F. harzeusis sp. n.. Brevipalpia minima sp. 9., Evadorhagidia oblikensis sp. n., E. quinqueseta sp. n., E. bezdezeusis sp. n., Shibata tatrica sp. n. S. coreaensis sp. nu, Thoria brevisensitla sp... Hammenia macrostella sp. t.; species incertae sedis et inquierenda are listed. Author's address: MILOSLAV ZACHARDA Institute of Landscape Ecology Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences Soil Biology Laboratory Na siidkdch 725, 370 05 Ceské Budéjovice Czechostovakia 439‘An elementary ecological investigation revealed demonstrably monovoltine species with season- dependent life cycles, and those with season-independent life cycles. A thelytoke parthenogenesis seems to be obligatory in natural populations in many species of the Rhagidiidae. ‘The present Czechoslovakian fauna of the Rhagidiidae comprises thirty-seven species: Ro- hustocheles montana sp. fe, Ry snucronata (WHLMANN), R. robusta sp. n., Re dentata sp. ray Re iricuspidata sp. n., Crassocheles muralis Sp. ., C. virgo Sp. fo, Riagiddia gigas (CANeSTRIND, R. diversicolor (C. L. Koc), R. punkva sp, n., Re ruseki sp... R. rackae sp. n., Laroempodia macro~ ‘empodiata sp. n., £. similis Sp. Me, Parallelorhagidlia evansi (STRANDTMANN & PRasse), Poecitophysis Jacroensis (TRAGARDH), P. pserudoreflexa sp. n., P. spelaea (WANKEL), P. pratensis (C. L. Koc), P. wankeli (ZActanDA), P. weyerensis (PACKARD), P. saxonica (WILLMANN), P. arena sp. na P. wolmsdorfensis (WILLMANN), Foreacheles oslocnsis (S16 THoR), F. brevichelae sp. n., F. rupestris: sp. n., Caecorhagidia clavifrons (CaNESTRIN), C. plitard! STRANDTMANN, Brevipalpia minima Sp. ty Evadorhagidia oblikensis sp. ne. E. bezdezensis sp. ny Shibaia longisensitla (Sina), S. tatrica sp. n., Thoria wniseta (Sic THOR), 7. breviseasitia sp. Ny Hammenia macrostelta sp. . CONTENTS. 1. Introduction 6 ee eee os 2. Material and methods... 2. seneensar mae 3. Morphology... ee ee tees 3.1. General morphology... - Decne sae 3.2. Notes on internal morphology. 5 2 ee Notes on functional morphology... 2 0 2 ee ee ee Evaluation of morphological characters . Plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters Troglomorphisms |. Edaphomorphisms Morphological adaptations of mouthparts to food Measuring quantitative characters, dorsal chaetotaxy symbols Developmental morphology... s+ + Len esie sere Systematic position of the Rhagidiidae 6. ee eee er: Rhagidiidae. ee eee |. List of the taxa... DoAOHART EGE SETS Fe eres Generic classification - aug Key to the genera of Rhagidiidae |... est Generic and specific diagnoses, keyes to the subgenera and! species Species incertae sedis et inquierenda . . 2 2. ee Eoology’ veg she ee Developmental stages occurrence and its seasonal changes in Rhagidiidae Discussion. - cere s PEP SAMMI EES «Oe Summary RETEE LETS PDMMMImmAN se ee 7, References se eee sete att 1, INTRODUCTION Predaceous mites of the family Rhagidtidae are commonly occurring representatives of the soil mesoedaphon in various habitats. Some rhagidiids are relati therefore they were described already in the first half of the 19th century (THoR & WILLMANN, 1941). Despite of this fact only few reliably diagnostic descriptions 490have existed up to the present. The reason of this state is that these mites are very uniform and diagnostic nature of important morphological characters was distin« guished as late as recently. Older specific descriptions are very cursory and usually make possible only an identification of the family. Unfortunately, only a few species can be distinguished according to reliable unique specific characters. The first com- prehensive systematic work on the genus Riugidia was published by WILLMANN (1963a). THOR and WILLMANN (1941) introduced the first taxonomic bibliography and Keyes to the species. They listed 3 genera, 37 certain and 8 uncertain species and 5 varieties. But using their paper, only a few species can be identified correctly. As late as recently R, W. StRaNDTMANN (Texas) distinguished diagnostic nature of important morphological characters in Eupodoidea and his works (STRANDIMANN, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1976, WomeRsLey & STRANDTMANN, 1963) are bases for the present systematics of the Rhagidiidae. STRANDMANN (1971) tried to elaborate a new key to the genera Rhagidia and Coccorhagidia, Unfortunately, many unrevised diagnostic characters were gleaned from THor & WILLMANN'S taxonomical biblio- graphy so that the applicability of this key has remained considerably restricted up to now. 1 have convinced myself of the fact that only a comprehensive revision of the world fauna described can help in identification of the Rhagidiidae. Thanks to many zoologists of the whole world I managed to get most of type material and literature. Unfortunately, some species remain unredescribed - their types have not been found up to now or they evidently do not exist. Only exceptionally my requests for the loans of the material were neglected. Acknowledgement T wish to thank all zoologists who helped me in whatever way in my work. They were namely Dr. C. Baber, Basle; Dr. E, W, Bakr, Beltsville, Maryland; Dr. M, DERTRAND, Montpellier: Dr. Y. Comeau, Banyulus -sur-Mer; Dr. J. Coorewas, Brussels: Dr. R, E. Cranttt, Jr, Was- hington, D. C.; Dr. D. R. Davis, ibid.; Dr. W. R, ELuiorr, Harlingen, Texas: Dr. L, vaw pew Hanae, Leiden; Dr. W. HinscHMann, Nuremberg: Dr. J. R. Hotsincer, Norfolk, Virgini Dr. M. CuvALa, Prague; Dr. T. Knonestept, Stockholm; Dr. M. Kussr, Prague; Dr H. Lew, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Dr. G. Mancuzai, Padova; Dr. A, MiNeti, ibid.; Dr. M, Naubo, Paris; Dr. GiseLa Rack, Hamburg; Dr. J. G. RopriGurz, Lexingion, Kentucky; Dr. J. RUSEK, Prague; Dr. T. Scwitss, Basle; Dr. R. Scuusten, Graz; Dr. R, W. STRANDTMANN, San Marcos, Texas; Dr. Joann M. Texonio, Honolulu, Hawaii; Dr. $. L. Tu eX, Copengahen; Dr. M. Va- cuon, Paris. Remark. This work was accomplished at the Department of Systematic Zoology, Charles University, Prague, 2. MATERIAL AND METHODS Descriptions of the rhagidiids presented in this paper apply not only to material revised, but also to my rich collections from Czechoslovakia, Also materials originating from collections of many fellow-workers were handled. 491Collection Tcollected the Rhagidiidae by hand-sorting employing a small glass aspirator containing 80 % aleohol for preservation. Collection of soil samples from various habitats and their desiccation in Berlese-Tullgren apparatus (Krantz, 1978) was more efficient, Pitfall traps, small jars about 3 inches in diameter, containing 3 % formaldehyde solution, proved to be suprisingly successful method of collection. These jars were sinked to a soil ground level and covered with a metal shelter. On the other hand, however, almost no thagidiids were extracted from soil samples if Tused a sampling cylindrical tool about 1.4 inches in diameter. Collected mites were always preserved in 80-96 % alechol. Preparation for study Long and crouched legs of the preserved rhagidiids are usually not providing an easy survey of important diagnostic characters, Standardized descriptions and especially drawings need a mite dr its organ lying in a certain fixed position. Therefore I had to use the following procedure: 8) Clearing, - I cleared the rhagidiids in lactic acid, 25 parts of 1.a., 75 parts of destilled water. The Rhagidiidae have a very fine tegument, therefore they must not be warmed up during macer- mt which is usually very rapid. b) Preparation, examination and drawing. - I used a temporary mount consisting of a cavity slide, a small coverslip, and lactic acid as the mounting medium. Immediately afier clear ing the dorsum and venter of the idiosoma could be examined and drawn. Dissections, however, were indispensable for investigations and drawings of particular details, e. g. rhagidial organs, chelicerae ete... I tore off the appendages, i. e. legs, pedipalps, chelicerae and hypostome, with the help of the finest entomological pins fixed in glass handles. The appendages were mounted into ular temporary preparations. I used standard microscopic slides, small coverslips of the size 555mm, and laetie acid as the medium. The coverslips were proved with small clods of soft paraffin vaseline in their corners serving as supporting litle legs. It enabled me to fix the particular ‘organs in requited positions without undesirable deformations. Moreover, a gentle schifting of the coverslip made possible to change the position of the organ examined. For these reasons mentioned above, permanent microscopic preparations are mostly unsuitable Tor reliable identification and drawings. struments, T used only a standard light microscope. 3. MORPHOLOGY The following part introduces essential morphological terms used in descriptions. Despite of the fact that these terms and opinions on the evolutionary evaluation of the morphological characters were taken over from literature (VAN DER HAMMEN, 1969, 1970a, b, c, 1977; EVANS ET AL., 1961; Krantz, 1970, 1978; STRANDTMANN, 1971), many data on the general and special morphology of the rhagidiids are new. 3.1. General morphology The body is soft, longitudinally oval, partly dorsoventrally fattened. In life these mites are of various color - white, yellowish, greenish, orange, pink and they are also often bearing color spots. The tegument is fine, with granular, finely spiny or striated sculpture. Only the hypostome, the chelicerae, the progenital lips and 492the epimeral sclerites, sometimes also small tegumental microselerites lying before the disjugal furrow, are heavily sclerotized. The chactotaxy of the body and of its appendages is represented by five morpho- logical types of setae; Pa Fig. L: Morphology of idiosoma (Robustocheles moana); A ~ dorsum, B= venter: ay —as — anal setae |—4, AO — anal opening, Apl ~ lateral prodorsal apodema, bhs basal hypostomal selae, Cos ~ circumeapitular suture, di, setae 1, 2, DS ~ disjugal suture (Turow), eh — external humeral seta, e! ~ external lumbar seta, EP3-1 - epimeres I~ IV, eps - cpimeral setae, es — external sacral seta, ev — external vertical seta, G — gnathosoma, H — hypostome, 1 —idiosoma, ICM — infra capitulum, ih - internal humeral seta, il —internal lumbar seta, is internal sacral seta, iv — internal vertical seta, lyi-4 ~ lyrifissures I —4,'N ~ naso, O— opisthosoma, P- prosoma, pags ~ paragenital selae, PD ~ prodorsum, pgs ~ progenital setae, PTR ~ pedipaipal trochanter, § ~ stethasoma, Se = scapular seta, sep — supraepimeral seta above epimera of pedipalpus, sepy ~ supraepimeral seta above epimera 1, SGO - secondary genital opening, shs ~ subterminal hypostomal seta, Si ~ sejugal interval, TR ~ trochanter, ir — uichobothrium, trs — trochanteral setae 1) Ciliated tectal seta in a pit (Fig. 4-J) ‘These setae represent most of body and appendages ones. The ciliated setae of the dorsum and appendages are mostly finely and sharply pointed. The noticeable exceptions are broad paddle shaped dorsodistal ciliated setae on tarsi II—IV in the 493species belonging to the genus Troglocheles (Fig. 69). On the venter, the ciliated setae are often terminally rounded, clavate or cut. 2) Nude tectal seta in a pit They are the cheliceral and the subapical hypostomal setae, and originally also the rutellum (See the gnathosoma, figs $—6). 3) Trichobothrium There is only one pair of thrichobothria in the Rhagidiidae. They are finely filiform, clavate, capitate or paddle shaped. The trichobothria are inserted in conspicuous bothridial pits. (Figs |—4, 8-R, S, 7). 4) Solenidia They are small nude sensorious setae on the terminal palpal segments and on the tarsi, tibiae and genua of the lengs. There are four morphological types of the solenidia: the rhagidial seta, the spiniform solenidion, the lanceolate seta in a deep pit with a terminal opening, the spiniform seta associated with the rhagidial organ IL (see below). (Fig. 4-D, E, F, G, H, J). 5) Stellate seta This seta (the famulus in some authors) is always associated with the rhagidial organs on tarsi I (For some dotails see the legs). (Fig. 4-D). Body subdivision The body consists of two main parts - the prosoma and the opisthosoma (Fig. 1). The dorsal boundary between these parts is represented by the transverse disjugal furrow. Ventrally, the boundary between pro - and opisthosoma lies just behind the epimercs of the legs IV. The prosoma is distally protruding into gnathosoma, a part of the body bearing the chelicerae and pedipalps. The pedipalpal epimeres are flattened, proximally fused and create a throughlike hypostome. The proximal part of the prosoma is called stethosoma which is protruding into an epivertex (naso). The legs are attached {o the stethosoma laterally, The opisthosoma has no appendages and it is terminally provided with a slot-like anal pore. The progenital opening is situated ventrodistally before the anal pore. The stethosoma and the opisthosoma together are called idiosoma. The body sub- division can be summarized in the following scheme (VAN DER HAMMEN, 1969): 494[ enathosoma prosoma | stethosoma idiosoma opisthosoma Gnathosoma Itis a distal prolongation of the idiosoma from which it is separated by the circum- capitular suture. The tegulum is not differentiated, both the rostral tectum and the camerostome are absent, The infracapitulum is anarthric and bearing the chelicerae and pedipalps. The pedipalpal epimeres are distiventrally protruded into the hypo- stome, Hypostome It is the distiventral prolongation of the pedipalpal epimeres which create the lateral hypostomal lips proximally fused. The hypostome is axially split from the apex to the middle. A small, often rudimentary underlip is tying proximally before the end of this split. The lateral hypostomal lips are separated from a genal region by striking arched sutures. Distally the hypostomal lips are pointed with internal and external malae (ANDRE, 1947)? The internal malae are often long, strong and styletform, but sometimes also short and gentle. The external malae are usually broad and membraneous. In the species with conspicuous edaphomorphisms (chapter 3.4.3.) the external and internal malae often fuse together creating a broad membrane- ous funnel (Fig. 5-F). The roof of the hypostome is created by a weakly sclerotized pharyngeal sclerite which is distally protruding into the labrum. In cases when the hypostome is terminally narrow and pointed with the styletform internal malae, the labrum is also styletform. But if the hypostome is terminated with the membrane- ous funnel, then the labrum is its part, The hypostomal chaetotaxy is arranged symetrically and almost constant within the family: 2 pairs of basal ciliated setae and 2 pairs of subterminal nude setae. Only one exception has been found up to now - there is only one pair of the nude subterminal setae in the genus Hanmenia (Fig, 122 The hypostomal rutellae are usually very short, but sometimes broad, roughly serrate along their outer margins. They can be observed dorsodistally before insertions of the subterminal nude setae (Figs 5-C, D), Chelicerae They are lying in the hypostomal trough. The chelicerae are always relatively large, chelate, with strong shears. The celicera consists of three parts - trochanter, 495Fig. 2: Morphology of idiosoma in lateral aspect ( Siibuia lougisensilla); at-3 ~ anal setae ~4, AO ~ anal opening, CH ~ chelicera, di-2 ~ dorsal setae 1, 2, DS ~ disjugal suture, eh ~ external humeral seta, EP1-1—epimeres I ~ IV, eps — epimeral setae, es — external sacral setae, ev — external vertical seta, G~ gnathosoma, H ~'hypostome, ICM ~infracapitulum, ih ~ internal humeral seta, il ~ internal lumbar seta,’ is ~ internal sacral seta, iv ~ internal vertical seta, lyi-a ~ lyr lissuires 14, N~ naso, O ~ opisthosoma, pags ~ paragenital setae, PD ~ prodorsum, pas ~ pro genital setae, PL — pedipalpus, $ ~ stethosoma, se - scapular sela, sep: - supracpimeral seta above pedipalpal epimera, sep ~ supraepimeral seta above epimera 1, SGO ~ secondary genital opening, Si ~ sejugal interval, tr ~ trichobothrium. 496Fig. 3: Vestigial opisthosomal segmentation in Shibaia longisensilla; 7 opisthosomal segments with correspondingly arranged chaetotaxy, ly1-s ~ Iyrifissures 1 —3. cheliceral body (principal cheliceral segment) and apotele. (Fig. 6). The trochanter is small and lying paraxially oblique under the cheliceral body. In the species Robusto- cheles montana, small spiracles of the tracheal system were clearly visible at the ventroapical bases of the cheliceral trochanters (Fig. 6). The cheliceral body is distally projecting with an immovable digit - the digitus fixus. The movable digit, =potele, is called the digitus mobilis. Within the cheliceral body the fan-like muscles are attached to the digitus mobilis. The cheliceral chaelotaxy is uniform: two, or seldomly only one, nude setae dorsally or dorsolaterally on the digitus fixus. Small uvula-like setae of unknown homology are ocurring on the inner basal side of the digitus fixus in a few species (Figs 4-K, L, M). The tip of the digitus fixus is often cusped. In a few species one of these terminal cusps descended and, in subterminal position, supports the tip of the shortened digitus mobilis (Figs. 46, 47, 54). The digitus mobilis is often finely serrate along its inner margin, but often also smooth The articulation region of the chelicera and the infracapitulum is soft, with possi- bility of cheliceral protrac.ion and retraction. In the quiet position the basal parts of the cheliceral body and trochanter are partly retracted in a certain soft infra- capitular pocket. 497Pedipalps They are the four-segmented infracapitular appendages. Their segments can be homologized as a short basal trochanter, long femur with more or less vestigial segmentation, short genu and terminal tibiotarsus, The apotele is absent (Figs 8-I-L), The pedipalpal chactotaxy is relatively variable within the family. The trochanter is always without any setae, the femur is mostly with two setae, sometimes also with only one seta, the genu is mostly with three setae and, in a few cases, with only two, or one, setae. The terminal tibiotarsus is bearing a various number of setae (9—14) and one small spiniform solenidion sometimes resembling the typical rhagi- dial seta (Fig. 114). There is also a minute thorn-like supraepimeral seta inserted laterally on the infracapitulum just above the articulation of the pedipalpal trochanter. Stethosoma The dorsal region between the epivertex and the transverse disjugal furrow is called prodorsum, The prodorsal chaetotaxy pattern (Fig. 1) is constant: only four pairs of prodorsal ciliated setae including the trichobothria The same chaetotaxy pattern is occurring also in the other families of Eupodoidea (Eupodidae, Penthaleidae, Penthalodidae) except for the family Strandimanniidae Zachara, 1979, where five pairs of the prodorsal setae are present. VAN DER HAMMEN (1969) described and named six pairs of the prodorsal setae in the evolutionary primitive prostigmatic mite Alyeus roseus (Pachygnathidae ). Consequently, the number of four pairs of the prodorsal setae seems to be a derivative one. The suggested homology of the prodorsal chaetotaxy in Alyeus, Rhagidia and ‘Strandimannia is in fig. 4, A“C. VAN DER HAMMEN’S terminology of the prodorsal chactotaxy differs from that suggested by Strandtmann for Eupodoidea (Stranot- MANN, 1971). Because STRANDTMANN’S terminology has been deep-rooted in this superfamily, there is no reason to change it. Both VAN DER HAMMEN’s and STRANDTMANN’S terminologies of the prodorsal chaetotaxy are compared in the table 1. Table 1, Descriptive terminology of the prodorsal ehaetorasy VAN DER HAMMEN (1969) to Alycurrsour STRANDTMANN (1971) (0 Eupndoidea rostral internal vertical anterior bothridial (=lamellar) trichobothrium anterior exobathridial external vertical posterior exobothridial scapular posterior bothridial absent in Eupodoidea. interbothridlial present only in the Strandtmanniidae 498Fig. 4: Homology of prodorsal chaetotaxy in Alyeus roseus (A, taken from V, d. HAMMEN, 1969), Strandimannia celtarnn (8), and Rhagidia gigas (C): bo ~ bothridial seta, ev ~ external vertical sela, in ~ interbothridial seta, ise ~ internal scapular seta, iv ~ internal vertical seta, le ~ anterior bothridial seta, ro ~ rostral seta, se ~ scapular seta, tr — trichobothrium, xa - anterior exobothri= dial seia; D, E ~ rhagidial organs | and Il in Poceilophysis arena: os ~ spiniform seta, #3 — tha- 499.Jial seta, ss ~ stellate seta, F ~ proximal part of rhagidial organ Il in Poccilophysis fueroensis, G, H ~ lanceolate seta in depression on tibia II in Foveacheles osioensis: Is ~ lanceolate seta, po — terminal pore; I — terminal part of tarsus in Foveucheles osloensis: AP ~ apotele, CLW ~ claw- let, CW ~ claw, EM ~ empodium, J ~ various types of leg setae in Poectlophysts arena: es ~ ciliated sel, rs rhagidial seta, sol ~ solénidion; K ~ cheliceral shears in Poecilophysis arena: uv — uvula; L.—cheliceral sherars in Rhagidia margareiae (ef, chapter 4.3.): uy ~ cheliceral uvulas; M — chi ceral uvulas in Rhagid/a margaretae (taken trom BaLrac, 1974); N — dorsobasal Iyrifissure (ly) ‘and corresponding cavity (ca) in Robustocheles hilli; O ~ the same (ef. item N) in profile, ‘The epivertex is usually strikingly developed and bearing one pair of internal vertical setae. The trichobothria are mostly filiform, but sometimes also paddle- shaped, capitate or clavate. The trichobothridial shape is evidently an adaptive character (cf. chapter 3.4.). The external vertical setae are inserted laterally to the trichobothria, The most proximal pair of the prodorsal setae are the strongest scapular ones. The stethosomal yapodemes« (cf. VAN DER HaMMEN, 1969) are usually hardly visible except for the anterior lateral and posterior lateral pairs of apodemes (Fig. I-A). The eyes without optical structures are sometimes distinct as the spots composed of dark pigment or silver grains and they are lying close to insertions of the external vertical or scapular setae, In many species the eyes are evidently absent or they are indistinct in the macer- ated material and, therefore, they are often neglected in the particular descriptions, The stethosomal venter comprises the region between the pedipalpal epimeres and epimeres of the legs IV included. Four pairs of the leg epimeres are distinctly divided by a sejugal interval into two groups. The first group consists of the epi- meres I, II and the second one of the epimeres III, IV. The epimeral tegument is usually heavily sclerotized and roughly granular, The weak tegument of a sternal region is finely striated. The chaetotaxy of the stethosomal venter is located and symetrically arranged on the epimeres. The numbers of setae inserted on the epi meres I, II, III, IV are called epimeral formulas in my descriptions (= coxal formulas in other authors). The lateral region of the stethosoma is glabrous with distinct conic leg attachment butts. The butts are ventrally supported by the epimeres. Minute supraepimeral thorn-like setae are inserted only above the epimeres of the legs I. Legs The trochanter is considered the first leg segment (VAN DER HAMMEN, 1977) attached to the pleural conic butt of the stethosoma. The following femur is usually strikingly divided by a transverse vestigial suture. The other segments are genu, tibia, tarsus and apotele. In the species Poecilophysis pratensis L observed also a dissinct vestigial segmentation of the tarsus (Fig. 56). The leg chaetotaxy consists of sharply pointed ciliated setae and special nude sensorious setae, The terminal apotele (Fig. 4) is always bearing three modified setae: two lateral claws, sometimes with minute basal clawlets, and one middle ciliated empodium. 500c D Fig. 5: Morphology of hypostome in Poecilaphysis macquariensis (A-D: A-C — ventral aspect, B-D ~ dorsal aspect), Troglocheles strasseri (E) and Evadorhagidia bezde-ensis (F): bhs ~ Basal hypostomal setac, EM ~ external mala, FU - terminal membranous funnel. IM — internal mala, LBR = labrum, LL. ~ lateral lip, PHS'— pharyngeal selerite, RU rutellum, shs— subterminal hhypostomal setae, VL ~ ventral lip (urderlip). The striking dorsal cupules, probably the lyrifissures, can be observed in articul- ation regions of tarsi-tibiae and tibiae-genua. These dorsobasal_ membraneous Cupules on tarsi and tibiae fit together with dorsodistal cavities on the persinent tibiae and genua (Figs 4-N, 0). I have not been able to distinguish greater details. Particular attention must be paid to the sensorious setae on the leg segments, They are solenidia and a stellate seta location and morphology of which are of important taxonomic significance. There are a few morphological types of the solenidia: rhagidial setae, spiniform solenidia, spiniform setae associated with rhagi- dial organs II and lanceolate setae on tibiae II. 501Rhagidial setae They are nude solenidia usually resembling capital »T« in the profile or they are banana shaped. The rhagidial setae are lying in shallow depressions dorsally on tarsi, tibiae and sometimes also on genua. Their groupings in the number of 2—12 are called rhagidial organs, The rhagidial organs are commonly located dorsally on tarsi [and IT, But there is an exception in the species Flabellorhagidia pecki which has the rhagidial organs even on tarsi III. In my descriptions the rhagidial organs are signed as the rhagidial organs 1, If, I!1 according to their leg pertinence. Except for the rhagidial organs, a small dorsodistal rhagidial seta is commonly occurring on the tibia I. In the species belonging to the subgenera Foveacheles s.str. and Mirschmannetta, this tibial rhagidial seta is in a deep depression resembling the dorsodistal lanceolate seta on the tibia IL In the rhagidial organs, the insertion pits of the rhagidial setae are either separated one from another or they are confluent in various degrees. In the genus Shibaia, the typical rhagidial setae are even on tibiae HI, 111, IV and genua 1, I, III, and they substitute usual small spiniform soleni Spiniform solenidia The smatl nude spiniform solenidia commonly occur on tibiae I-IV (Fig. 4), on genua I—IIl, exceptionally also on genu IV. In a few species they are also on tarsi I and II, No solenidia have been observed on femur in the Rhagidiidae up to now. The terminal palpal segment is also bearing one small solenidion. These spini- form solenidia are usually strikingly erected from the tegument, but sometimes they are lying in shallow depressions resembling small rhagidial setae, e. g. in Ro- bustocheles montana (Fig. 11). In the species belonging to the genus Shibaia, the spiniform solenidia are evidently substituted by the rhagidial setae of corresponding location on the pertinent leg segments. Spiniform seta associated with rhagidial organ IT This solenidion is absent only exceptionally and its location is always proximal or laterally proximal to the rhagidial organ I (Fig. 4). Lanceolate seta It is always dorsodistally on the tibia TI. In the profile, it is usually lanceolate and mostly it is lying in a deep closed pit with a terminal pore (Fig. 4). In the species belonging to the genera Traegaardhia, Hammenia, Troglocheles and in Poecilophysis spelaea and Robustocheles robusta the insertion pit of this lanceolate seta is broadly open. In the representatives of the genus Flabellorhagidia and Elliotta the lanceolate 502seta is hypertrophied, conspicuously large and lying in a broadly open insertion pit. This unusually large lanceolate seta was named flabellum by Ettiot (1976), In the species belonging to the genera Arctorhagidia, Eskimaia, Shibaia and Tubero- stoma, these setae resemble the typical rhagidial setae in shallow surface depressions. The lanceolate setae can be homologized with the solenidia. Stellate seta This special seta is always associated with the rhagidial organ T in a laterodorsal Position. Being observed from above, the seta is star-like (Fig. 4). In the species belonging to the genus Shibaia (Figs 111, 112, 114), this stellate seta is exceptionally Jong and it consists of a ciliated stem, a subapical wreath and an apical cupola. In most species the stem and its lateral branches are very short. But in Hanmtenia macrosiella the lateral branches are enormously enlarged (Fig. 122). The stellate seta (Tentakelorgan in the German literature) can be considered a farmulus (KRANTZ, 1978: 27-28), Opisthosoma The opisthosoma, often with striking distilateral shoulders, is dorsodistally limited by a disjugal furrow (Fig. 1-A). The slot-like anal pore is terminal. The progenital Fig. 6; Morphology of chelicera and respiratory system in Rohustocheley montana (A, B) and Riagidia diversicolor (Cy, BO ~ cheliceral body, DF ~ digitus fixus, DM ~ digits mobllis, ev — insertion pit of external vertical seta, Sp - spiracle, Ta - prineipal tracheal stem, Tr ~ trochanter of ehelicera, tr ~ insertion pit of trichobothrium, Trs ~ trochanteral suture 503opening is bracketed by progenital lips and it is located ventrally before the anal pore. The dorsal opisthosomal chaetotaxy is constant and symetrically arranged transverse rows. Two pairs, internal and external, of humeral setae are in the first row, just behind the disjugal furrow. Two dorsal setae 1 and two dorsal setae 2, two internal and two external lumbar setae, and two internal and two external sacral setae are in the rows 2—S, respectively (Fig. I-A). Sometimes one or two pairs of anal setae bracketing the anal opening in the number of four pairs can be also situated dorsally on the opisthosoma. The opisthosomal segmentation is sometimes well visible. It seems that »unseg- mented« opisthosoma is rather a result of maceration when the opisthosoma becomes fiatulent by osmotic pressure. I often observed vestigial opisthosomal segmentation in hardened thagidiids cought in pitfall traps containing 3% formaldehyde solution even a certain time after maceration. On the other hand, however, the same species preserved only in alcohol were macerated much more rapidly and their bodies were without any vestiges of the opisthosomal segmentation. This phenomenon was the most striking in the material of Shibaia longisensilla, In such specimens the arrangement of the dorsal opisthosomal chaetotaxy was quite corresponding to this opisthosomal segmentation. It seems that the opisthosoma consists of seven distinguishable segments (Fig. 3). In addition to this dorsal chaetotaxy arrangement, the opisthosomal segmentation is partly distinguishable also according to repeating Iyrifissures (ef. VAN DER HAMMEN, 1969) in the number of four pairs. Three pairs of the opisthosomal Iyrifissures are laterodorsal, one, the most proximal pair is rather lateroventral (Figs 1, 2, 3). Genital region “The primary genital opening (Fig. 7) is located terminally on a female ovipositor or on a male penis (genital papilla). The secondary slot-like genital opening is located ventrally before the anal opening and it is bracketed by a pair of heavily sclerotized progenital lips bearing short ciliated progenital setae arranged serially in various numbers. Short ciliated paragenital setae symetrically bracket the progenital lips. The number of four to five progenital setae is common in the holarctic species and an increased number of six to seven progenitals is rather exceptional, On the contrary, the number of six or more progenitals is common in the species from Antarctica and subantaretic isles, Paragenitals are usually occurring in the number of four to five pairs, Only exceptionally this number can be increased. The progenital lips cover a progenital atrium (Fig. 7) inside with two pairs of progenital bladderform disks (papillae). In females, a retracted tubular ovipositor bearing wreathes of ciliated internal cugenital setae is well visible between these pairs of the disks. 1 observed the protruded ovipositor in a few species preserved and there are evidently interspecific differences in its morphology. In males, the particular structures of the progenital atrium are different. There is a pair of the 504horizontal wing-like internal eugenital flaps protruded from the walls of the atrium below the progenital disks. These eugenital flaps are bearing small ciliated eugenital setae. The penis is placed between the eugenital internal flaps. The male genitals are described in greater detail in the chapter 3.2. See 7 & 7 6 Fig. 7: Morphology of erected ovipositors in Foreacheles asloensis (A), Thoria brevisensilia (B), Foveacheles rupetstris (C), and male genitals in Poecilophysis speluea (D-G): AG, glands 1, 2, 3; EGL1, » ~ cugenital lip 1, 2; (1 ~ anterior, 2 ~ posterior); egs ~ eugenital selae, GP ~ genital papilla, © - ovipositor, pags ~ paragenital setae, PGA — progenital atrium, PGL 2 Brogenital lip, PGO = primary genital opening, pgs ~ progenital setae, PP — progenital knob, SGO ~ secondary genital opening, T ~ testis, VD ~ pennial duct (vas deferens), 505Anal region The slot-like anal opening is bracketed by distinct paraproctal lips located termin- ally or subterminally on the opisthosoma. There are four pairs of lateral anal ciliated setae arranged serially along the paraproctal lips. One or two pairs of the anal setae can be shifted to the dorsal opisthosomal region (Figs 1, 2) 3.2, Notes on internal morphology From time to time 1 had opportunities to observe interesting internal morpho- logical details in the cleared specimens of a few species. They were: Digestive system The digestive system begins with a mouth opening dorsally covered with a labral sclerite, Lateroventral walls of the mouth cavity are created by the hypostomal lips. Then the mouth cavity continues into a tubular sucking pharynx. There are a few groups of wing-like transverse muscles laterally attached to the pharyngeal walls. The pharynx continues into a capillary oesophagus leading into a sac-like ventriculus. T have never observed other parts of the digestive system. Respiratory system The respiratory tracheal system begins with a pair of inconspicuous slot-like spiracles located ventroproximally on inner side of the cheliceral trochanter (Fig. 6). The spiracles are bracketed by distinet peritremal sclerites. The spiracles are the openings of the principal tracheal stems which are ultimately branched. One pair of these branches leads into the gnathosoma, the other branches lead to the legs 1, 11, HII, and to internal idiosomal organs, and, probably, also to the legs IV. I have not distinguished other finer branching. The spiral taenidium is well visible on the walls of the principal tracheal stems, Reproductive system Males and females can be easily distinguished according to their external genitals. The female reproductive system seems to consist of only one large ovary consisting of many oocytes of various size. The ovary is located between the progenital lips and the epimeres TV (Fig. 113). One or a few darkbrown, bean shaped eggs can be often observed in the opisthosomal cavity. The ovipositor with many ciliated setae wreathly arranged is retracted in the progenital atrium under the progenital lips. The primary genital opening is located terminally on the ovipositor. Two pairs of 506bladderform progenital disks are laterally on the walls of the progenital atrium In the preserved specimens the ovipositor is sometimes erected and protruding from the secondary genital opening between the progenital lips (Fig. 7). The male reproductive organs conspicuously differ from the female ones. An incidentally successful temporary preparation of the male of Poecilophysiy spelaea enabled me to observe morphological details of the male reproductive system in the following order (Fig. 7): The outer progenital lips cover the progenital atrium with two pairs of the bladderform progenital disks. Under these disks the atrium is divided horizontally by a pair of inner anterior wing-like eugenital flaps, each bearing five ciliated anterior eugenital setae. Posteriorly between these flaps the penis with a terminal porus (a mouth of a pennial duct) is protruding, Under the eugenital flaps a sperm duct is getting out of an elongated unpaired clobform testis (a sperm sac: STRANDTMANN, 1971). The proximal part of the sperm duct is conspicuously thick, the distal part is relatively thin and opens out terminally on the penis. In a ventral aspect, a long accessory gland I is lecated above the thinner part of the sperm duct. A flagelliform duct of the gland I leads into the penis. A large voluminous saeform accessory gland II is lying under the thinner part of the sperm duct. A short tubular duct of the gland 11 also leads into the penis. An accessory gland III is located under the gland I]. The gland III consists of two parts. Its proximal paired part is covered by a pair of small posterior eugenital flaps, each bearing three short ciliated cugenital setae. The large unpaired sacform part of this gland is located just under the accessory gland II. The only one, broad mouth of the gland II] ‘opens out in the proximal part of the progenital atrium, just before the penis. This outlet is covered by the posterior eugenital flaps mentioned above There is a certain resemblance between the arrangements of the genital structures in Poeciliphysis spelaea, and Neomolgus littoralis (Bdellidae) (Enana, 1960), or the erythraeid Sphacrolophus cardinalis (ef. Wirre, 1977). But an evident simplification of the genitals must be taken into consideration in the rhagidiids (EVANs et al., 1961: 22). 3.3. Notes on functional morphology ‘The Rhagidiidae have long legs of a running type which commonly occur in pre- dators. It is noticeable that the leg solenidia are of a few morphological types such as the rhagidial setae, the spiniform solenidia or the lanceolate sota in the deep inser- tion pit (ef. chapter 3.1.). According to my opinion, there is only one explanation the solenidia are assumed to be special chemoreceptors (EVANS et al., 1961; KRANT2, 1978). It is expectable that the leg chemoreceptors can be differentiated into the main and secondary ones. Only the legs I and Il, exceptionally III, can serve like some antennae and, therefore, the rhagidial organs - the main chemoreceptors, are also located on the legs mentioned above. This is also the reason why the rhagidial organs L are commonly more developed than the rhagidial organs TI. The other types of 307solenidia are probably the secondary chemoreceptors. Their special morphology is probably connected with their location and, maybe, special function. ‘The function of the stellate seta is obscure, it evidently complements the rhagidial organ T, 34, Evaluation of morphological characters Classificatory problems usually require evaluation and distinction of evolutionary primitive, plesiomorphic and derived, apomorphic morphological characters (HEN- MiG, 1950). But only commonly occurring derivative, i. e. synapomorphic characters are of classificatory use. On the contrary, the unique derivative, i. e. autapomorphic characters are often excellent specific ones, but they are worthless for a classification. VAN DER HAMMEN (1969) suggested a specification of evolutionary primitive cha racters in the superorders Aerino- and Anactinotrichida, In order to distinguish the primitive plesiomorphic and the adaptive apomorphie characters in the Rhogidiidae, Thad tried to apply his opinions to my material. Then the synapomorphic characters became bases for a new generic classification of the rhagidiids (chapter 4.1.2.). 3.4.1. Plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters characters Plesiomorp! The body is for the greater part only faintly sclerotized. There are coloured pigment grains in the hypodermis, especially in larger he- miedaphic species bearing no vestiges of troglomorphism or edaphomorphism (chapters 3.4.2; 3.4.3.). ‘The body consists of prosoma and opisthosoma, the prosoma i soma and stethosoma. The prodorsal subdivision by one or two transverse furrows - never observed in the Rhagidiidae. The opisthosoma presents a distinct segmentation, there are primitively no separate tergites, sternites and pleurites. The question of the opisthosomal segmentation is discussed above (chapter 3.1. - opisthosoma), seven distinguishable opisthosomal segments have been observed at most. The prosomal eyes are often present especially in the large hemiedaphic species. ‘The eyes have no special dioptric structures. ‘The gnathosoma presents an anarthric infracapitulum. There are a labrum, a pair of lateral lips, and a primitive unpaired underlip. There are adoral setae, a pair of which is frequently developed into rutellae. The chelicerae consist of three segments: trochanter, principal cheliceral segment, and apotele. The epimeral (coxal) region of the chelicerae is functioning as sheath. The epivertex is always present. ‘The number of only four pairs of the prodorsal setae is evidently derivative. its turn of gnatho- 508‘The number of only four pairs of opisthosomal lyrifissures must be also derivative. The primary cugenital orifice debouches into a progenital atrium, the secondary progenital orifice is longitudinal. The number of only two pairs of progenital disks seems to be a derivative one. | have not been able to distinguish how many opistho- somal segments the longitudinal progenital atrium comprises. The distinet ventral sejugal interval corresponding to an endosternite is present, The cheliceral frame is still nothing but only the front wall of the body. The solenidia are present on genua, tibiae and tarsi (on femora they have not been observed). Two lyrifissures seem to be present on the legs - in articulation regions between tarsi and tibiae, and between tibiae and genua. The characters such as the coxal glands, their debouching, the articulation of the leg segments and the tarsal chaetotaxy pattern have not been examined. As shown above, the general morphology of the Rhagidiidae presents a mosaic of plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters. The number of the plesiomorphic characters is considerable. Apomorphic characters The Rhagidiidae seem to be originally surface or near-surface soil inhabitants. Secondarily they can be strikingly morphologically adapted to life within the soil or caves. Consequently, I interpret their derivative apomorphic characters as adapta- tions to special environments. In this connection I distinguish special morphological adaptations of genuine troglobitic species to cave environment - troglomor- phisms, and adaptations to a soil environment in the euedaphic species - edapho- morphisms. Also the morphology of mouthparts is evidently adaptive in the rhag- ds. Derivative characters commonly occurring in the Rhagidiidae can be considered evolutionary parallelisms. There is no evidence about convergenees. 3.4.2. Troglomorphisms It is well known that the rhagidiids commonly occur in caves (WoLF, 1934—193 THOR & WILLNANN, 1941). It is often a subject of discussion whether the species found in a eave are genuine troglobitie or only troglophilous ones. Vane. (1964) pointed out the fuct that the genuine troglo ids are rather scarce, It is not surprising because most of rhagidiids prefere cool, moist and dark habitats. HoLSINGER (1965) considered the absence of eyes and depigmentation in Poccilophysis weyerensis and Foveacheles holsingeri adaptations to life within the caves. ELLIOTT (1976) considered the species Flabellorhagidia pecki and F. howarthi ycave adapted thagidiids« on the basis of their »great attenuation of the legs and setae, eyelessness, and the high degree of sensory development.« The seme author (ibid,) pointed out 509that though Rhagidia grahami, also found in the cave, is eycless, it shows no obvious adaptation to cave «dwelling, such as great attenuation of legs or setae and, therefore, it should be considered a troglophile, 1 quite agree to his opinion. Only striking morphological adaptations to cave habitats together with exclusive cave-dwelling can indicate genuine troglobitic species. Morphological adaptations to a cave habitat are known in many groups of animals and they can be considered either phylogenetic convergences or parallelisms. Relative- ly spacious caves, usually with high air moisture, a darkness, only small temperature fluctuations and sometimes also a compact substratum, enable edaphon to live epigeically. There is no doubt that eyelessness, depigmentation and attenuated and clongated appendages and chaetotaxy are supported in their development under these conditions. Orientation in dark spacious caves requires special and efficient sensory organs which are usually noticeably developed. I suggest to call these morphological adaptations to a cave environment apomorphic troglomorphisms. The synapo- morphic troglomorphisms are adaptive trends commonly occurring in various cave inhabitants. For instance, they are elongation «ind attenuation of the chaetotaxy and body appendages, especially locomotory ones and those bearing special sensory organs, depigmentation and desclerotization of the tegument, eyelessness, sometimes also body enlarg:ment. The autapomorphic troglomorphisms are specific and unique, e. g. a specific development and arrangement of the chaetotaxy and sensory organs, te, In the Rhagidiidae both synapomorphic and autapomorphic troglomorphisms occur various combinations and developmental degrees. The synapomorphic troglomorphisms are attenuation and elongation of the chelicerae, pedipalps, legs and chaetotaxy, depigmentation of the very fine tegument and sometimes also the eyelessness. The autapomorphic troglomorphisms are of various nature, e. g. in troglobitic Flabelforhagidia pecki the rhagidial organ occurs even on the tarsus II, or in the species belonging to the genus Troglocheles the number of rhagidial setae is unusually increased, Also the sensory lanceolate seta on tibia IT is often strikingly enlarged (fabellum: ELtiorT, 1976) and lying in a superficial, broad and open pit, from which it is also often protruding. ‘One must stress that in some species the troglomorphisms of the particular organs are not developed synchronously. For instance, in Traegaardhia dalmatina the chelic- erae and legs are troglomorphic, but its rhagidial organs seem to be rather reduced and also eyes are still visible. These phenomena of mosaic troglomorphisms are probably connected with phylogenetic age of the troglobitic species and, maybe, also with specific environmental selectivity. The paddle shaped dorsodistal ciliated setae on tarsi I-IV in the species belong- ing to the genus Troglocheles are probubly also autapomorphic troglomorphisms, but their special function is obscure. In many troglobitic rhagidiids the enormously attenuated and elongated chelicerae, 510especially cheliceral shears are evidently adapted to mobile prey catching (ef, Karo, 1962), mostly cave Collembola. In the troglophilous species, e. g, in most representatives of the genus Poceilophysis, the fine and depigmented tegument and sometimes also eyelessness occur. But no other typical troglomorphisms can be seen in these troglophilous mites which are also commonly occurting in moist, cool and dark habitats outside the caves. ‘The examples of troglomorphisms in the Rhagidiidae are presented in figs 5, 8, 9. 3.4.3. Edaphomorphisms Investigations on vertical distribution of the soil mites have revealed that most of them are surface or near-surface dwelling and only relatively few species inhabit deeper soil layers (EvaNs et al., 1961). Gisin (1943) related a vertical distribution and corresponding morphological adaptations in Collembolu, und categorized edaphon into eu-, hemi-, ep-, and hyperedaphon. Kare (1962) evaluated relations between the vertical distribution and specialization in feeding habits and morphology in the soil Mesastigmata. DuNGeR (1964) reviewed adaptations of Oribate’ to their vertical soil distribution and food. The mesophilous hemiedaphobionts seem to be original both in ecological and morphological viewpoints and they are also commonest. They occur in the upper- most soil layers, but they are not exclusively surfuce dwelling, however. They are without any special morphological adaptations to extremely moist or dry environment or life within the soil. Within the framework of a certain mesoedaphic animal group the hemiedaphic species are of medium size, their tegument is considerably sclerotized and pigmented. Their nonspecialized appendages and chaetotaxy are of medium length, the eyes are well developed, other sensory organs are without vestiges of specialization. Gisin (1943) distinguished also morphological adaptations to extreme moisture in Collembola. The epedaphic species are exclusively surface dwelling and, in comparison with the hemiedaphic ones, they are larger, heavily sclerotized and pigmented, their chaetotaxy is usually more numerous and the legs are very long. Their tegument is sometimes protected with exudations or with accumulated exuviae such as in some Oribatei. Fig. 8: Adaptive morphological characters in Rhagidiidae; A — E: chagidial organs 1: A, B— in hemiedaphic Ahagidia yigas and Robustocheles monrana, respectively, C, D- in eucdaphic Pa- rallelorhagidia evansi and Brevipalpia miuima, respectively, E ~ in troglobitic Troglocheles strassert sl. Lz FH: lanceolate seta on tibia 11: F ~ in hemiedaphic Foveacheles osloensis, G ~ in troglobitic Poecitophysis spelaca, HM — in (roglobitie Elfiorta howarthi; 1 L: pedipalps: | - in troglabitie Troglocheles strassert s. |., J — in hemiedaphic Rhagidlia gigas, K ~ in hemiedaphie Robustocheles montana, L ~ in euedaphic Brevipalpia minima; M~ P: tarsus 1 (in prolile): M — in troglabitic Troglocheles sirasseri sl 1, N ~ in hemiedaphic Rhagiia gigas, O in hemiedaphic Robustocheles ‘montana, P ~ in euedaphi¢ Brevipalpia minima; R ~T: trichobothria: R ~ in hemiedaphic Rhagidia gigas, S~ in euedaphie Poccilophysiy saxoniea, T — in euedaphic Brevipalpia minima,The euedaphic species usually profere deeper soil layers and therefore they are conspicuously morphologically adapted to life within the siol. In comparison with hemiedaphic species they are small, their tegument is desclerotized and depigmented, the appendages are strikingly shortened, the length and the number of chaetotaxy are reduced, the eyes are more or less reduced or quite absent. However, their special sensory organs are well developed and structurally complicated. These morphological adaptations correspond to soil environment with relatively high air moisture, perma- nent darkness and very limited interior spaces. This is the reason why certain morpho- logical adaptations of the euedaphobionts resemble troglomorphisms in the troglob- ionts. They are the tegument desclerotization and depigmentation, eyelessness and well developed sensory organs. However, the other morphological adaptations are special euedaphic ones: the body is cut down in size, the appendages and chactotaxy are shortened, the number of setae is usually decreased. In this way the adaptive trends both in troglobitic and euedaphic edaphon can be clearly distinguished. Consequently, any fusion of the terms »cavernicolous ( globitic)« and »microcavernicolous (=euedaphic)« is erroneous. I suggest to call the morphological adaptations to life within the soil edapho- morphisms, and synapomorphic and autapomorphic ones can be distinguished It is expectable that the vertical distribution and corresponding edaphomorphisms can show many interstages. But Gistn (1943) pointed out that in Collembola the interstages are relatively scarce. According to KanG (1962) many soil Mesostigmata inhatit only sharply limited soil layers whilst many other species are not strictly vertically distributed. DUNGER (1964) stressed that morphological adaptations to a soil environment are not equal in all edaphic mites. For instance in oribatids, the differences between hemiedaphic and euedaphic morphological types are relatively small and with many gentle interstages. Consequently, the evaluation of apomorphic edaphomorphisms require a cautious and individual approach In the Rhagidiidae both the synapomorphic and the autapomorphic edaphomor- phisms are developed in various degrees. The hemiedaphic rhagidiids are large, re- latively heavily sclerotized, mostly pigmented and with eyes. Their appendages are of medium length (cf. trogiomorphisms), the terminal palpal segments and the tarsi are slender, the rhagidial organs consist of the rhagidial setae arranged serially or oblique in the numbers of three to four. The sharply pointed chaetotaxy is not shorten- ed and reduced in its number, the trichobothria are filiform, the empodia are slender and narrow, and usually reaching arches of the claws. The troglophilous hemiedaphic species, e. g. Poecilophysis wankeli, P. weyerenensis, P. faeroensis, etc., have a very fine and depigmented tegument, but no other troglomorphic characters. The exelusi- vely epedaphic rhagidiids have not been distinguished up to now. The largest non-cave dwelling species, e. g. Rhagidia gigas or Foveacheles osloensis, are easily observable running here and there in the litter, but they are small enough to occupy also appropri- ate soil spaces. Therefore they are ep-hemiedaphic. Also no special morphological 513adaptations to extremes of moisture have been distinguished except for the fine tegument in the troglophilous species. The thagidiids commonly prefer moist habitats in which predominantly large surface or near-surface dwelling species occur. On the other hand, in dry habitats these species are relatively scarce or quite absent, or they occur only in winter (a bio- logical adaptation, ef. chapter 5.). Extremely dry habitats, however, such as rocky steppes with a poor vegetation and soil, are inhabited mostly by small euedaphie spe- cies, e. g. Crassocheles virgo and C. muralis, Latoempodia macroempodiata or Thoria brevisensilta, Many small rhagidiids are strikingly edaphomorphic. The synapomorphie edapho- morphisms are a small body size, desclerotization and depigmentation of the te- gument, eyelessness. The appendages are shortened, especially their terminal seg- ments. The shortened chaetotaxy becomes thick and terminally clavate or capitate. Owing to length reduction of the leg segments, the pertinent chaetotaxy changes its location or sometimes disappears. There are many concrete examples of the edapho- morphisms in the Rhagidiidae: the shortened chaetotaxy and clavate trichobothria unrelated edaphomorphic species Parallelorhagidia evansi, Hanmenia macrostella, Brevipalpia minima or Tuberostoma gressitti and T. keithi. The rhagidial setae become parallel on the shortened tarsi and their number is often reduced, e. g. in Brevipalpia minima, Crassocheles muralis and. C. virgo, Latoempodia macroempodiata and L. similis, Parallelorhagidia evansi and P. havvaiiensis, Tuberostoma gressittt and T. keithi. The terminal palpal segment is usually almost globular with a reduced number of thick setae, the tarsus I is relatively very short and forward suddenly rounded. The number of setae on the epimeres III, and of the progenital and paragenital setae is sometimes reduced, e. g. in Brevipalpia minima and Hammenia macrostella. These synapomorphic edaphomorphisms are also in other soil prostigmatic mites, e. g. in the representatives of the genus Coccorydeus (Tydeidae). Woon (1965) pointed out that the species belonging to Coccotydeus were most abundant in mineral soil stratum, deeper than four centimetres, whilst they were few in the uppermost soil layers. The unique autapomorphic edaphomorphisms, as far as they are correctly disting- hed, are often conspicuous. For instance, they are the unusually broaden fan- shaped empodia on the tarsi I in the representatives of the genus Latoempodia, In the species Hammenia macrostella the rhagidial organ | is reduced but its stellate seta is enormously enlarged. Also the very short epivertex in Crassocheles virgo seems to be an adaptive edaphomorphism. Analogically as in the troglomorphisms, also various combinations and develop- mental degrees of edaphomorphisms occur. For instance, in the genus Coccorhagidia, the species C. clavifrons is less edaphomorphic than C. pittardi, whilst in probably related species Brevipalpia minima the adaptive edaphomorphic characters are most conspicuous. In the Antarctic genus Tuberostoma the same phenomenon can be observed in a specific succession 7. leechi, T. keithi and T. gressitti. 1 must stress, wh 54however, that the origin of edaphomorphisms is not quite clear in these species The representatives of the genus Tuberostonta seem to be too large to inhabit the soil G.tss (1967) mentioned a porous volcanic substratum in the habitats of Tuberostoma gressitti, Maybe that this porous substratum played the same selective role in the rise of edaphomorphisms in large Tuberostoma species, as the porous soil did in the cases of other smaller cuedaphic rhagidiids. The same phenomenon can be also discussed in large edaphomorphic« species Arctorhagidia marichammerae and A. sateri, or in Eskimaia capitata, Only further detailed autecological investigations can clear up these problems. In the species Rhagidia rackae the edaphomorphisms are very inconspicuous. ‘The adaptive changes such as the morphology of rhagidial organs, the shape of tarsus | and its chaetotaxy location, the reduction of chaetotaxy on the terminal palpal segment, are relatively small. Analogically, in Poecilophysis saxonica and P. arena the edaphomorphisms are only vestigial: their trichobothria are thick, but not conspi- cuously clavate, the terminal segments of legs and pedipalps are slightly shortened, etc. In strikingly edaphomorphic Crassocheles virgo the trichobothria are only shorien- ed, but still filiform. There is an obscure situation in evaluation of the genus Evadorhagidta. Its repre- sentatives are relatively large with long and slender appendages and chaetotaxy commonly occurring in typical surface dwelling hemiedaphobionts, The rhagidial organs I and Il, however, consist of parallel rhagidial setae crowded dorsodistally on the tarsi, Moreover, only three rhagidial setae in the rhagidial organs in Evaclor hagidia janetschekt, E, bezdezensis and also only two rhagidial setae in the rhagidial organ IT in E. oblikensis seem to be secondarily reduced numbers. Also the epimeres III bear only four setae. But all these characters were distinguished as the typical adaptive edaphomorphisms (see above). Consequently, there is a question: could not the Evadorhagidia-species be originally euedaphic, whilst they are rather hemiedaphic, but still tearing well preserved edaphomorphisms, at present? The originally edapho- morphic parallel arrangement of the rhagidial setae continues while the appendages and chaetotaxy were adaptively elongated and attenuated, Maybe that also vestigial edaphomorphisms are in the Thoria-species with reduced rhagidial organs and solenidia and with only four sete on the epimeres Il, Some of the most conspicuous edaphomorphisms are in fig. 8. 3.4.4. Morphological adaptations of mouthparts to food As to my knowledge, these questions were studied only in predatory soil Afeso- stigmata by KARG (1962). EHRNSBEREGR (1977) promised new data on feeding habits in the Rhagidiidae, but his paper was not yet published when I prepared my ma- nuscript. Kare (ibid) found in the predaceous Mesostigmata that their chelicerae are distinctly adapted to the prey caught and he distinguished three groups of pre- dators. 151) Polyphagous predators. - Their chelicerae have shorter and robust shears bearing teeth of various size on inner margins of the digitus fixus and mobilis. 2) Predators specialized to soil mites and Collembola.- Their cheliceral shears are long and slender, with backward fastening teeth 3) Predators specialized to soil Nematoda. - Their chelicerae have only very short shears bearing lockslike arranged groups of teeth. Unfortunately, there are no detailed data on the feeding habits of the rhagidiids available at present but they should be published soon (EHRNSBERGER, 1977). Acoord- ing to Giess (1977) the Antarctic species Tuberostoma gressitti fed on the mite Stereotydeus sp. in the laboratory. I personally observed the species Poecilophysis spelaea feeding on Collembola in caves in the Moravian Kars, Czechoslovakia. Analogically to the predatory soil Mesostigmata, the mouthparts in the Rhagidiidae seem to be morphologically adapted to food. The large representatives of the genera Poecilophysis, Troglocheles, Eliiotta, Flabellorhagidia or Traegaardhia have their cheliceral shears long and attenuated, often arched and evidently adapted to grasping a mobile and voluminous prey, probably larger hemiedaphic Colfembola. The hypostomes of these mites have their labra and internal malae conspicuously stylet- form and probably also piercing a prey grasped with the chelicerae Most of representatives of other genera have their cheliceral shears much shorter and robust, and probably serving for grasping a non-voluminous prey such as smaller Collembola, Acarina or their younger developmental stages. In these species, ©, g. the representatives of the genera Robustocheles, Rhagidia, Foreacheles etc., the termin= al hypostomal parts are also sharply pointed. Maybe these mites are polyphagous predators. In the species belonging to the genera Evadorhagidia, Hammenia, Thorla, Crasso- cheles and Latoempodia, the hypostome is provided with a terminal membraneous funnel and the chelicerae have short shears. Moreover, these species are usually strikingly edaphomorphie and they can be considered soil spaces dwelling. Analogi ly to Mesostigmata (KaRG, 1962), these rhagidiids can eventually be considered predators specialized to soil Nematoda. Their membraneous hypostomal funnels (Fig. 5) could bear a morphological adaptation for sucking liquid body content of the prey. ‘Undoubtedly, the chelicerae with short and robust shears, e. g. in Robustocheles ‘montana, are original in the developmental viewpoint. The derivative cheliceral types are those with short but slender shears, such as in Robustocheles mucronata, R, dentata o R. tricuspidata, Their fixed digits still bear an inner pracbusal tooth, a remnant of an originally enlarged inner margin of the digitus fixus. In this case also the dorso- proximal cheliceral seta remains still close to the joint of the digitus mobilis. The next cheliceral adaptation consists in elongation and attenuation of the arched che- liceral shears, such as in the representatives of the genera Poccilophysis, Troglocheles, Flabellorhagidia, In these cases the dorsoproximal cheliceral seta is shifted forward and located strikingly distally to the joint of the digitus mobilis. 516Fig. 9: Developmental sequence of chelicerac in Rhagidiidae: A - Robustocheles montana, B— Robusiocheles dentata, C ~ Rhagidia gelida, D ~ Rhagitdia gerlachel, E- Poecilophysis metcyuatlensis, F Troglochetes strasserts, |, G ~ Elliotia howarthi. 37The various cheliceral types occurring in the Rhagidtidae are arranged in a deve- Topmental sequence in fig. 9. 3.5. Measuring quantitative characters, dorsal chaetotaxy symbols length of body - distance between epivertex and opisthosomal apex length of legs - distance between trochanter and apotele, trochanter included, claws and empodium excluded length of hypostome - distance between basal suture and apex of outer malae breadth of hypostome - maximal breadth near to basal hypostomal setae ength of tarsus - distance between basis and apotele included, but without claws and empodium, length of terminal palpal segment - longest distance between basis and apex breadth of tarsus and terminal palpal segment - maximal breadth length of progenital lips - maximal length length of chelicera - distance between apex of digitus fixus and basis of cheliceral body breadth of chelicera - maximal breadth of cheliceral body, trochanter excluded length of digitus mobilis - distance between apex and basis jointed in cheliceral body distance between cheliceral setae - distance between insertion pits length of chaetotaxy - distance between insertion pit and apex of seta; (also in arched setae!) iv — internal vertical seta ev — external vertical seta tr = trichobothrium se — scapular seta ih — internal humeral seta ch — external humeral seta dy = dorsal seta 1 dz — dorsal seta 2 il — internal lumbar seta el — external lumbar seta internal sacral set es. — external sacral seta 3.6. Developmental morphology Until lately, the data on postembryonic development of the Rhagidiidae were poor and incomplete. WILLMANN (1936b) as the first described a larva of an unknown species. GLEss (1967) published concise data on the postembryonic prelarval de- velopment of Tuberostoma gressitti. STRANDTMANN (1971) outlined differential diagnoses of larva, protonymph, deutonymph, tritonymph and adult, EuRNSBERGER (1974) described in detail prelarvae and larvae of a few species and informed on their behaviour and mechanisms of comming out of the prelarval exuviae. He also ex- perimentally proved a thelytoke parthenogenesis in a few species (EHRNSBERGER, 1977), Unfortunately, a detailed comparative morphological study of the complete postembryonic development in any species is still unavailable. One must stress that comparative morphological investigations of the prelarvae seem to be especially desirable because they can bring valusble information applicable to 2 phyletic 518,classification (Travé, 1976). Important specific morphological differences among prelarvae of the rhagidiids were found by EHRNSBERGER (1974), The life eycle of the Rhagidiidae comprises seven distinguishable stages: egg, im- mobile calyptostatic prelarva, mobile elatostatic larva, proto-, deuto-, tritonymph and adult. The particular mobile developmental stages and the sex can be disting- uished as follows larva - only 3 pairs of legs, external genitals absent (i, ¢. secondary genital opening, progenital atrium, disks and lips with chaetotaxy). protonymph - 4 pairs of legs, progenital lips bearing only 1 pair of progenital setae, only | pair of progenital disks in atrium, paragenital setae absent. deutonymph - 4 pairs of legs, 2 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae, 2 pairs of progenital disks. tritonymph -4 pairs of legs, 3-or 4 pairs of progenital setae (4 in austral species, cf. STRANDTMANN & Davies, 1972: 42), 4 or more pairs of paragenital setae, 2 pairs of progenital disks. adult - progenital lips with 4 or more pairs of progenital setae, 4 or more pairs of paragenital setae, 2 pairs of progenital disks, eugenital setae clearly visible in progenital atrium. male -no retracted ovipositor in progenital atrium, long clavate sperm sac showing through ventral opisthosomal tegument (cf. chapter 3.2). Female - retracted tubular ovipositor bearing wreath-like arranged ciliated eugenit- al setae is clearly distinguishable in progenital atrium under progenital lips, large dakbrown beanshaped eggs often in opisthosomal cavity. No other characters of sexual dimorphism have been found in the Rhagidiidae. The postembryonic development of the Rhagidiidae can be summarized as follows: the calyptostatic prelarva (EuRnsnercer, 1974) is immobile, nonfeeding, inclosed in apoderme (Travé, 1976), without appendage segmentation, with reduced and often nude chaetotaxy on both dorsal and ventral side of the opisthosoma. A special prelarval organ is located at bases of the legs II. The rhagidial organs, anal and genital openings are missing. The clatostatic larva (EHRNSBERGER, 1974) is nonfeeding, but mobile for one or two days after hatching. Then it spins a cobwebby moulting nest around itself. The larval segmentation of body appendages and the chactotaxy on the idiosomal dorsum are as in the adult, The larva has only six legs, the anal opening is present, the genital opening is still undeveloped. The sac-like larval organ is located laterally on the stethosoma between the legs I and II. The chaetotaxy of the idiosomal venter and appendages is considerably reduced in its number. Also the number of rhagidial setae is reduced. The eyes (as far as they are in the adults) are developed. ‘The following mobile and feeding developmental stages can be characterized by progressive development of the chaetotaxy on the idiosomal venter and on the appendages. Also the rhagidial organs and external genitals develop progressively. The examples are presented in descriptions of a few species, e. g. Rhagidia diversi- color, Evadorhagidia oblikensis, etc. 519)4, SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE RHAGIDIIDAE Owing to our fragmentary knowledge of acarological systematics, there is no unified opinion on continuously developing classification of higher categories of the Acari. As to the Rhagidiidae, for example, VAN DER HAMMEN (1972: 281). considers this family belonging to the superfamily Eupodoidea, suborder Bdellina, order Actine- dida, Krantz (1978: 228). suggested another classification: Eupodoidea, cohort Enpodina, supercohort Promatides and suborder Actinedida, Therefore I confine myself only to the Eupodoidea. Mites belonging to the superfamily Eupodoidea BANKS, 1894 are soft bodied or weakly sclerotized, with the prodorsal epivertex (naso) usually bearing one pair of ciliated setae. They have only one pair of tricho- bothria on the prodorsum, Their chelicerae are chelate and raptorial, or with mal- formed shears which are probably piercing. Their pedipalps are 4-segmented, the terminal palpal segment is simple. Special sensory rhagidial organs are located on the tarsi of the first two (exceptionally three) pairs of legs. Two claws and a middle empodium are attached to the apotelae, The epimeres I, 11 and III, TV are separated by the transverse sejugal interval. Two pairs of progenital disks are in the progenital atrium The superfamily Eupodoidea consists of five families: Eupodidae, Penthalodidae, Penthaleidae, Rhagidiidae and Strandtmanniidae. Their differential diagnoses. were keyed in my paper (ZACHARDA, 1979) on the Strandemanniidae. 4.1, Rhagidiidae QuDEMANS, 1922 Rhagidiidae Oupemans, 1922, Ent, Ber. Nederl. Ver., 6: 83 Synonymy: THor & WiiMann, 1941, Das Tierreich 7la: 91 ~92. Type genus: Rhagidia THoneLt, 1872, Diagnosis: Soft bodied predaceous soil mites. The body consists of gnathosoma, stethosoma and opisthosoma. The dorsal transverse disjugal furrow well visible, the epimeres 1, II and IIL, IV separated by the sejugal interval into two groups. The prodorsum with four pairs of ciliated setae including one pair of the trichobothria. The opisthosomal dorsum with eight or nine pairs of ciliated setae. The chelicerae are strong, chelate and raptorial. The palpus has four segments, the terminal palpal segment is simple. A pair of slot-like tracheal peritremes is located near bases of the chelicerae. The tarsi I, Il and sometimes also III with rhagidial organs. The apotela with two claws and a middle ciliated empodium. The adults with two pairs of progenit- al disks in the progenital atrium. 5204.11. List of the taxa 1. Genus — Robustocheles gen. n. Robustocheles s. st Amoreocheles subgen. a, Lewia subgen. n. 2. Genus — Crassocheles gen. n, 3. Genus — Rhugidia Tronene Rhagidia s. str. Noerneria CANESTRINI stat. p, Austrovhagidia subgen. 0. 4. Genus — Latoempodia gen. n. 3. Genus — Paralfelorhagidia gen. 0. 6. Genus — Elliotta gen. n, 7. Genus — Poecilophysis Cansumnce Poecilophysis s. st. Procerocheles subgen. n. Dentocheles subgen. n. Soprocheles subgen. n. Wankelia subgen. 0. 8. Genus — Troglocheles gen. n. 9. Genus — Flabellorhagidia ELLIOTT 10. Genus — Foveacheles gen. n. Foveacheles s. sit Hirschmannetta subgen. 1. R(R) montana sp. n R. (R.) mucronata (WILLMANN) R.(R) robusta sp. . R (A) demata sp. 9 RAL) trieuspidata sp. n. R.(L.) hill (STRANDTMANN) C. murals sp. 2 nga sp. n. R. (R,) gelidea THORELL R. (N.) gigas (CANESTRINI) R. (N.) diversicolor (C. L, Kock) R. (N.) piukva sp. n. R.(N.) ruseki sp. n. (NJ rackae sp. 0. R. (A.J mildredae (STRANDTMANN) R. (A.) gerlachei (TROUESSART) R. (A.) campbellensis sp. m. L. macroempodiata sp. 1. L, similis sp. n. P. evansi (StRANDTNANN & PRASSE) P. hawaiiensis sp. E, howartht (Exuort) P. (P.) kerguelenensis CammRiDGe P. (P.) macquariensis (WOMERSLEY & [STRANDTMANN) P. (P.) strandimanni sp. n (P.) faeroensis (TaRcanne) . (P.) pseudoreflena sp. n. . (P.) spelaca (WANKEL) (D.) pratensis (C. L. Kocw) (D.) wankeli ZacHanva) (D.) weyerensis (PACKARD) (S.) saxonica (WILLMANN) (S.) arena sp. n. (OP) wolmsdorfensis (WRLLMANN) r steasseri (WILLMANN) vornarschert (NiLLMANN) r gineti (COOREMAN) = pecki ELLIOTT PASSE RRA HD = CF.) osloensis (SiG THOR) (F) brevichelae sp. 0. (F) incognita sp. n. F. (H) magna sp. n. pan salMediostelta subgen. n. F. (M.) holsingeri sp. n. F. (04.) rupestris sp. 0, FM.) canesirint (Bercese & TRourssant) F. (M.) willmanai sp. a. Propriorhagidia subgen. 1. F. (P) mica sp. F. (P.) suktouktukensis sp. n. = (P.) terricola (C. L. Kock) * (T) alpine sp. 0. " (T.) emendata sp. n. = (U.) arenaria (WILLMANN) (U.) havzensis sp. n. (U.) elavierinita (ENRNSBERGER) " elavifrons (CANESTRIN) ittardi StRANDTMANN minima sp. 1. dalmatina (WiLLMany) |. mariehanmerae (STRANDTMANN) sateri (STRANDTMANN) . eqpitata (STRANDTMANN) oblikensis sp. n. = quingueseta sp. 0. E. janeischeki (WULLNANN) E. bezdezensis sp. 0. 17. Genus — Shibaia gen. n. 5. longisensilia (Sera) s. s. Provistella subgen. n. Ternivhagidia sabgen. 1. Usitorhagidia subgen. 0. 11, Genus — Coceorhagidia Sia Ton 12, Genus — Brevipalpia gen. n. 13, Genus — Traegaardhia gen. n. 14, Genus — Aretorhagidia gen. n. 15. Genus — Eskimaia gen. n. 16. Genus — Evadorhagidia gen. 1. brPRRN&OAmaAAS tatriea sp. m. 5. eoredensis Sp. n. 18. Genus ~ Thoria gen. n. T. brevisensilla sp. n. T. unisera s. |. (SiG THoR) 19, Genus — Hammenia gen. n. H. macrostella sp. n. 20. Genus — Tuberostoma gen. n. T. gressiiti (WoseRsLeY & 'STRANDTMANN) T. leeehi (Wom ensue & STRANDTMANN) T. keithi (STRANDTMANN) Unfortunately, there are also (axa which cannot be explicitly identified. They are listed in the particular chapter 4.3. 4.1.2, Generic classification At present I distinguish 74 species of the Rhagidiidae which can be clearly defined. This set of the species had proved to be considerably heterogenous and intricate. ‘Therefore I tried to elaborate a new generic classification to facilitate a specific identification. Of course, reliable classificatory criteria are, as usual, problematical. This new generic classification is based mostly on phylogenetic evaluation of external morpho- logy. I used particular combinations of adaptive, synapomorphic edaphomorphisms, 522troglomorphisms and the morphology of the mou hparts (cf. chapter 3.4). as the go- neric diagnoses. Unfortunately, no desirable data on the prelarval morphology have been available to be used for a phyletic classification (TRA 1976). OF course, it is expectable that any better classificatory criteria can modify my classification suggest- ed, but such data are still missing. My contemporary opinions on intergeneric relationships are presented in table 2. The representatives of the genus Robustocheles have seemingly most original type of chelicerae (ef. chapter 3.4.4,) with relatively short and robust shears, their body appendages and chaetotaxy are without troglomorphisms or edaphomorphisms. The attenuated cheliceral shears, at most with basal extension of the digitus fixus, are in representatives of other genera which can be troglomorphic, edaphomorphic or without these morphological adaptations. For instance, the representatives of the genera Rhagidia, Foveacheles, and partly also Poecilophysis are mostly without troglo- and edaphomorphisms. The genus Riagidia can be derived from the genus Robusto- cheles by attenuation of the cheliceral shears which remain unelongated. Also the thagidial organs of the both genera are very similar. A relationship between the genera Rhagidia and Foveacheles remains obscure. Both the Rhagidia and the Foveacheles differ one from another in their cheliceral morpholo- gy, especially in insertion of the distal cheliceral seta, Also their rhagidial organs II are mostly different. The genus Foveacheles is somewhat heterogenous and the speci- fic identification should be facilitated by introduction of a few subgenera ‘The genus Poccilophysis is probably derived from the genus Riagidia by attenuation and elongation of the arched cheliceral shears. The vestigial edaphomorphisms can be distinguished only in Poecilophysis (Soprocheles) saxonica and P. (S.) arena whilst P. (Wankelia) wolmsdorfensis is troglomorphic. But the morphological adapta- tions in these species are not so conspicuous to blot out the original generic pertinen- ce, and therefore, they are presented only as the different subgenera. The genera Latoempodia and Paraltelorhagidia are evidently derivative from the genus Rhagidia by specific and striking edaphomorphisms. Also the genus Crasso- cheles is edaphomorphic and short and robust cheliceral shears of its representatives show possible relationship to the genus Robustocheles. The genus £ifiotta is strikingly troglomorphic and, according to its cheliceral morphology, it can be derived from the Rhagidia. The cheliceral shears and partly also rhagidial organs of the genera Coceorhagidlia and Brevipalpia resemble those in the genus Foreacheles, But the Coccorhagidia and especially the Brevipalpia are edaphomorphic. Probably also the genus Tracgaardhia can be derived from the Foveacheles. The former genus has its cheliceral shears resembling those in the Foveacheles, but other intergeneric relationships are blotted out by troglomorphisms. Also the genera Aretorhagidia and Eskimaia can be eventually related to the genus Foveacheles. The cheliceral morphology of the representatives of the Arctorhagidia and the rhagidial organs in Arctorhagidia sateri suggest this relation. 523‘Table 2. Dendrogram illustrating possible intergenerie relationships within the Rhagiditdae, 2— SHIBAIA E < THORIA E HAMMENIA E CRASSOCHELES E RHAGIDIA TUBEROSTOMA &? LATOEMPODIA Ez PARALLELORHAGIDIA ELLIOTTA T POECILOPHYSIS TROGLOCHELES T FLABELLORHAGIDIA T FOVEACHELES COCCORHAGIDIA E BREVIPALPIA E TRAEGAARDHIA T ARCTORHAGIDIA E? ESKIMAIA E EVADORHAGIDIA E? ROBUSTOCHELES (E) — bearing adaptive characters evaluated as edaphomorphisms (T) — bearing adaptive characters evaluated as troglomorphisms 524The genus Eskimaia is related to the Aretorhagidia in many characters (cf. discussion of E. capitata). The principal differences between these two genera are the cheliceral morphology and a more distinct edaphomorphism in the Eskimaia. Species belonging to the Arctorhagidia bear characters which can be nterpreted as edaphomorphisms. But these species seem to be too large to inhabit small inner soil spaces. Maybe that the origin of these »edaphomorphismsi is another than that in small genuine euedaphic rhagidiids (cf. chapter 3.4.3.). The genera Troglocheles and Flabellorhagidia are represented by derivative genuine troglobitic species with specific troglomorphisms blotting out other intergeneric relationships. Their cheliceral morphology and the autecology foreshadow a possible relation to the troglophilous genus Poecilophsis. The systematic position of the genus Evadorhagidia is quite obscure. Length of the body and its chaetotaxy, and proportions of the appendages are corresponding to a common state in large hemiedaphic species, But the parallel arrangement of the thagidial setae and also a reduced number of the rhagidial and epimeral setae are characters commonly occurring in euedaphic and edaphomorphic species, e. g. in the representatives of the genera Crassocheles, Latoempodia or Parallelorhagidlia). Maybe that the genus Evadorhagidia is hemiedaphic secondarily whilst its ancestors were euedaphic, This explanation can be also applied to large species of the genera Thoria, Arctorhagidia or Tuberostoma, Location of the distal cheliceral seta inserted the dorsolateral pit can foreshadow a relation to the Foveacheles. The intergeneric relationships of the genera Shibaia, Thoria and Hammenia remain still unrecognized. The only one character phenetically connecting these three genera is the chelicera bearing only 1 nude’seta, but the relationships to other genera of the family remain obscure, The genus Tirberostoma can be derived from the Rhagidia, the subgenus Austrorha- gidia, and the characters of a few representatives can be interpreted as edapho- morphisms (cf. chapter 3.4.3.). 4.1.3, Key to the genera of Rhagidiidae Ja Chelicera with Ise... BREET Ee ek emer 2 tb Chelicera with 2setue, eee 4 2a Hypostomee with only 1 pair of nude subterminal setae. Stelate seta relatively large with Unusually long lateral branches, Terminal patpal segment with long nude setae, with ciliated setae and with small spiniform solenidion (Fig. 122)... . Hanunewia gen, n. (19. Genus) 2b Hypostome with 2 pairs of subterminal nude setae. Stellate seta with short lateral branches, terminal palpal segment only with ciliated setae and 1 small spiniform solenidion (chagidial Sa seem EGE RE 8 Eee ieee = ad 3a Stellate seta with long cifiated stem, ehagiial organ I with parallel shagiial sci, Cheliceral seta inserted strikingly proximal to joint of digitus mobilis, Typical rhagidial setae substitute spiniform solenidia on leg segments (Figs 111, 114.). . . . . Shibafa gen. n. (17. Genus) 3b Siellate seta with very short stem, rhagidial organ I with rhagidial setae arranged tandem. Cheliceral seta inserted distally to joint of digitus mabilis. Small spiniform solenidia on legs (as far as they are distinguishable) (Fig. 116... . . . . . Tharia gen. n. (18. Genus) 5254a Distal cheliceral seta inseted in proximally open latcrodorsal pit. Digitus fixus slender and often ereates dorsal sharp ridge (sce in profile!) (Figs 73,94). mamas 3 3 49 {do Distal chelicera seta inserted dorsally, digitusFixus slender or flattened (Figs 29,50). U1 Sa, Rhagidial organ | with parallel rhagidialsetae. 2. ee 6 5b -Rhagidial organ I with obliquely or serially arranged rhagidial setae... . er) 6a, Epimeral fora 31-53, sell egldla eth stall, dorsodistal depression on tibia TL ec ee eer + + + Aterorhagidia gen. n. (14. Genus) 6b Epimeral formula 3-143 or 3 IL with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep de- pression with terminal pore... . eaage 2a 7 1a Trichobothria strikingly clavate, Empodium I shortened, not reaching tips of claws. Sub- terminal and terminal palpal segment with | and 9 ciliated setae, respectively... . ss tenes Brevipalpia gen. n. CL Ty Trichobotheia filiform, Empodium I reaching or overlapping tips of claws. Subterminal ‘and terminal palpal segments with 3 and 10 setae, respectively. adorhagidia gen. n. (16. Genus) 8a Progenital lip with 6—7 setae at least insertion pit of dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia IT ongitudinally open, this seta sometimes resembling typical rhagidial seta... . . 9 {8b Progenital lip with 5, exceptionally 6, progenital setae. Dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia 11 in deep insertion pit with terminal pore... 6. ee ee ee 10 9 Progenital lip with 7 ciliated setae atleast, hypostomal basis with conspicuous lateral pro- tuberances (1), Tibia II with small dorsodistal rhagidial seta in shallow depression. Cheliceral shears relatively short and robust. Rhagidial organ I with rhagidial setae arranged obliquely. Only in Antarctica... +s +s + Tuberostoma gen. n. (20. Genus) 9 Progenital lip with 6—7 setae, hypostomal basis without lateral protuberances. Dorsodistal lanceolate sei on tibia IL in longitudinally open insertion pit. Cheliceral shears long and slender, Rhagidial organ I with rhagicial setae arranged serially. In caves of West and South Europe. 2... 0-0. +e + + + Traegaardhia gen, n. (13. Genus) 10a Trichobothria clavate... . 6... 2s + +» Coccarkagidia Sta Tuor (11. Genus) 1b Trichobothria filiform... . . . . « Foveacheles gen. n. (10. Genus) Ila Hypostomal basis with conspicuous lateral protuberances. Tibia II with small dorsodistal rhagidial seta, 7 pairs of progenital setae at least. In Antarctica. 6. ee es : + s+ + + Tuberostoma gen. n. (20. Genus) 1b Hypostomal basis without lateral protuberances. . -12 12a Dorsum of ehelicera concave, without distinct saddle-shaped depression. Trichobothria clavate, Rhagidial organs 1 and 1 with parallel setae, In Arctica... 2. Eskinaia gen. n. (15. Genus) 12b Dorsum of chelicera convex, a least with vestigial saddle-shaped depression. Trichobothria clavate or filiform, rhagidial setae in various arrangement... . . fee B 13a Tarsi IV with pai of unique dorsolateral broadened and ourlike ciliated setae. Rhagidial organ 1 consists of 6—12 rhagidial setae arranged obliquely, rhagidial organ II consists of 4—7rhagidial setae of the same arrangement. Cheliceral shears unusually long and slender In caves of West and South Europe... os... Troglocheles gen. n. (8. Genus) 136 No oarlike ciliated setae on tarsi I-IV. Rhagidial organs I und 11 consist of 4 rhagidial sete aL MOS te tee wea ond 4a. Rhogidial setae (chagidial organs) on tarsi I. IL and TH () Cheliceral shears enormously long and attenuated, Dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia I extremly large and inserted in open pit, Progenital lips with 6 pairs of setae, Caves in Idaho, U.S.A... « swrwimwesma $4959 wo + Flabellorhapidia Euusort (9. Genus). 14b_Rhagidial organs only on tarsi and II, other characters in another combination... . . 1S 15a Rhagidial organ I with parallel rhagidial selae. se. pe ee 16 5261s Rhagidial organ I with oblique or serial hagidlial setae. 162. Empodium I very large, broadly fan-shaped, many times overlap} ag L£50 9 PIBGRRREE ss ss ss Latvempodia gen. n. 4. Genus) {6b Empodiue 1 slender, only shortly overlapping eaws at most ss ne we ee IT 17a Trichobothrium clavate, rhagidial organ I consists of 4 rhagidial setae... ss. seas +. + Paralielorhagidia gen. n. (5. Genus) 17 Trichobothrium flform, thagidil organ I consists of 3 chagiial selse. « Crassocheles gen. n. (2. Gens) ingly Matiened inner margin or with sharp prebasal thorn. (Figs U1, se 1B 18a_Digitus fixus with sti 13,15) 2 2 eae eR we es + Robustocheles gen n. (I. Genus) 185 Digitus fisus slender, without fattened inner margin or prebasal thorn, but it can bear prebasal lobe. (Figs 29, 50)... te eee ee reas edd 19% Dorsum of ehelicera convex with deep saddle-shaped depression. Cheliceral shears long, slender and strikingly arched, Both cheliceral setae inserted distal to joint of digitus mobilis (Figs 50, 56, 62). Rhasida organs I and II consist of 4 and 3 rhagidial setae, respectively, fa hae +» Poecilophysis Cawmeioce (7. Genus) 19b Dorsum of ehelicera convex but with shallow and broad, sometimes almost vestigial, saddle- shaped depression. Cheliceral shears relatively short, almost straight, never strikingly arched, Proximal cheliceral seta not inserted strikingly distal to joint of digitus mobilis, It is usually inserted proximally to this joint. (Figs 29, 31,33, 35,37. 0... ee ee ee 20 20a Chelicera very long and slender, with almost concave dorsum, the dorsal saddle-shaped depression minute, Dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia II enormously large, protruding from longitudinally open insertion pit (Fig. 45), Caves in Idaho, U.S.A... a enmme 4 9555 E bette eee eas Elite gen. n. 46. Genus). - 20 Dorsum of chelicera distinctly convex with shallow saddle-shaped depression. Dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia IL in deep depression with small terminal pore. . See eee ee eee eee Riutgidia THoRELL GB. Genus) 4.2. Generic and specific diagnoses, keys to the subgenera and species 1. Genus Robustocheles gen. n. Genotype: Robustockeles montana sp. n Diagnosis: Cheliceral shears robust, digitus fixus with flattened inner margin which can be sometimes reduced to large prebasal thorn pointed forward. Dorsum of chelicera convex with distinct saddle-shaped depression. Distal cheliceral seta inserted dorsally or almost dorsally, but never in longitudinal, proximally open laterodorsal depression (ef. Foreacheles, 10. Genus). Terminal palpal segment with relatively short and thick setae. Rhagidial organs I and II consist of 4 and 3 rhagidial setae, respectively. Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3 or 3-1-6-3. Differencial diagnosis: The genus Robustocheles is resembling the genus Rhagidia, subgenus Noerneria, but it differs with strikingly robust cheliceral shears. The genus was named according to robust chelicerae of its representatives. Femi- nine gender. Species of the genus Robustocheles can be grouped into three subgenera (ef. table 3). 927Table 3. Comparison of the morphological characters in the representatives of Robustocheles gen n. Species agit thagidial epimerat logation of. ‘organ | ‘onan I ‘rma soleniion on tibia 1 R.(R,) montana 3s, tandem dorsodistal RR.) mucronata rego stell, 3 rs: tandem dorsodistal 2" proxim. RR) robusta 4r.sstell, 3.8, tandem dorsodistal 1-2: proxim, R. (AL) trieuspidata Aeesystell, — 3ros.tandem — 31-6(7)-3 dorsodistal 23 ns. R (A) demata Ars,stell, 34s. tandem 63 dorsodistal 2-3'ns, R. (L) hittt 4s, stell, Sestandem 31-63 dorsomedio- 1,2" proxim. proximal Explanation: tell. - stellate seta; es -rhugiat seta Cae); proxi. ~ proximal Key to the subgenera of Robustocheles Ja Stellate seta placed between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial seta. Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3. . . eGR SR TL ETERS wR Amoreocheles subgen. n. (2. Subgenus) Ib Stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta... ve ee 2a Solenidion on tibia I distinctly dorsodistal. Epimeral formula 3- sees pee oases eee Robustocheles 8, sir. (1, Subgenus) jon on tibia T dorsal, medioproximal, Epimeral formula 31-63. . 0... « Feet sete ee eee + Lowia gubgen. ni. (3. Subgenus) 1, Subgenus Robustocheles s. str. Diagnosis: Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying between | st and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially, and { small spiniform seta in common insertion pit. Soleni a I dorsodistal, lying close to tibial rhagidial seta. Epimeral formula 3 Key to the species of Robustocheses s. str. 1a Digitus fixus with extremly fattened distinctly concave inner margin... . . « bees eee LR AR) montana sp. 0. 1b Digitus fisus with convex inner margin not broadly flattened»... ss « 2 2a Large prebasal thorn pointed distal, near basis of digitus fixus, lanceolate seta on tibia It in deep close depression with terminal pore... . . . . 2. R. (R.) nueronata (WILLMANN) 2b Prebasal thorn near basis of digitus fixus absent, lanceolate seta on tibia II lying in longitudin- ally open depression... 20 ee eee ee ee ee BR ER) robusta sp. ne 5281. Robustocheles (R.) montana sp. 0 (Figs 10—11) Diagnosis: Digitus fixus with extremly flattened coneave inner margin. Tibia I with dorsodistal cryptic solenidion resembling small rhagidial seta (2 dorsodistal thagidial setae on tibia 1). Ht IN Al ). Fig, 10: Robustockeles (R.) montana; A — dorsum, B — venter. Description: 10 9 examined. Length of body 670 (629—726) am, ratio length of leg 1 to that of body: 0,87 (0.75-0.97). Dorsum: (measures in jum): iv-32 (27—34), ev-34 (31-38), tr-72 (69-76), se-81 (72-86), ih-31 (27—34), eh-73 (65-79), di, do-28 (24—31), iL-45 (41—48), el-31 (27-34), is-61 (52-65), es-34 (31—38). Tegument fine, but sometimes with small sclerites in region between trichobothria and disjugal furrow. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula 1-1 Five pairs 529— ehelicera, B— rhagidial organ 1, C ~ rhagidial organ 11, Fig. 1: Robustockeles (R.} montana; D-— pedipalpus, E ~ lanecolate seta on tibia Il, F ~ dorsodistal solenidion and rhagidial seta on tibia I, G— rhagidial seta on tbia I, H ~ hypostome, I - terminal part of hypostome, J ~ solenidia location on legs I-1V, K — tarsus Lin profile, 530of both progenital and paragenital setae, exceptionally only four progenital setae on one of the two progenital lips 104 (96—114) jum long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio of its length to breadth: 1.35 (1.32—1.39). Internal malae styletform and thick, external malae membranous. Chelicera robust, digitus fixus with flattened concave inner margin, its tip 4-cusped, Proximal cheliceral seta 22 (20-24) um inserted distal to joint of digitus mobilis, distal chelice-al seta 37 (34-38) um overlapping tip of digitus fixus. Distance between insertions of cheliceral setae 20 (17—24) um. Digitus mobilis robust, hooklike, serrate along its inner margin. Length of chelicera 228 (214—241) jum, its breadth 97 (86—103) pm, length of digitus mobilis 91 (86—96) jem, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.36 (2.23—2.59), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.39 (0.38—0.43), ratio length of digitus mobitis to breadth of chelicera:; 0.94 (0.86—1.0) Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio of its length to breadth: 2.31 (2.12—2.43), and bearing 10 ciliated setse and 1 eryptic solenidion Tarsus I slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.07 (2.90—3.33).. Empodium slender and slightly overlapping tips of claws, claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated and oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta, Rhagidial organ Il consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially in common insertion pit. Small proximal spiniform seta often absent. Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 dorsodistal cryptic solenidion just behind dorsodistal ial rhagidial seta, tibia 11 with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion and large, slender lanceolate seta in open longitudinal insertion pit. Genua I and UI with I distiventral solenidion, genu II] with I lateroventral, medioproximal solenidion, tibia III with 2 cryptic laterodorsal, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, tibia IV with | laterodorsal, proximal solenidion in shallow depression. Small solenidia lying in shallow pits resembling small rhagidial setae. Nymphs Protonymph (1 specimen examined): length of body 322 um, ratio of length of leg I to length of body: 0.70. Only | pair of progenital setae, paragenitals absent. Epimeral formula 3-1-3-1. Rhagidial organs I and II consist of | rhagidial seta, stellate seta lateral to basis of rhagidial seta, spiniform seta absent. Solenidia as in adult Deutonymph (5 specimens examined): length of body 435 (387—451) jum, ratio length of leg 1 to length of body: 0.79 (0.75—0.83). 2 pairs of progenital and paragenital setae, Epimeral formula 3-1-4-1. Rhagidial organ I consists of 2 separated oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally to proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidi- al organ II consists of 2 rhagidial setae arranged tandem in common insertion pit, spiniform seta absent. Solenidia as in adult, 531Tritonymph (6 specimens examined): length of body 564 (500-612) xm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.75 (0.71 —0.90). 3 pairs of progenitals and 4 p: of paragenitals, Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ II and solenidia as in adult, only solenidion on tibia II often medial or mediodistal. Nymphs of this species can be identified according to unique cheliceral morphology and solenidia. Material examined: | 9, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, the Velki Fatra-Mountains, Cierny kame, litter and rhizosphere of grass, 18. VI, 1974, leg. V. Bukva, coll. M. Zacharda, permanent microscopic preparation. Paratypes: 9 9, the same data as the holotype. Other material examined (excluded from paratypes): 6 tritonymphs, the same data as the holo- type, 5 deatonymphs, Slovakia, the High Tatras, Ticha dolina-Valley, spruce litter, 31. VIII. 1974, Y. Bukva leg.; 1 9, the High Tatras, Mlynické dolina-Valley, 1650 m, grass litter, 2. 1X. 1974 other data the same; 2 protonymphs, 2 deutonymphs, Bohemia bor., Staré Splavy, Sphagnum lier, 27, VILL. 1972, leg. et eoll. Zacharda; 3 tritonymphs, Velky Bezd&z-Hill, beech forest litter, 1. IIL. 1973, leg et coll. Zacharda, etc., etc. 19, German Federal Republic, Oberharzer Moore, 1954, U. Kischke leg., ex coll. M. Sellnick, Zool. Museum Hamburg, Eing. Nr. A 1, 1972, 5258, Rhugidia reflexa (C. L. Kock), M. Selinick det., permanent preparation. Distribution: Central Europe. Bionomics: In mountain moist forest habitats, in peat-bogs and moist forest litter. Differential diagnosis: The unique cheliceral morphology and solenidia do not allow to mistake a specific identity. 2. Robustocheles (R.) mucronata (WILLMANN, 1936) comb. n. (Figs 12-13) Rhagidia mucronata Wiimasn, 1936, Zool. Anz. 116: 297. Diagnosis: Digitus fixus with large, sharply pointed prebasal thorn, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted partly laterally. Lanceolate seta on tibia II in deep depresion with terminal pore. Description 10 2 examined. Length of body 564 (516—612) um, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.86 (0.76—0.91). Dorsum: (measures in jum): iv-25 (20-27), ev-32 (27-38), t-82 (72-86), 532Fig. 12: Robustocheles (R.) mucronata: A ~ dorsum, B - venter, se-71 (65—84), ih-30 (24-38), eh-70 (62—83), di and do el-36 (27—45), is-65 (62—72), es-36 (31—52), Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae. Length of progenital lip 82 (72—93) zm. Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.33 (1.22—1.44) internal malae short and styletform, external malae membranous. Chelicera with robust shears, digitus fixus with conspicuous, sharply pointed prebasal thorn and with 3 apical blunt cusps. Proximal cheliceral seta inserted dorsally on digitus fixus above joint of digitus mobilis, Distal cheliceral seta inserted partly laterally in small insertion pit and overlapping tip of digitus fixus. Digitus mobilis broad and serrate along its inner margin, Length of chelicera 154 (138—159) rm, breadth of chelicera 68 (62—69) um, length of digitus mobilis 54 (48—58) jum, length of both proximal 27 (20-34), il-46 (41-55). 533Fig. 13: Robustocheles (R.) meronata; A ~ chelicera, B ~ rhagidial organ 1, C, D ~ rhagidial organ II, E ~ pedipalpus, F - hypostome, G ~ tarsus T in profile, H ~ solenidia location on legs NV. 534and distal cheliceral seta 14 (10—17) jem, distance between their bases 21 (1724) um. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of thal 0), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera:0.35(0.33—0.37),ratio length of digits mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0,79 (0.75—0.85), Terminal palpal segment short and oval, ratio Iength to breadth: 1.93(1.85—2.0), bearing 10 thick ciliated setae and I solenidion, Tarsus I forward suddenly rounded, ratio length to breadth: 2.97 (2,773.28). Empodium slender and faintly overlapping tips of claws claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated and oblique rhagiclial setae, stellate seta laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of rhagidial setae and small proximal spiniform seta, they are arranged serially in common insertion pit. Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 dorsodistal solenidion just behind usual dorsodi tibial rhagidial seta, tibia IL with | dorsoproximal solenidion and dorsodistal lanceola- te seta in deep insertion pit with terminal pore. Genua I and IT with distiventral solenidion. Tibia III and 1V with 1 dorsolateral proximal solenidion, genu III with 1 dorsolateral, medioproximal solenidion. Solenidia small and visible with difficulties. Nymphs Protonymph (1 specimen examined): length of body 305 jem, ratio length of leg 1 to that of body: 0.81. I pair of progenital setae, paragenitals absent. Epimeral formula 3-1-3-0. Both rhagidial organ I and II consist of 1 rhagidial seta, Stellate seta lying laterally to rhagidial seta, small spiniform seta proximally to rhagidial seta of rhagidial organ II. Solenidia as in adult, Nymphs of this species can be identi- fied according to their unique chelicerae. ed: 1S, lectolype, ex coll. C. Willman, 5—18, 7/5, Rhagidlia mucronata Wituo., det. C, Willmann, coll. W. Hirschmann, Nuremberg, no. 44 MZ; 1 9, paralectotype, ex coll. C. Willman, 4a, Frenzel, Rhagidia terricola n. sp. nineronata WiLLM, det. C. Willman: 19, paralectotype, Frenzel, Rhagidia mucronata 1936, Willm., det C, Willmann, coll. W. Hirsch. mann, Nuremberg, no. 45 MZ, 46 MZ; 2, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill, grassy steppe, 3. XI. 1974, leg. et coll. M. Zacharda; I %, 4. X. 1974, the other data the same; 1 9, 14. XII. 1974, the other data the same; 11 5, Staré Splavy, moss and heath litter, 27. VIIL. 1972; 9 2, forest peat-bog, 20. VIII. 1972; leg et coll. M. Zacharda; 1 9, Slovakia, the High Tatras, Tichd dolina-Valley, moss in spruce Forest, 31. VIII. 1974, V. Bukva leg.,etc,, ete; 1 2, Alaska, Chatamika River, 4. IX, 1965, under dead wood, R, W. Strandimann leg. et coll Note Some biometric data on the leetotype: length of chelicera 180 em, breadth of chelicera 83m, length of digitus mobilis $9 jem, length of proximal cheliceral seia 19 jum, distal cheliceral seta 27 jum, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that; 2.15, length of digitus mobilis to that of cheli- 535cera: 0.33, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of that: 0.71, Ratio length of terminal palpal segment to breadth of that: 1,68, the same for tarsus I: 2.35, Distribution: Up to this time only Europe and North America. Bionomics: In Czechoslovakia, the species is very abundant in moist or swamp habitats, rarely also in rocky steppes, adults only at the end of summer and in autumn. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (R.) mucronata is resembling R. (Amoveocheles) demata, but it differs with the proximal cheliceral seta which is inserted above the joint of the digitus mobilis, the digitus mobilis is not shortened and it is serrate along its inner margin. The digitus fixus lacks a large subterminal cusp. The unique prebasal thorn on the basis of the digitus fixus does not allow an erroneous identification within the framework of the subgenus Robustocheles. Fig, 14: Robustocheles (R.) robusta; A — dorsum, B ~ venter. 5363. Robustocheles (R.) robusta sp. n. (Figs 14—15) 2 Rhagidia ordax grandis: WILLMAN, 1935, Bull, Mus, ¢ Hist, nat, Belg, 11:28, 2 Rhagidia mordax grandis: WiLLMANN, 1936, Zool. Anz. 116: 296—297. 2 Rhagidia mordax grandis: CooReMAN, 1959, Bull, Inst. ¢. Sci. nat. Belg. 35(34): 19. Diagnosis: Chelicerae with robust shears, inner margin of digitus fixus convex and without any thorn, Both cheliceral setae close one to another, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted above point of touch of inner margins of digitus fixus and mobilis. strikingly extended in the middle, concave and serrate along its inner margin. Lanceolate seta on tibia IL in longitudinally open depression. Description 7 3 examined. Length of body 880(758—1016) xm, ratio length of leg I to that of body 0.87 (0,70 to 1.05). Dorsum: (measures in ym): iv-39 34-48), ev-41 (3845), tr-100 (86—110), sc-87 (79—100), ih-36 (31 45), eh-92 (86— 100), di and da-37 (34—45), il-64 (S8—79), el-46 (41-55), is-88 (72—100), 5-50 (45—62). Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula I-1-2-2. 5 pairs of pro- genital and 5 pairs of paragenital setae. Progenital lip 114 (106—127) um long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio of its length to breadt 1,33(1.29—1.46), internal malae short and styletform, external ones membranou Chelicerae robust with short, strong shears. Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted above point of touch of inner ‘margins of digitus fixus and mobilis, and it is overlapping the 3-cusped tip of digitus fixus. Digitus mobilis serrate along its inner margin, and extended in the middle. Length of chelicera 227 (210—258) pum, its breadth 89 (86—96) um, length of digitus mobilis 72 (69—79) am, length of proximal cheliceral seta 22 (20-24) um, length of distal cheliceral seta 53 (51—55) zm, distance between bases of these setae 19 (17—20) um. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.55 (2.44—2.67), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.31 (0.30—0.33), ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera:0.81 (0.80—-0.84). Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 10 short, thick ciliated setae and 1 solenidion. Tarsus I slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.63 (3.15—4.0). Empodium slender, not overlapping claws with minute basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 thagidial setae and 1 small proximal spiniform seta arranged serially in common insertion pit 2 30—2.70), and bearing 9371, C~ rhawidial organ 11, ia II, G'—hypostome, H = sole: 538Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 dorsodistal solenidion just behind tibial rhagidial seta, tibia II with 1 laterodorsal proximal solenidion and lanceolate seta lying in dorso- distal, longitudinally open depression. Genur I and IT with I distiventral solenidion, tibia IIT with 2 laterodorsal, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu Il with 1 ventrolateral, medioproximal solenidion, tibia IV with I laterodorsal proximal sole ion. Nymphs. Deutonymph (2 specimens examined): length of body 580, 645 jem, ratio length of leg | to that of body: 0.65, 0.77. Epimeral formula 3-1-4-1, 2 pairs of both pro- genital and paragenital setae. Rhagidial organ 1 consists of 2 separated rhagidial setae and stellate seta lying between them. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 rhagidial setae and proximal spiniform seta arranged tandem in common insertion pit. Sole- nidia as in adult except for only 1 medial, laterodorsal solenidion on tibia INL. Tritonymph (3 specimens examined): length of body 753 (500—854) jam, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.71 (0.66—0.80). Epimeral formula 3-1-4(5)-3, 3 pairs of progenital and 4 pairs of paragenital setae. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separat- ed rhagidial setae, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta, Rhagidial organ I and solenidida as in adult. Nymphs of this species can be identified according to their chelicerae, solgnidia and longitudinally open insertion pit of the lanceolate seta on the tibia IL. Material examined: 1 , holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill, rhizosphere of grass, 21. TIL. 1975, leg. et coll. M. Zacharda; |, paratype, the same data as the holotype deutonymphs, 3 tritonymphs, 19. 1. 1975, otherwise the same data as the holotype: 6 2, paratypes, Bohemia bor., Maly Bezd&z-Hill, beech forest litter, 11. II, 1973, leg. et coll. M. Zacharda; 19, F. R. G., Diebshohle-Cave, 3. VI. 1931, Rhagidia rerrieola (C. L, Kocu), det, C, Willmann, ex coll. C. Willmann, coll. W. Hirschmann, Nuremberg, no. 84 MZ. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (R.) robusta partly resembles R. (R.) nnicronata, but it differs with absence of the prebasal thorn on the basis of the digitus fixus, with position of cheliceral setae and with longitudinally open insertion pit of the lanceolate seta on the tibia II. The close relationship of these two species seems to be indisputable. Distribution: Up to this time only Europe, not abundant. Bionomics: Adults occurring in early spring, in moist habitats Discussion: Cooreman (1939: 19., Fig. 15:20.) presented the species Rhagidia mordax grandis WILLMANN, 1935 originating from caves of France and Switzerland, Cooneman’s data on the cheliceral morphology are corresponding to those in Ro= bustocheles robusta. WILLMANN originally described the rhagidial organ | consisting of 5 rhagidial setae and rhagidial organ If consisting of 2 rhagidial setae, On the other hand however, his drawing of the chelicera (WILLMAN, 1936a: 2°6., Fig. 7: 539)297.) and its measures are resembling those in R. robusta. Unfortunately, there is no thagidiid in WILLMANN’s type collection (in private possession of Dr. W. Hirscu- MANN, Nuremberg) corresponding to WILLMANN’S original description of the Rhagidia mordax grandis. The species R. robusta sp. n. was erroneously identified by WILLMANN as Rhagidia terricola and the locality of this specimen does not correspond with the locality of the type of R. mordax grandis (cf. R. robusta-material examined). Consequently, Tassume that Rhagidia mordax grandis and Robustocheles robusta are not identical Of course, WiLLMANN’S fault in original diagnosis of the Rhagidia mordax grandis is possible and if it is proved, than the name Robustocheles robusta would be a junior synonym to Robustocheles grandis (WiLLMANN) (cf. Rhagidia mordax OUDEMANS, chapter 4.3.) Unfortunately, the material of R. mordax grandis: CooeMAN (1959) has not been Ioaned me so that | am not able to discuss it, But I must stress, however, that mutual resemblance of chelicerae is common in related species and it does not prove a specific identity. 2, Subgenus Amoveocheles subgen. n. Type species: Robustocheles (Amoveocheles) trcuspidata sp. ». Diagnosis: Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ If consists of 3 rhagidial setae and | small proximal spiniform seta, These rhagidial setae often separated and arranged obliquely on tarsi. Tibia 1 with dorsodistal solenidion, Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3. The name of this subgenus is composed of two Latin words »amoveow and »cheles«, and it designates a specific group derived from the nominate subgenus. Key to the species of Amoveocheles subgen. n la No thorn on inner margin of digitus fixus which is flattened and broadened. Tip of proximal ccheliceral seta reaching basis of distal one. Apex of digitus mobilis touching digitus fixus between 2 large subapical cusps. 2... 2... es 2.-R (A.) triewspidata sp. 1b Digitus fixus with sharply and forward pointed thorn on its inner margin. Tip of proximal cheliceral seta not reaching basis of distal cheliceral seta. Apex of shortened digilus mobilis touching large subapical cusp on digitus fixus. ... . . . . 1. R. (A.) dentata sp. o. 1. Robustocheles (Amoveocheles) tricuspidata sp. n. (Figs 16-17) Diagnosis: Digitus fixus with 2 large subapical cusps, apex of digitus mobilis touching digitus fixus just between these cusps. Dorsoproximal cheliceral seta distal to joint of digitus mobilis and its tip reaching basis of distal cheliceral seta, 540Fig. 16: Rabustocheles (4.) tricuspidata; A ~ dorsum, B = venter. Description 19 examined. Length of body 661 jum, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 1.02. Dorsum: (measures in um): iv-41, ev-37, t1-89, sc-82, ih-31, eh-89, di and dy-27, i1-48, el-27, is-79, es-31. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6/7-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 6 and 5 pro- genital setae on progenital lips 96 zm long, 5 pairs of paragenital setae. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, almost triangular, ratio length to breadth: 1.17, internal malae styletform, external malae membranous. Chelicerae S41Fig, 17; Robustocheles (4.) sricuspidara; A ~ chelicera, B — rhagidial organ 1, C ~ chagidial organ Il, D ~ dorsodistal solenidion and rhagidial seta on tibia 1, E~ pedipalpus, F ~ tarsus T in profile, G ~ hypostome, H ~ solenidia and chaetotaxy location on tegs ITV. 342with robust shears, digitus fixus broadened in region below insertions of cheliceral setae, and bearing 2 large subapical, parallel cusps. Proximal cheliceral seta 13 um long, and itis strikingly distal to joint of digitus mobilis. Distal cheliceral seta 34 jem Jong and overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Distance between insertions of cheliceral setae 13 jem. Digitus mobilis touches digitus fixus between its subapical cusps. Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Length of chelicera 172 jem, its breadth 75 jm, length of digitus mobilis 65 um, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.27, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.38, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.86. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.12, and bearing 10 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion, Tarsus I slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 4.0, Empodium Jong and slender, overlapping claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae lying obliquely, stellate seta laterally between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely and small proximal spiniform seta inserted in pit of proximal rhagidial seta, Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 long and slender dorsodistal solenidion in shallow depression located laterally to tibial rhagidial seta, Tibia 11 with | dorsolateral, proximal solenidion and dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with broad terminal pore. Genu I and II with | distiventral solenidion. Tibia III with 2 dorso- lateral proximal solenic arranged tandem, solenidion on genu III not observed. Tibia IV with | lateral, medioproximal solenidion. Material examined: 19, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia centr., ZAvist-Knoll near Zbraslav, oak forest litter, 27. X. 1972, J. Hlisny leg., coll. M. Zacharda, Distribution: Up to this time only Bohemia. Bionomies: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (A.) tricuspidata is close to R. (A.) dentata and it explicitly differs with its cheliceral morphology (ef. key to the species) This species was named according to 3 large cusps on apex of the digitus fixus, 2. Robustocheles (Amoveocheles) dentata sp. n (Figs 18— 19) Diagnosis: Inner margin of digitus fixus with sharply pointed prebasal thorn, Tip of proximal cheliceral seta not reaching basis of distal cheliceral seta. Both cheliceral setae inserted distally to joint of digitus mobilis. Apex of shortened digitus mobilis touching large subapical cusp on digitus fixus, 343Fig. 18: Robustocheles (1) demtara; A ~ dorsum, B ~ venter, Description 1 @ examined. Length of body 677 jzm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.83. Dorsum: (measures in jum): iv-31, ev-31, tr-86, se-69, ih-27, eh-69, dr and iI-S1, el-27, is-69, es-31. Venter: Epimeral formuls 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 96 um long, Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio of its length to breadth: 1.24, internal malae style:form, external malae membranous. Chelicerae with robust shears, inner margin of digitus fixus with large sharply pointed prebasal thorn. Apex of shortened digitus mobilis touching large subapical cusp on digitus fixus. 344Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Proximal cheliceral seta distal to joint of digitus mobilis and it is 13 em long, Distal cheliceral seta 34 zm long and overlapping 2-cusped apex of digitus fixus. Length of chelicera 172 jam, its breadth 72 ym, length of digitus mobilis 62 zm, distance between insertions of cheliceral setae 13 ym. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.38, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.36, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.86. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.14, and bearing 10 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion, Fig. 19: Rebistockeles (4) dentate: A ~ chelicera, B ~ chagidial organ 1, C, D ~ rhagidial organ 1, E — tarsus Lin profile, — dorsodistal solenidion and rhagidial seta on tibia I, G ~ hypostome, 1 pedipalpus, 1 ~ solenigia on tibia IM, J~ solenidia and chaetotexy location on legs I—1V. 545Tarsus I slender, ratio length to breadth: 3.55 and forward gently rounded. Slender empodium overlapping claws, claws with minute basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae lying obliquely, stellate seta laterally between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ IT consists of 3 rhagidial setae and 1 proximal spiniform seta arranged serially in common insertion pit. Solenidia: Tibia | with | cryptic dorsodistal solenidion lying parallel to dorso- distal rhagidial seta. Tibia II with I laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep insertion pit with terminal pore. Genu T and IL with 1 disti- ventral solenidion. Tibia 111 with 2 cryptic, proximal, laterodorsal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with 1 ventrolateral, medial solenidion. Tibia 1V with 1 dorso- proximal solenidion, Male (1 specimen examined): Length of body 612 2m, ratio length of leg I to that of body: asi. Dorsum: (measures in jam): dorsal chaelotaxy « bit shorter than in females , ev-27, 1-72, 50-55, ih-24, eh-62, di and d2-20 wm, ill, el-24, is-55, es-24. Venter: Chaetotaxy arrangement as in female, length of progenital lips 76 jem. Gnathosoma: Hypostome of the same morphology as in female, ratio length to breadth: 1.12, chelicera does not differ from that in female, its length 155 zm, breadth 62 jam, length of digitus mobilis 55 am, length of proximal and distal chelicer- al seta 13 und 27 jum, respectively, distance between their bases 17 jm. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.50, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.35, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.89. Ratio length of terminal palpal segment to its breadth: 2.33, the same datum for tarsus I: 3,75. Rhagidial organs {and 11 as in female, only distal setae in rhagidial organ IL separated Sole ia: As in female. Material examined: I 2, holotype, Czechostovakia, Bohemia cente., Prague, grass litter, 28. XI. 1973, J. Cap ley., coll. M, Zacharda; 1d, paratype, the other data and collection as the holotype. Distribution: Up to this time only Bohemi Bionomics: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: This species partly resembles R. (R.) mucronata, but it differs with the large subapical cusp on the digitus fixus, its proximal cheliceral seta is inserted strikingly distal to the joint of the digitus mobilis. Also the inner margin of the movable digit is smooth. R. (4.) dentata is evidently related to R. (A.) tri- cuspidata with different chelicerae (cf. key to the species of Amoveocheles subgen. n.). 54643. Subgenus Lew/a subgen. n Type species: Robustocheles (Lewia) hill (Sreanptstan, 1971). Diagnosis: Cheliceral shears robust, digitus fixus broadened from basis up to insertion of distal cheliceral seta, inner margin of fixed digit almost straight. Distal cheliceral seta inserted partly laterally in narrow, longitudinal and forward open insertion pit. Digitus mobilis touching digitus fixus on its apex among 3 large cusps and its inner margin is serrate. Tibia 1 with | dorsal, medioproximal solenidion, Stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3. This subgenus is named in honour of Dr. H. Lewt, Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, who helped me to look for some types. 1. Robustocheles (Lewia) hilli (StRANDTMANN, 1971) comb. ny (Fig. 20) Rhagidia hilli StRANDTMANN, 1971, Pacif. Inseets 13(1): 113. Rhagidia grahami Evts0rt, 1976, Oce. Pap. Mus. Texas Tech Univ. 43: 11 —14,, syn. a. Deseription 6 examined. Length of body 1130 (1100—1300) jam, ratio length of leg T to that of body 0.93 (0.89—0.96). Dorsum: (measures in jm): iv-62 (58—63), ev-66 (62—69), tr-120 (117—124), se-142 (138— 152), ih-65 (62—69), ch-150 (144—156), di and d.-63 (59-69), ii-90, el-72, is-140 (134—144), es-83, Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6/5-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 5-6 pairs of progenital setae (sometimes 6 and 5 progenital setac on progenital lips in one speci- men), 5 pairs of paragenitals, Progenital lip 158 (153—164) jum long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome broadly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.10 (1.04 to 1.24), internal malae styletform, external ma Chelicerae with robust shears, digitus fixus broudened from basis to insertion of distal cheliceral seta, Apex of fixed digit with 4 large blunt cusps, especially ventral apical cusp conspicuous. Proximal cheliceral seta distal to joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted in narrow, longitudinal and distally open depression (cf. Foveacheles gen. n.), and overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Length of proximal and distal chelicera! seta 23 (20-27) and 52 (38—59) jum, respectively. Distance between bases of these setae 32 (31-34 um, Digitus mobilis strong and hook-like, is inner margin serrate. Length of chelicera 290 (215—315) um, its breadth 123 (100—130) m, length of digitus 347Fig, 20: Rubustocheles (L.) hill; A ~ chelicera, B~ pedipalpus, C - terminal part of cheliceral shears, D —apex of digitus fixus, E ~ hypostome, F - rhagidial organ 1, G — rhagidial organ II, H.= tarsus 1 in profile, | ~ progenital lips, J, K variability of rhagidial organ IT, L~ solenidia ‘and chactotaxy location on legs 1, I. 548mobilis 132 (93-148) rm, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.35 (2.15 to 2,50), length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.45 (0.41 —0.48), length of di mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.08 (0.93—1.14). Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth 3.0), bearing 10 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I long and slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.60 (2.85—-3.95), Empodium slender, overlapping claws, claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely, stellate seta laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ IT consists of 3 rhagidial setae and 1 proximal spiniform seta arranged tandem in confluent insertion pit, but these rhagidial setae can be also separated in various degrees. Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion and with dorsodistal rhagidial seta. Tibia II with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion and with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Genua I and IT with I distiventral solenidion, Tibia IIT with 2 dorsoproximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu IIT with | latero- dorsal, proximal solenidion. Tibia IV with I laterodorsal, proximal solenidion. Nymphs: See SrRaNDTMANN, 1971: 113, 75 (2.40 to Material examined: 1 9, paratype, Alaska, 10 mi, N. of Fairbanks, lichens, 31. VIIT. 1965, Rhagidlia hilti, dct., teg. et coll. R. W. Strandimann; 1 tritonymph, Alaska, Anaktuvik Pass, ‘VI. 1968, otherwise the same data as the paratype: 4°, Canada, N.-W. Territorium, Bathurst Island (Canadian Arctic Archipelago, at the Magnetic North Pole), under rocks, 20, VI, 1974, E. Hill leg., coll. R. W. Strandtmann; 2 2, 26. VI. 1974, other data the same; 1.9, U. S. A., Uinta Co., Utah, Ashley Nat. Forest, Uinta Mins., Little Brush Creek Cave, VI. 1970, R. E. Graham leg., Rhagidia grahami ELuore, holotype, det. W. R. Elliott, coll, U, S. Nat. Mus. Nat. History, Washington, D. C., no. 3726, Distribution: Up to this time only North America, Bionomics: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (L.) dilli explicitly differs from other representatives of the genus Robusfocheles with its chelicerae: the distal cheliceral seta is located partly laterally in the narrow, longitudinal and distally open (cf. Foveacheles gen. n.) depression, also the solenidion on the tibia | is proximal or ‘medioproximel. No thorn on the inner margin of the digitus fixus. Discussion: In 1976 Eutiorr described the new species Rhagidia grahami originating from Little Brush Creek Cave, Utah. Despite of the fact that his original description is detailed and well illustrated, many important morphological details were neglected or misinterpreted. I personally examined the holotype of this species and the results are as follows: the cheliceral and hypostomal morphology, location of solenidia, rhagidial organs and chaetotaxy do not allow to distinguish Rhagidia grahami and R. (L.) hill one from another. ELiiorr (1976: 14) drew his attention to 549resemblance between R. grahami and 2. hilli, but data of his differential diagnosis do not agree to reality: inner margin of the digitus mobilis is serrate, only 1 medio- proximal (or proximal) solenidion on the tibia 1, distiventral solenidia on genua I and I are distinct, solenidia on genu IIT and tibia IV are presented also by StRaNDT- MANN (1971: 113., Fig. 14, €, f,: 114,). The character »presence of conical knobs on the legs« is obscure, these conical knobs are probably insertions of ciliated setae Only 2 proximal rhagidial setae in confluent pit instead of 3 ones correspond to my observations of variability of the rhagidial organ IT in this species. Other characters presented, such as »longer legs, chelicerae, a smaller body« are not diagnostic. Therefore I consider R. grahanti ELuiort a junior synonym to R. (L.) hilli (StRanpt- MANN). Note: Some biometric data on the holotype of R. grahami: Length of ehelicera 270 jrm, its breadth 110 yrm, length of digitus mobilis 114 rm, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 20 and 41 rm, respectively, distance between their bases 31 yim, Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.45, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.42, lenath of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.02, length to breadth of tarsus I 4.40, the same for terminal palpal segment: 2.37. 2. Genus Crassocheles gen. n. Genotype: Crassocheles murals sp. Diagnosis: Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears, dorsum of chelicera convex with distinct saddle-shaped depression. Basis of digitus fixus conspicuously thick, Both cheliceral setae inserted dorsally, proximal cheliceral seta proximally to joint of digitus mobilis. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta proximal to middle rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated rhagidial setae. Hypostome with terminal membranous funnel, Tri- chobothria filiform, chaetotaxy relatively short. Empodia slender. Chaetotaxy on terminal palpal segment reduced, in number 7—9 ciliated setae. Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3. Representatives with distinet edaphomorphisms. Differential diagnosis: The above combination of characters differentiates the genus Crassocheles from other genera of the family Rhagidiidae. The generic name points out relatively short and thick cheliceral shears of the representatives. Feminine gender. Key to the species of Crassocheles ital cheliceral seta distinctly proximal to point of touch of digitus fixus and mobilis. Terminal palpal segment with 9 ciliated setae, subterminal palpal segment with 3 ciliated setae, Solenidion on tibia Tand IT dorsodistal. o.oo ee ee ee ee LC, murals sp. a, 1b Distal cheliceral seta inserted above point of touch of digitus fixus and mobilis. Terminal palpal segment with only 7 ciliated setae, subterminal one with 2 setae, Solenidion on tibia 1 and II distinetly mediolateral... 2... sees 2G virgo sp. n. 5501. Crassocheles muralis sp. n. (Figs 21-22) Diagnosis: Distal cheliceral seta inserted proximally to point of touch of digitus fixus and mobilis. Terminal and subterminal palpal segment with 9 and 3 ciliated setae, respectively. Solenidion on tibia I and II distinctly dorsodistal. Epivertex distinctly protruding forward. Rhagidial setae of rhagidial organ II parallel. Description 9 Q examined. Length of body 444 (419—S00) jam, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.66 (0.58 to 0.77). Dorsum: (measures in yam): iv-19 (17—20), ev-17, tr- 52(50—55), sc-40 (38—45), ihe, di and ds-15(14—17), eh-25 (24—31), il-20 (17—24), el-15 (14— 17), is-28 27-31), es-16 (14—17). Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1- Progenital and paragenital setae, sometimes only 4/5. parageni 63 (58—69) rm long. Ghathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth 1.26(1.15—1.30), with terminal membranous funnel, Chelicerae slender with relatively short, thick and robust shears. Proximal cheliceral seta inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta inserted proximally to point of touch of digitus fixus and mobilis, and overlapping apex of fixed digit. Inner margin of digitus mobilis minutely serrate. Length of chelicera 86 ym, its breadth 33(31—38) um, length of digitus mobilis 24 ym, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 10 and 17 ym, respectively. Distance between bases of these setae 10 jm, Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.59 (2.50—2.77), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 28, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.70—0.77. Terminal palpal segment shortly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.68 (1,601.80), and bearing 9 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion, Tarsus I relatively short and broad, ratio length to breadth: 2.55 (2.43—2.71), forward gently rounded.” Emzodium slender, not overlapping claws which have minute basal protuberances. Rhagidial organ | consists of 3 separated parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta Proximal to middle rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ I consists of 2 separated parallel thagidial setae, spiniform seta often absent or lying proximally between rhagidial setae. Solenidia: Tibia | with 1 laterodorsal, distal solenidion just behind dorsodistal tibial rhagidial seta, tibia 11 with 1 laterodorsal, distal solenidion lying near dorso- distal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Genua T and I with 1 2.2. $ pairs of both tals. Progenital lipdistiventral (mediodistal) solenidion, tibia III with 2 laterodorsal, proximal solenidia arranged serially, genu III with I ventrolateral, mediodistal solenidion, solenidia on leg IV not observed. Material examined: 19, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Velkj Bezdéz-Hill, rocky steppe, grass rhizosphere, 11. III. 1973, leg, et coll. M. Zacharda; 3.9, paratypes, Maly Rezdéz-Hill, otherwise the same data as the holotype; 1% paratype, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill, focky steppe on southern slope, pitfall trap, 27. IV. 1974, other data the same: 4 9, paratypes, Bohemia bor., Provadin, Provodinské kameny-Rock, mixed deciduous forest litter, 23. 1V. 1973, Jeg, et coll, M, Zacharda Distribution: Up to this time only Czechoslovakia. Bionomics: Adults occurring only in winter and spring. Differential diagnosis: The species C. muralis resembles C. virgo, but it explicitly differs with morphology of the cheliceral shears, the rhagidial organ IIFig. 22: Crassocheles muralis; A ~ chelicera, B - rhagidial organ 1, C dorsodistal solenidion and rhagidial seta on tibia 1, E - hypostome, distal solenidion and lanceotate seta on tibia Il, H — tarsus lin profi location on legs 1=1V. 553consists of parallel rhagidial setae, the solenidia on tibiae I and Il are located dorso- distally, the terminal and the subterminal palpal segment bear 9 and 3 ciliated setae, respectively. Epivertex distinctly protruding from stethosoma. 2. Crassocheles virgo sp. n. (Figs 23-24) Diagnosis: Distal cheliceral seta inserted above point of touch of digitus fixus and mobilis. Palpal segments II-III-IV with 1-2-7 ciliated setae, respectively. Sole- nidion on tibia I and IT distinctly mediolateral. Epivertex very short and broad, only Fi 23: Crassocheles virgo; A — dorsum, B ~ yenter. 554minutely protruding from stethosoma. Rhagidial setae of rhagidial organ II arranged serially, Description 79 examined, Length of body 462(419— 0.73), Dorsum: Epivertex very short, only minutely protruding from stethosoma; (measures wm): iv-11 (10-14), ev-16 (14—17), tr-22 (17-24), se-37 (31—38), ih-17 (14—20), eh-25 (20-27), di and dy-16 (14—17) ,il-20 (14—24), el-15 (10-17), is-25 (17—27), es-18 (14—20). Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 4—5 progenital setae on progenital lip 65 (62—72) ym long, 3—4 pairs of paragenitals. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.39(1.27—1,50), with terminal membranous funnel. Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears, Proximal cheliceral seta distinetly proximal to joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta distinctly distal to joint of digitus mobilis which has serrate inner margin. Length of chelicera 74(69—76 um, its breadth 29(27—34) xm, length of digitus mobilis 20(17—24) um, length of proximal cheliceral seta 10 jem, distal cheliceral seta 16 (14—20) um, distance between bases of these setae 8—9 jem. Ratio Jength of chelicera to breadth of that:2.51 (2.20—2.75), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.27(0.25—0.32), length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.10(0.60—-0.77).. Terminal palpal segment shortly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.77 (1.60—2.0). Palpal chaetotaxy reduced in its number, segments 1I—III—1V with 1—2—7 ciliated setae, respectively, Small spiniform solenidion on terminal palpal segment. Tarsus I relatively short and broad, ratio length to breadth: 2.46 (2.28—2.71), forward gently rounded. Empodium slender, minutely overlapping claws with small basal protuberances, Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta located proximally to middle rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated thagidial setae arranged tandem, spiniform seta absent. Solenidia: Tibiae | and II with | lateral, medial or medioproximal solenidion, genua I and II with | distiventral solenidion, tibia IIf with | ventrolateral, medial solenidion, genu II] with 1 lateroventral medial solenidion, leg IV without solenidia, Tibia I and 11 with dorsodistal rhagidial seta and lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore, respectively. Solenidia very small and indistinct. 516) fxm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0,68 (0.60 to Material examined: 1 9, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor,, Provodin, Provodinské Kameny-Rock, grass rhizosphere on rocky steppe, II. Il. 1973, M. Zacharda leg, et coll. paratypes, otherwise the same data as the holotype; 13, paratype, Bohemia bor., Oblil near Louny, rocky steppe, found in pitfall trap, 21, III. 1973, M. Zacharda leg, et collG fo; A ~ chelicera, B~ rhagidial organ 1, C ~ rhagidial organ 11, D — hypo- Fig, 24: Crassocheles ion on legs 1=IV, G ~ tarsus lin profit. stome, E — pedipalpus, F ~ solenidia and ehaetotaxy Lo Distribution: Up to this time only Czechoslovakia. Bionomies: Occurring only on rocky steppes, adults only in winter and early spring. Differential diagnosis: The species Crassocheles virgo resembles C. murals, but it differs with slender cheliceral shears, rhagidial setae in the rhagidial organ II arranged tandem, solenidia on the tibiae I and II distinctly mediolateral, the palpal segments II—III—IV with |—2—T ciliated setae, respectively. The epivertax is pro- truding from the stethosoma minutely. The specific name was taken from place-name of the locality »Sleeping Virgin (Spici panna)«, Provodin, North Bohemia. 3.Genus Rhagidia THoRELL, 1872 Megamerns Duaés, 1834, Annls Sci. nat, Sér. 2,2: 50, 53 (nee Megamerns W.S. Mac LeaY, 1827) Sexphius C. L. Koc, 1935, Deutsehlands Crustaceen, Myriapoden und Arachniden, Fase. 1, 14. Regensburg. (nee Sevphius Russo, 1826). 556Rhagilia Tone, 1872, Oetvers. K, VetenskAkad, Férh, 28: 700, ‘Norneria Canestnint, 1886, Atti Ist. veneto Sei., Ser. 6, 4: 697. Scyphiodes BERLtst, 1886, Acari dannosi: 16., nom. nov. for Seyphius C. L. Koc nec Risso, Sevphoides BEnLese; Banks, 1900 (lapsus calami?), Canad, Ent, 32: 31 (Synonymy taken from Twon & WiLLMANN, 1941: 96—97.) Genotype: Rhagidia gelide Tuorert, 1872. Diagnosis: Dorsum of chelicera convex, with distinct saddle-shaped depression, cheliceral shears slender. Digitus fixus without any thorn on its inner margin, but often broadened just before its basis. Cheliceral setae inserted dorsally. Trichobothria filiform. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 oblique rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2—4 rhagidial setae. Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3 or 3-1-6-3, No distinct troglomorphisms or edaphomorphisms. Differential diagnosis: The genus Rhagidia seems to be close to the genus Robustocheles, but it differs with slender cheliceral shears. Otherwise see the key to the genera of Rhagidiidae. Three subgenera are introduced (cf. table 4). Table 4. Comparison of the morphological characters in the represemsarives of Rheagidlia gen. Species rgd thasilat soleniion epimers organ | fran I fon gent Torts R(R) geld tell, Br, dorsomedial variable proxim, R. (N.) gigas 4s, ste Br. entra 3-1-6-3, 1,2" proxim, R. (N.) diversicolor 4 r,s, Stell Bhs. medioventral —3-1-6-3 1,2" proxim, G-1-5-3) RN) pankva 4. sy tell Br. ventral, 341-53 12. proxim. distimedial RN.) ruseki 4s, stel 3ns ventral, 31-53 1.2. proxim. distimedial RON.) rackae 4s, stel Ins. ventral, 3153 1.2" proxim, mediodistal RA) mild 4s, ste 3-446 lateral, 341-63 1.2" proxim. submedial R (A) compbellensis 44. 5. ste 3-ans. lateral, 31-63 Proxim. to Ist submedial Proxim. r,s. R.(AL) gerlachet 4s, ste ars. distiventral 1.2. proxim. Explanations: cs. ~ raga setae); sll, - stellate seta; proxi, proximal 937Key to the subgenera of Rhagidia 10.4 rhage setae of shnglt ngan tying fa oonaeatlaseion pit, Soni on geri I-III dorsal (1)... bce eee be Rhagidia s. str. 1b 4 chagidial setae of thagidial organ I separated and lying obliquely ‘caterer on ian Solenidia on genua I—III never dorsal, mostly ventral, lateroventral or lateral, 2 2a 6 pairs of progenital setae at least. Antarctic region... . . 2. Austrorhagidia subgen. n. 2b S$ pairs of progenital setae. Holarctic region... . . « 3. Noerneria CANESTRINI stat. 1, Subgenus Rhagidia s. str. Diagnosis: Chelicerae slender with long and strong shears, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis. Inner margin of digitus fixus prebasally suddenly broadened. Rhagidial organs I and II consist of 4 rhagidial setae arranged serially in confluent insertion pit, Sometimes only 3 rhagidial setae in rhagidial organ Rlngidia (R.) gelda; A, C ~ cheliera, B, F ~typostome, D — pedipalpus, E—rutellum, = lectotype).IL, Stellate seta lying between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, spiniform seta located proximally to proximal rhagidial seta. Solenidia on tibiae ITV distinctly imal and dorsal, solenidia on genua I—III mediodorsal, Terminal palpal segment with 12—14 ciliated setae. Varied polytrichy frequent on epimeres IIE and IV, and in L. Rhagidia gelida Tuorett, 1872 (Fig. 25) Rhagidia getida; Tuones., 1872, Oetvers. K. VetenskAkad. Férh. 28: 701 Rhagidia gelida: Tuow & Wittmann, 1941, Das Tierreich, Ta: 109— 111 Rhugidia gelida: StRANDTMANN, 1971, Pacif, Insects 13 (I): 106—107. Description (taken from STRANDTMANN, 197] and complemented), 3; length of body 1350 (1050 to 1500) jm, ratio of length of leg I to that of body: 1.32—1.38. Dorsum: Trichobothria filiform, eh-3» length of internal humerals, ih-same length as da and do: Venter: Epimeral formula highly variable, 3-1-6-3, 3-1-9-8, 3-1-L1-6 or in other combinations. Trochanteral formula |-[-2-2, exceptionally 2 setae on trochanter II. 5 pairs of progenital setae, 5—14 pairs of paragenitals Gnathosoma: Hypostome broadly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.15—1.30, internal malae short and styletform, external malae membranous, dorsolateral membranous rutellae large and irregularly serrate. Chelicerae slender with slender shears, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis. Digitus fixus terminally 2-cusped, its inner margin suddenly broadened just before basis. Inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate, Length of chelicera 282—290 um, its breadth 127-124 jum, length of digitus mobilis 100—104 ym, length of proximal cheliceral seta 27—38 um, distal cheliceral seta 66—76 jum long, distance between bases of these setae 27 jim, Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.34—2.40, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.35, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.83—0.85. ‘Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 3.10—3.35, and bearing 12—14 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I long and slender, ratio length to breadth: 4.90—5.80, forward gently rounded. Slender empodium of the same length as claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organs 1 and Il consist of 4 rhagidial setae arranged serially in confluent insertion pits (sometimes only 3 rhagidial setae in rhagidial organ II), stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta, spiniform seta proximal to proximal rhagidial seta in rhagidial organ IL Solenidia: Tibia I, Il, and 1V with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion, tibia HI with 2 359)dorsoproximal solenidia arranged tandem, genua I, Il, III with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion. Tibia I with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, tibia II with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Female Length of body 1725 jum in average, no other substantial differences from male. Nymphs Tritonymph: see R, W. STRANDTMANN, 1971: 106, Material examined: 1 9, lectolype, Norway, Beeren Eiland, 26. VII. 1869, Holmren (2) leg., Rhagidia gelida, det. Thorell, coll. Riksmuseets Entomologiska Afdelning, Stockholm, Sweden; I 9, paralectotype, Norway, Spitzbergen, 22. VII. 1864, Malmun (2) leg., Rhagidia gelida, det. Thorell, otherwise the same data as the lectotypes Other material examined: 1 9, USSR, Schaitanskoj, Lat. 71°53", 21. VILL, 1875; 1 8 Jenissej, Lat, 70°, Kap Muksuninskij, 29. VIII. 1875; 5 9, 1 tritonymph, Norway, Beeren Island, 6, VIII. 1899, Rhagidia gefida, det. Triigardh, material deposition as the lectolype; 4 4, 2 tritonymphs, Canada, Tuktoyaktuk, N. W. T., 25, VII. 1967; 1.4, 19. VIL. 1973; 2 §, 25. VIL. 1973, Tuktoyaktuk, N. W. T41 8, Atkinson, N. W. T., 20. VIII. 1973; 3 tritonymphs, Alaska, VIL—VIT. 1968, leg et coll. R. W. Strandtmann, Distribution: Very abundant all over the Arctic region. Bionomies: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: The species Rhagidia getida explicitly differs with its thagidial organs and solenidia from the other representatives of this genus. Note: Some biometric data on the lectotype. Length of chelicera 340 jrm, its breadth 128 jim, length of digitus mobilis 128 rm, proximal and distal cheliceral seta 35 and 86 zm long, respee- tively, distance between their bases 38 jum, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.65, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.37, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.0. Terminal palpal segment with 13 insertion pits of setae and 1 spiniform sole- nidion, ratio of its length to breadth: 2.50, ratio of length of tarsus I to breadth of that: 4.50, otherwise the other characters typical for R. gelida, 2. Subgenus Austrorhagidia subgen. n Type species: Rhagidia (Austrorhagidia) mildredae (StRANDTMANN, 1964). Diagnosis: Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, thagidial organ II consists of 3—4 rhagidial setae arranged serially in common in- sertion pit. Genua I and II with ventral solenidia. Progenital lips with 6 pairs of progenital setae at least. Antarctic region, The name of this subgenus points out the distribution of the representatives. Feminine gender. 560Key to the species of Austrorhagidia subgen. n. 1a Both cheliceral setae distinctly distal to joint of digitus mobilis. Trochanteral formula I~ Scene te eee eee ee BR (A) gerlached (TROUESSART) 1b Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis. Trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 2a Stellate seta |: Tlaterodorsal, distinctly proximal... 6. es + + Le Re (AL) mildred 2b Stellate seta lying distincily proximally (0 proximal rhagidial seta, soleni dorsal, distal, just behind dorsodistal tibial shagidial seta. . STRANDIMANN on tibia T R. (A.) campbellensis sp. n. 1. Rhagidia (Austrorhagidia) mildredae (STRANDTMANN, 1964) comb.n. (Fig, 26, A, C) Rhagidia mildredae STRANDTMANN, 1964, (part.), Pacif. Insects 7: 137—160, Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserled above joint of digitus mobilis. Stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Solenidion on tibia I laterodorsal, distinctly proximal. Fig. 26: Rhagidia (4.) mildredae (A. C) and R. (A.) campbeltensis (B, D); A, B ~ chelicera, C, D = tarsus | in profile, 561Description (Taken from StraNDTMANN, 1964 and partly complemented); length of body 1000 (790—1220) im, legs I and IV longer than body. Dorsum: Filiform trichobothria approximately of the same length as scapulars, external humerals inserted laterally to trichobothria. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. Genital reg with 6 pairs of progenital and 5 pairs of paragenital setae. Gnathosoma: Hypostome terminally with large serrate rutellae, internal malae styletform, external malae membranous. Chelicerae slender with strong shears, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis. Apex of digitus fixus 3—d-cusped, inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate. Length of chelicera 180 jam, its breadth 69 pm, lenght of digitus mobilis 66 yum, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 20 and 38 jum, respectively, distance between their bases 17 jum. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2,60, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.36, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.95. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.0, bearing 10 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion. Tarsus 1 long and slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.40. Empodium slender, overlapping claws without basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated rhagidial setae lying obliquely trans- verse, stellate seta laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ II consists of 3—4 rhagidial setae arranged serially in confluent insertion pit. Spiniform seta proximal. Distal rhagidial seta sometimes separated. Solenidia: Tibia I with | laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, Tibia II with 1 laterodorsal, medial solenidion and with lanceolate seta in deep dorsodistal depression with terminal pore. Genu | with I lateral, submedi- al solenidion, genu II with 1 distiventral solenidion, tibia III, IV and genu IIT with I laterodorsal, proximal solenidion. Material examined: 1 3, Subantarctica, Auckland Island (N), Giants Archway, 450 m, 12. 1, 1963, J. L. Gressitt leg., det. et coll. R. W. Strandtmann; 1 J, Auckland Isl., Gray Duck Creek, Laurie Harbour, 9. 1. 1963, K. A. Wise leg., coll. R. W. Strandimann, Distribution: Subantarctic region, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island. Bionomics: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (4.) mildredae is very close to R. (A.) campbetlensis, but it differs with location of the stellate seta lying between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, and with distinetly proximal solenidion on the tibia I. Otherwise see the discussion in R. (4.) campbellensis. 5622. Rhagidia (Austrorhagidia) campbellensis sp. (Figs 26, B, D) Rhugidlia mildredae (part.): SERANDIMANN, 1964, Pacif, Insects 7: 157—160. Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted dorsally above joint of digitus mobilis. Stellate seta lying proximally to Ist proximal rhagidial seta. Solenidion on tibia I dorsodistal, just behind tibial rhagidial seta Description See the diagnosis, otherwise as R. (4.) mildredae. Also location of the tarsal chaetotaxy (ef. fig. 26, D) seems to be different. Chelicera 190 yam long, its breadth 76 om, length of digitus mobilis 83 jzm, length of proximal cheliceral seta 20 em, distal one 41 jam, distance between bases of these setae 24 zm, Ratio length of chelice- ra to breadth of that: 2.50, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.44, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.10. Material examined: 15,19, Auckland Island, Giant's Archway, 12. 1, 1963, J. L. Gressitt Ieg,, coll. R. W. Strandtmann. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (4.) campbellensis differs from close R. (A.) mildredae with the distinetly proximal stellate seta and with the dorsodistal location of the tibial solenidion 1 . Discussion: StraNDTMANN (1964: 159—160.) pointed out phenomenon of an unusual discontinual variability of the solenidion on the tibia ] and the stellate seta location in R. (A.) mildredae, but he did not suggest to name these two morphs. According to my opinion, they should be considered separated species in morphologie- al viewpoint. This is not a unique case of the very close specific similarity in the Rhagidiidae, e. g. Latoempodia macroempodiata and L. similis, or Poecilophysis weyerenensis and P. wankeli, ete., are also very close. In these cases, sympatric speci ation should be considered and discussed. Of course, further detailed description of R. (4.) campbellensis and Ro (A.) mildredae, based on a numerous and undamaged, undistorted material, is desirable. 3. Rhagidia (Austrorhagidia) gerlachei TROUESSART, 1903 (Fig. 27) Rhagidia gigas gerlachei TROUESSART, 1903, Rés. Voy. Belg. Zool. Acar.: 4-5, Rhagidia gigas gerlachel: THor & WILLMANN, 1941, Das Tierreich 7la: 122. (There further unrevised synonymy.) Rhagidia gerlachei: WoMERSLEY & STRANDTNANN, 1963, Pacif. Insects 5 (2): 460—463, Rhagidia gerlachei: SYRANDTMANN, 1967, Antarct. Res. Ser. 10: 65—66. Rhagidia gerlachei: STRANDIMANN, 1970, Paeif. Insects Monogr. 23: 98 —100. 563ig. 27: Rhagidia (.) gerlache’; A = chelicera, B ~ hypostome, C ~ pedipalpus, D - rhagidial ongan I, E ~ chagidial organ I Diagnosis: Both cheliceral setae inserted distally to joint of digitus mobilis. Trochanteral formula 1~ Description 9, holotype; length of body 1320 jum, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.86. Dorsum: (measures in jum): iv-62, ev-83, tr-106, se-130, ih-66, eh-absent, di and ds-59 yum, il-86, el-59, is-134, es-69. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula 6 pairs of pro- genital and 5 pairs of paragenital setae. Progenital lip 162 um long, (Sometimes 6/7 or 7/7 progenitals), Gnathosoma: Hypostome broadly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.12, internal malae short and styletform, external malae membranous, large rutellae roughly serrate. Chelicerae slender, both cheliceral setae inserted distally to joint of digitus mobili, proximal cheliceral seta 30m long, distal one 66 jim, distance between their bases 35 um. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.50, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.45, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.12 Inner margin of digitus mobilis finely serrate. ‘Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.45, and bearing 10 ciliated setae and I spiniform solenidion, Tarsus I slender, ratio length to breadth: 4.35, forward gently rounded. Empodium slender, overlapping tips of claws with no basal clawiets, 564Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ IT consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially in confluent insertion pit with small proximal spiniform seta. Solenidia: Tibia I with I laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and with dorsodistal thagidial seta, Tibia IT with 1 medial (or medioproximal), laterodorsal solenidion and lanceolate seta in dorsodistal deep depression with terminal pore. Genua 1 and II with | distiventral solenidion. Tibia II] with 2 medial solenidia arranged tandem, distal solenidion lying in shallow depression (= rhagidial seta: WoMERSLEY & STRANDTMANN, 1963: 462). Genu III with | medioventral solenidion, tibia IV with I medial, dorsolateral solenidion. Material examined: 1 8, holotype, Antarctica, Racovitza 488, Mousses, Détroit de Ger- lache, Narneria gigas gerlachei n, sp., ex coll. Trouessast, coll, Mus. Nat, Hist, Naturelle, Paris, 8D 15,29, 13, Antarctica, Joubin Island, Shag Rock, moss, 9, I. 1963, G. Lippert leg. coll R. W. Strandimann; 34, 19 Anverse Island, Cape Monaco, I. 1966; | uitonymph, Avian Island, Adelaide Antarctica, 24, 1, 1966, coll. R. W. Strandtmann, Distribution: Antarctic region. Bionomics: Unknown. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (4). gerlachei seems to be close to R. (A) mildredae and R. (A.) campbellensis, but it explicitly differs with location of the cheliceral setae inserted distally to the joint of the digitus mobilis, and its trochanteral formula is 1-2-2-2. 3. Subgenus Noerneria CaNESTRINI, 1886 stat. n Type species: Rhagidia (Noerneria) gigas (Canzstiut, 1886). Diagnosis: Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ 11 consists of 2—3 rhagidial setae arranged mostly serially. They are either separated or in confluent insertion pit. Tibiae I and II with I laterodorsal,, medial or proximal solenidion, genua I and IT with ventral solenidia, genu II mostly with lateral solenidion. Progenital lips with 5 pairs of progenital setae. Holarctic Region. Key to the species of Nuerneria Canestmint Ja Rhagidial organ 11 consists of 2 separated rhagidial setae lying obliquely transverse, terminal palpal segment with 9 ciliated setae... . fe SRN) rackae sp. n. 1b Rhagidial organ 11 consisis of 3 rhagidial setae, terminal palpal segment with 10 ciliated setae... tee teed 2a Both cheliceral setae distinctly proximal ta point of touch of digitus mobilis and digitus fu, Tne margin of digs hus wth lrg prebasl protuteranes (ei profile), Rhogia organ If consists of 3 separated chagidil setae arranged serially... « « 1 2B (N) idiversicolor (C. 1. Roce) 5652b Distal cheliceral seta inserted always distinctly distal to point of touch of digitus mobitis and digitus fixus. Rhagidial setae in rhagidial organ IT arranged obliquely or serially... . . . tee Wmme ne nde hes ee ee at eer 3a Rhagidial organ M1 consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae lying obliquely transverse, spini- form seta absent, . , ee BRON punkeva spn. 30 Rhagidial seta in rhagidial organ Il arranged serially, spiniform seta present... . 4 4a loner margin of digitus fixus without distinct prebasal protuberance (see in profile) length of body 580-760 mm... 2 ee 2 AR EN.) ruseki sp. n, 4b Inner margin of digitus fixus suddenly broadened into small prebasal protuberance, length of body 1300-1700 pm. 1 RON.) gigas (Canesteint) I, Rhagidia (Noerneria) gigas (CaNesTRINI, 1886) (Figs 28-29) Niirnevia gigas Canesrri, 1886, Atti Ist. veneto Sei., Ser. 6, 4: 708—709, Fig. 28: Rhagidia (N.) gigas; A ~ dorsum, B ~ venter, 566Rhagidia gigas: THor & Wuiwann, 1941, Das Tietreich, Tia: 111-112. (There further un revised synonymy.) Rhagidlia intermedia Wumann, 1936, Zool. Anz. 116: 293 -294,, syn. n. Rhagidia danica Enmssaencer, 1977, Osnabriicker naturw. Milt. 5: 95—100., syn. n. ? Rhagidia carpatica BaLtac, 1973, Trav. Inst. Spéol. »Emile Racov (68—171., syn. n Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted just before joint of digitus mobilis. Inner margin of digitus fixus suddenly broadened into small prebasal protuberance, Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae and small spiniform seta arranged serially. Internal basal hypostomal setae terminally cut. Large species. Description 10 2 examined. Length of body 1396 (1112—1596) jvm, ratio length of leg I to that of body 1.25 (1,061.43). Dorsum: (measures in em): iv-86 (79—89), ev-85 (79—93), tr-182 (165—193), se-218 (203 —238), ih-86 (7989), eh-238 (227241), d1-90 (8296), dy-97 (93107), i-186 (165—206), el-97 (93107), is-204 (176—241), es-105 (96—120). Eyes visible laterally on stethosoma. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 185 (165—200) wm lon; Gnathosoma: Hypostome long, slender, ratio length to breadth: 1.16 (1.04— 1.29). Internal matae styletform, external malae membranous. Internal basal hypostomal setae terminally cut, with no sharp point. Chelicerae with large slender shears, proximal cheliceral seta inserted just before joint of digitus mobilis. Inner margin of digitus fixus with broadened prebasal protuberance, apex of fixed digit 3-cusped. Inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate. Length of chelicera 330 (310-345) jem, its breadth 144 (138—152) jam, length of digitus mobilis 128 (114—134) jam, length of proximal and distal setae 42 (34—48) and 78 (72—83) sum, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 35 (31—38) um, Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.29 (2,21 —2.35), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.38 (0.35—0.40), ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.88 (0.78—0.93). Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.67 (2.50— 2.85), and bearing 10 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I long and slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 5.61 (5,335.83), Slender empodium distinctly overlapping claws which have no basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ 11 consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae and 1 separated proximal spiniform seta arranged serially. (Exceptionally only 2 rhagidial setae on only 1 tarsus.) Solenidia: Tibiae 1 and 11 with 1 laterodorsal, proximal solenidion, genua T 567H Fig. 29: Rhagidia (N.) gigas; A ~ chelicera, B - rhagidial organ I, C, D — rhagidial organ IT E~ hypostome, F ~ pedipalpus, G - tarsus I in profile, H - solenidia and chaetotaxy location on legs I-IV, I —apotele with claw and empodiam. 568and II with 1 distiventral or medioventral solenidion. Tibia III with 2 laterodorsa proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with | laterodorsal, medial solenidion, Tibia 1V with | dorsoproximal solenidion. Tibia 1 also with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, tibia II with lanceolate seta in dorsodistal deep depression with terminal pore. Nymphs Deutonymph (2 specimens examined): length of body 709, 774 jum, ratio length of Ieg I to that of body: 1.02, 1.09, Epimeral formula 3-1-4-2, 2 pairs of both pro- genital and paragenital setae. Rhagidial organs I and If consist of 2 separated rh gidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally at proximal rhagidial seta, spiniform seta proximal, separated. Solenidia as in adult, Tritonymph (1 specimen examined): length of body 1032 jum, ratio length of leg I to that cf body: 1.03. Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, 3 pairs of progenital setae, 4 pairs of paragenital setae. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated oblique rha- gidial setae, rhagidial organ II and solenidia as in adult Note: Some biometric data on the holotype: length of body approximately 1700 um, Dorstum: iv-86, 11-205, sc-225, ih-93, di-96, da-104, other chaelotaxy damaged. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital {ip 193 jem long. Length of chelicera 345 jem, its breadth 138 jum, length of digitus mobilis 128 yum, length of proximal and distal cheliceral setae 41 and 86 j1m, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 34 yom. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.50, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.37, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0,93. Ratio length of hypastome to its breadth: 1,04, internal basal setae conspicuously truncate, Material examined: 1 3, holotype, Italy, Trentino, Serphius gigas CaN., det. Canestrini, coll. Instituto di Biologia Animale, cat. no. 277 (LXIV), 17, Univ. di Padova, Italy, fragmentary specimen in permanent preparation, pedipalps and legs absent; | 9, Czechoslovakia, Slova the High Tatras, Mlynieké dolina-Valley, spruce litter, 30. VIII. 1974, V. Bukva leg., coll. M. Zacharda; | 9, Mengusovska dotina-Valley, 1730 m., litter, 2. IX. 1974, otherwise the same data; 25 9, Bohemia bor., Staré Splavy, peat-bog, hand-sorting from the substratum, 21. X. 1973, M. Zacharda leg, et coll,; 1 tritonymph, Staré Splavy, spruce forest, moist moss, 27. VIII. 1974; 2 deutonymphs, 15. VII. 1973, otherwise the same data; 1 9, F. Germany, 4512 Wallenhorst-Rulle, Wiehengebirge, beech forest litter, February 1977, Ehrnsberger leg., Rliagidia danica, holotype, det, Ehrnsberger, coll, Senckenberg-Museum, Frankfurt, SMF 29613; 1 9, & danica, paratype, otherwise the same data, SMF 29614; |, 2353 Nortorf/SchlHolst., Séren(Dithen, December 1972, SMF 29616, otherwise the same data; 1 %, 4500 Osnabriick, Waldzoo/Sehdlerberg, February 1977, SMF 29615, otherwise the same data as the holotype of R. danica Enawsnencer: 1 9, patria incognita, Abs. 765, Rhagidia intermedia Wut. det. C. Willman, ex coll. C. Willman, coll, Dr. W. Hirschmann, Nurem- berg, 80 MZ. Distribution: Up to this time only Europe - Italy, Czechoslovakia, F. Germany. Bionomics: Large surface dwelling species preferring moist to wet habitats such as a forest litter or a peat-bog. Adults occurring only at the end of autumn 369and in winter (maybe that in the mountains yet earlier), nymphs at the end of sum- mer. Locally very abundant. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (N.) gigas differs from the other representatives of the subgenus Noerneria with its size, cheliceral morphology, location of solenidia and terminally cut internal hypostomal setae. Discussion: The holotype of R. (N.) gigas is fragmentary, the pedipalps and legs are missing. But the chelicerae, the hypostome, the epimeral and genital region chaetotaxy, the internal hypostomal setae terminally cut and measures of these characters do not differentiate from the characters examined in my Czechoslovakian material. CANESTRINI (1886: 708—709) presented no as the rhagidial organs, solenidia or detailed cheliceral morphology. His poor origi description undoubtedly caused Tor & WILLMANN’S misinterpretation of this species presented (THor & WILLMANN, 1941; 111—112.) as bearing the rhagidial organs each consisting of 4 rhagidial setae arranged obliquely transverse. | must point out that WILLMANN’S collection of Rhagidiidae includes only one specimen of R. (N.) gigas determined by WILLMANN as Rhagidia intermedia (coll. Dr. W. Hirsch- MANN, Nuremberg, 80 MZ). Therefore I consider R. gefida intermedia WILLMANN, 1936 a junior synonym to R. gigas. The other specimens of R. gigas: WILLMANN, which are also deposited in WiLLMANN’s collection, are quite another species. They are Foveacheles osloensis and F. magna which have their rhagidial organs actually consisting of 4 rhagidial setae. Owing to this misinterpretation of R. gigas, also Tuo & WILLMANN'S references applying to this species should he considered suspect. Type specimens of Rhagidia danica EHRENSBERGER, 1977 are corresponding to my conception of R. gigas and therefore I consider the name R. danica a junior synonym to A. gigas. Also the description of Rhagidia carpatica BALTAC, 1973 agrees to my conception of R. gigas, but unfortunately, I have had no opportunity to examine any type of this species. All my requests for a loan of this material have been ignored up to nportant diagnostic characters such inal this time. 2. Rhagidia (Noerneria) diversicolor (C. L. Kocu, 1838) (Figs 30-31) Seyphins diversicolor C. L. Koc, 1838, Deutsehlands Crustaceen, Myriapoden und Arachniden, Fasc. 17, 22. Regensburg, Rhagidia diversicolor: WHLLMANN, 1936, Zool, Anz. 116: 297—298, Diagnosis: Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears. Inner margin of digitus fixus with large prebasal protuberance (see in profile). Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobili, distal cheliceral seta inserted above point of touch of digitus fixus and digitus mobilis. Rhugidial organ II consists of 3 570separated rhagidial setae and small proximal spiniform seta arranged serially. Solenidia on tibiae I and II dorsoproximal. Description 10 ¢ examined, Length of body 988 (935—1112) jrm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.89 (0.82—0.97). Dorsum: (measures in jem): se-133 (125—145), ih-69 (65—T6), eh-152 (138-165), di and (96—120), el-60 (58—65), is-144 (131 —155), 8-68 (65—-72). 53 (S255), ev-78 (65—89), tr-133 (124—145), 15 (6270), il-109 . 30: Rhagidia (¥.) diversicolor; A ~ dorsum, B - venter, Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6(5)-3, trochanteral formula 1 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae, exceptionally 6 setae on progenital lip 145 (127-182) ym ong. Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.24 (1.13—1.38). Internal malae styletform, external ones membranous. Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears, inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate. Inner margin of digitus S71Fig. 31: Rhagidia (N.) diversicolor; A — chelicera, B, C ~ rhagidial organ 1, D ~ rhagidial organ H, E— tarsus | in profile, F — pedipalpus, G - apex of digitus fixus, H ~ hypostome, | ~ solenidia and chactotaxy location on legs 1=1Y. 572fixus with large prebasal protuberance (see in profile). Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta inserted above point of touch of digitus mobilis and digitus fixus. Length of chelicera 173 (155—186) jum, its breadth 73 (58-79) jem, length of digitus mobilis 62 (55—65) jm, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 15 (14—20) and 40 (38—41) jum, respectively. Distance between bases of these setae 18 (14—24) rm, Distal seta overlapping 2-cusped apex of digitus fixus. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.39 (2,182.64), ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.35 (0.32—0.38), ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.85 (0.77—0.94). Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.80 (2.55 2,90), and bearing 10 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion, Tarsus | long and slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 4.80 (4.33~5.25), Empodium slender, overlapping claws. Claws with no distinct clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between {st and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, or beside most proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae and | small proximal spiniform seta arranged serially, Rhagidial organ I can be variable: even 4 rhagidial setae were observed (only on one leg), spiniform seta can be located beside proximal rhagidial seta and it can be either separated or in confluent insertion pit together with proximal rhagidial seta, Solenidia: Tibiae I and 11 with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion, genu I with | medioventral solenidion, genu II with 1 ventral mediodistal or medial solenidion, tibia IIT with 2 lateroproximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu IIL iwith 1 latero- proximal solenidion, tibia IV with | dorsoproximal solenidion, Tibia I with usual dorsodistal rhagidial seta, tibia M with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Nymphs. Protonymph (4 specimens examined): length of body 395 (387—403) pm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.82 (0.79—0.87). Epimeral formula 3-1-3-0, only 1 pair of progenital setae, paragenitals absent. Rhagidial organ I consists of 1 rhagidial seta, stellate seta lateral to this rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ II consists of 1 rhagidial seta and 1 spiniform seta arranged serially. Minute solenidia as in adult. Deutonymph: (8 specimens examined): length of body 530 (500~548) um, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.82 (0.78—0.87). Epimeral formula 3-1-4-1, 2 pairs of both progenitals and paragenitals. Rhagidial organs I and II consist of 2 rhagidial setae, location of stellate seta and spiniform seta as in adult, Solenidia as in adult, Tritonymph (5 specimens examined): length of body 712 (580—854) pm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.94 (0.83—1.16). 373Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, 3 pairs of progenitals, 4 pairs of paragenitals. Rhaj organs J and II consist of 3 separated rhagidial setae, location of stellate and spini- form seta as in adult. Solenidia as in adult. Nymphs can be identified according to their cheliceral shears and solenidia, Material examined: 100 9, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill near Louny, grassy steppe, in pitfall traps, 21. LIL 1975, M. Zacharda leg. et coll.; 12 tritonymphs, 19. 1. 1975, other~ wise the same data; 10 deutonymphs, 3. XI. 1974, otherwise the same data; 4 protonymphs, 4. X. 1975, otherwise the same data; I deutonymph, I tritonymph, Boh, bor., Staré Splavy, heath litter, 24. IX. 1972; 1 9, Provadin, Provodinské kameny-Rack, deciduous forest litter, I. IL 1973; 19 Maly Bezdéz-Hill, beech forest litter, 1. IIL. 1973; otherwise the same data; F. Germany, Hermannsh8hle-Cave, 29, VII. 1940, ex coll. C, Willmana, coll. W. Hirsch- ‘mann, Nuremberg, 62 MZ; 29, Poland, Silesia, Wildgrund(?) Stollen, Bodenlache, 31, X. 1933, Schubert leg., Riagidia tervicola, det. C. Willmann, ex coll. C. Willman, coll. W. Hirschmann, Nuremberg, no. 63 MZ. Distribution: Up to this time only Central Europe. Bionomics: This species seems to prefer moister meadow habitats, adults occur in winter and in early spring, nymphs successively occurring in autumn, Differential diagnosis: The species R. (N.) diversicolor is explicitly defined by its cheliceral morphology and rhagidial organs, which do not allow a misidentific- ation: Discussion: The original Kocu’s type material of R. (1V.) diversicolor evidently does not exist and his original descript ication impossible. WILLMANN (1936a) was the first acarologist who identified his material with Kocu’s description according to non-diagnostic characters - location of the opisthosomal chaetotaxy and appearance of the distal body part. Despite the fact that WiLLMANN’s identification is suspect, his conception of R. diversicolor has become deep-rooted and there is no reason to change it. R. diversicofor sensu WiLLMANN can be explicitly identified according to unique location of the cheliceral chactotaxy (cf. WILLMANN, 1936a: 298., Fig. 10.) together with the rhagidial organ, etc But WiLLMaNn’s type collection of the Rhagidiidae includes no mites determined by WILLMANN as R. diversicolor. I found only 2 specimens determined as R. terricola and 1 specimen without any determination, This material was collected in the cave and in the galleries. I found only one morphological difference in these specimens -they are larger: coll. W. HirscHimann, no. 62 MZ: fn makes a correct Length of chelicera 300 jem, its breadth 138 jem, length of digitus mobilis 97 jrm, length of proximal cheliceral seta 34 jem, distal one 65 jum, distance between bases of these setae 31 ym, ratio length of chelicera to its breadth: 2.18, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.3: length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.70,; coll, W. HixsCHMANN, no. 63 MZ: ratio length of terminal palpal segment to its breadth: 2.50, 2.70, ratio length of tarsus 1 1a its breadth: 4.65, 5.30, length of chelicera 217 yum, its breadth 90 jm, length of digitus mobilis 76 yim, pro- ximal and distal cheliceral seta 26 and $2 jem, respectively, distance between their bases 20 jem, ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.40, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.35, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.85. 3743. Rhagidia (Noerneria) punkva sp. n. (Figs 32-33) Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted just proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta distal to this joint. Inner margin of digitus fixus with conspicuous subterminal depression (see in profile). Rhagidis! organ II consists of 3 long and slender, separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely, spiniform seta not observed. Solenidia on tibiae | and II laterodorsal, medial Fig. 32: Rhagidia (N.} punkva; A ~ dorsum, B- venter. 515Description 1 9 examined. Length of body 629 jm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.84. Dorsum: (measures in um): iv-27, ev-24, 11-62, sc-68, ih-27, eh-55, dy and da-27, LAL, 1-20, is-62, es-27. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula I-1-2-2. 5 pairs of both progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 86 wm long. Fig. 33: Rhagidia (N.) punkva; A ~ chelicera, B ~ rhagidial organ 1, C - rhagidial organ I, D — hypestome, E ~ pedipalpus, F ~ tarsus 1 in profile, G ~ solenidia and chactotaxy location on legs LLY. 576Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.44, internal malae very short and styletform, external malae broad, membranous. Chelicerae slender, proximal seta inserted just proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, jistal seta inserted distally to this joint. Inner margin of digitus fixus with subterminal depression (see in profile) . nner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Length of chelicera 158 jum, its breadth 35 um, length of digitus mobilis 52 jum, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 13 and 38 jum, respectively, distance between their bases 20 jum. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.87, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.33, lenght of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.93. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.30, and bearing 10 ci ated setae and I spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.66. Slender empodium minutely ove lapping claws which are without distinct basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, oblique, slender rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, Lateroproxi- mal ciliated setae lying proximally to all rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ If consists of 3 long and slender, separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely. Spiniform seta not observed. Solenidia: Tibia I with | laterodorsal, medial solenidion and with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, Genu I with I ventral, mediodistal solenidion, tibia II with 1 latero- dorsal, mediodistal solenidion and with lanceolate seta in deep dorsodistal depression with terminal pore, genu II with I distiventral solenidion. Tibia III with 2 latero- dorsal, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with I dorsolateral, medial solenidion, tibia IV with | laterodorsal, medioproximal solenidion. Material examined: 1 &, Czechoslovakia, Moravia merid., the Moravian Kars, Skalnt mijn, wet moss near to Punkva-Creek, 4, IV. 1974, M. Zacharda leg. et coll. Differential diagnosis: The species R, (N.) punkva resembles R. (N.) ruscki, but it differs with the morphology of the rhagidial organ 1 with missing spiniform seta, the cheliceral shears are relatively shorter, the inner margin of the digitus fixus has the conspicuous subapical depression (in profile), the proximal cheliceral seta is inserted just proximally to the joint of the digitus mobilis, the solenidia on the tibiae I and 1] are medial. This species also differs from R. (N.) rackae with 10 ciliated setae on the terminal palpal segment, with 5 pairs of the progenital setae, its rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial setae, the solenidia on the tibiae I and IT are medial, and on the genu IIL dorsolateral, the lateroproximal ciliated setae on the tarsus I are inserted proximally to the whole rhagidial organ. Also the profile of the digitus fixus is partly different (cf. drawings). This species was named for Punkva-Creek, streaming in the site of collection, 3174. Rhagidia (Noerneria) ruseki sp. n. (Figs 34-35) Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted distinctly distal to this joint. Inner margin of digitus fixus only minutely broadened. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial setae and partly variable - ef. specific description. Spiniform seta present. Laterodorsal, proximal solenidion on tibia | lying distal to most proximal ciliated setae. Latero- proximal ciliated setae on tarsus I lying laterally, or proximally to proximal rhagi- dial seta. Fig. 34: Rlagidia (N.) ruseki; A ~ dorsum, B— venter. 578Description 10 2 examined. Length of body 680 (580—758) jrm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.78 (0.61—0.93). Dorsum: (measures in jem): iv-33 (28-34), ev-31 (28—34), tr-75 (69-80), se-75 (69-83), ih-, di and ds-25 (24-27), eh-70 (62-73), il-48 (45-52), el-29 (27—31), is-72 (69—79), es-36 (34—41). Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 4, exceptionally 5 pairs of progenital setae, 5 pairs of paragenitals. Progenital lip 94 (83—107) um long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.33 (1.22—1.44), basal hypostomal setae close one to another. Chelicerae slender, proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted distinctly distal to joint of digitus mobilis and overlapping 3-cusped apex of digitus fixus. Digitus mobilis serrate approximately in middle, Length of chelicera 164 (156—169) 4m, its breadth 64 (62—69) um, length of digitus mobilis 62 ($8—65) jum, length of proximal cheliceral seta 19 (14—20) jem, distal one 38 (35—41) am, distance between their bases 17 ym. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.55 (2.40—2.60), length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.37 (0.35—0.39), length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.96 (0.88—1.0). Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.60 (2.40 2,80), and bearing 10 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I long and slender, ratio length to breadth: 3.67 (3.45—4.0), forward gently rounded. Empodium slender, only minutely overlapping claws, which have no distinct basal clawlets Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 long and slender, separated rhagi arranged obliquely transverse, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist nad 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Lateroproximal ciliated setae on tarsus I lying lateral, or just proximal to proximal rhagidial seta, Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially, the 2 proximal usually in confluent insertion pit together with proximal spiniform seta. Sometimes all rhagidial setae in confluent pit, or all rhagidial setae separated, exceptionally 2 distal rhagidial setae separated and parallel (examine both tarsi II), Solenidia: Tibiae | and 11 with | laterodorsal, proximal solenidion inserted distally to proximal ciliated setae, genu I with I ventral, distimedial solenidion, genu II with 1 distiventral solenidion, tibia III with 2 dorsolateral, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with | lateromedial solenidion, no distinct solenidion ‘on tibia LV. Tibia I also with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, tibia 11 with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore, ial setae 379Fig, 35: Rhagidiu (.V.) ruseki; A — chelicera, B ~ rhagidial organ 1, C, D, E, F - chagidial organ UL, G ~ pedipalpus, H—tarsus'l in profile, I ~ hypostome, J - solenidia and chaetotaxy location on legs 1 IV, 580Male @ specimens examined): No distinct morphological differences from the Females have been found except for a longitudinal sperm sac showing through the opistho- somal integument Nymphs. Deutonymph (5 specimens examined): length of body 477 (451—516) jm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.76 (0.71—0.79). Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, 2 pairs of both progenitals and paragenitals, Rhagidial organs | and II consists of 2 separ- ated, oblique rhagidial setae. Locations of stellate seta and spiniform seta, and sole- nidia as in adult, Tritonymph (2 specimens examined): length of body 600 jm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.60. Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, 3 pairs of progenitals, 4 pairs of paragenitals. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely, stellate seta lying laterally to proximal rhagidial seta. Rhagidlial organ II consists of 3 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, spiniform seta proximal, Solenidia as in adult, minute solenidion in laterodorsal, proximal position on tibia TV. Material examined: 1 §, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill near Louny, arassy steppe on eastern slope, pitfall trap, 21. III. 1975, M. Zacharda leg. et call 16 %, 33, paratypes, otherwise the same data as the holotype; § deutonymphs, 2 uritonymphs, 13. XI. 1974; 1 9, 7. V. 1975, otherwise the same data; 4%, Bohemia bor., Provodin, Provodinské ka- meny-Rock, deciduous forest litter, 11. Il. 1973, otherwise the same data; Velky Berdéz-Hill, grass rhizosphere in beech forest, 11. III, 1973, otherwise the same data, Distribution: Up to this time only Czechoslovakia. Bionomics: Adults occurring in winter and early spring, nymphs at the end of autumn and in winter. Locally abundant. ferential diagnosis: The species R. (N.) ruseki seems to be close to R. (N.) rackae, but it differs with 3 rhagidial setae in the rhagidial organ II, its tarsus I is relatively longer, with the lateroproximal ciliated setae lying laterally, or just proximal to the Ist proximal rhagidial seta. The dorsolateral proximal sole- nidion on the tibia 1 is lying distally to the most proximal ciliated setae. The terminal palpal segment bears 10 ciliated setae, R. (N.) rusekt differs from R. (N.) punkva with the morphology of the rhagidial organ II and the cheliceral shears (cf. drawings), the solenidia on the tibiae I and IT are distinctly proximal This species was named in honour of Dr. J. Rusek, CSc., the soil zoologist who helped me in my worl many respects. 5815. Rhagidia (Noerneria) rackae sp. 0 (igs 36-37) Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above, sometimes just proximally. to joint of digitus mobilis. Inner margin of digitus fixus with large, broad subterminal depression, Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, spiniform seta absent. Terminal palpal segment with only 9 ciliated setae, only 4 pairs of progenital setae. Dorsolateral sole I ying laterally, or proxim- ally to most proximal ciliated seta. Lateroproximal ciliated setae on tarsus I located laterally between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial setae. Fig, 36: Rhagidia (.) rackae; A — dorsum, B ~ venter. 582Description 3 examined, Length of body 596-660 jm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.64—0.67. Dorsum: (measures in jm): iv-24—27, ev-20—27, tr-62—65, se-62, ih-24, eh. dy and ds-20—24, il-34—38, el-17—20, is-45—52, es-17—20, Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2. 4 pairs of progenital and 5 pairs of paragenital setae. Progenital lip 86—89 wm long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.38—1.46, internal malae short, styletform, external malae broad and membranous. Chelicerae slender, proximal cheliceral seta inserted just behind, or above joint of digitus mobilis. Distal cheliceral seta inserted just before joint of digitus mobilis, and overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Length of chelicera 114— 124 1m, its breadth 45—48 jem, length of digitus mobilis 45—48 jum, length of proximal and distal rhagidial setae 17 and 31 ym, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 17—20 wm. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.53261, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.35—0.39, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.92—1.0. ‘Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.0—2.33, and bearing 9(!) iated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion. Tarsus | forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 2.80—3.50. Its latero- proximal setae inserted lateroventrally between 2nd and 3rd rhagidial setae. Slender empodium minutely overlapping claws without basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consists of IV separated rhagidial setae arranged obliquely, stellate seta lying laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, spiniform seta absent. Solenidia: Tibia 1 with 1 dorsolateral, distinctly proximal solenidion lying beside, or behind most proximal ciliated seta, genua | and I with | ventral, medio- distal solenidion, tibia II with 1 laterodorsal, proximal solenidion, tibia III with 2 laterodorsal, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with [ ventromedial solenidion, tibia IV with 1 laterodorsal, proximal solenidion, Tibia I also with dorsolateral rhagidial seta, tibia II with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Male (1 specimen examined): no essential morphological differences from female have been found except for sperm sae and a little different proportions of chelicera: ength to breadth: 3.25, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.30, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.0. Material examined: 1 9, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Velky Bezdsz-Hill, rocky steppe on southern slope, grass rhizosphere, 11, III. 1973, M, Zacharda leg, et all; 1 3, 583G Fig, 37: Rhagidia (N.) rackae; A ~ chelicera, B ~ rhagidial organ 1, C ~ rhagidial organ I, D ~ pedipalpus, E ~ hypostome, F ~ solenidia and chaetotaxy location’ on legs IV, G ~ tarsus 1 in profile, paratype, otherwise the same data as the holotype: | 9, paratype, Maly Bezdz-Hill, beech Fores liter, otherwise the same data as the holotypes 1 9, paratype, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill near Louny, summit plateau, pitfall trap, 21, IIL, 1975, M. Zacharda, leg, et coll. Differential diagnosis: The species R. (N.) rackae seems to be very close to R. (N.) ruseki, but it differs with only 2 rhagidial setae composing the rhagidial organ II with absent spiniform seta, the tarsus I is relatively shorter and its latero- proximal ciliated setae are located lateroventrally between the 2nd and the 3rd thagidial setae. The laterodorsal, proximal solenidion on tibia 1 is situated behind, or laterally to the most proximal ciliated setae. The terminal palpal segment with only 9 ciliated setae, 584This species was named in honour of Dr. Giseta Rack, Natural History Museum Hamburg, who helped me very much in my searching for types of rhagidiids. 4. Genus Latoempodia gen. n. Genotype: Laroempodia macroempodiata sp. n. Diagnosis: Both cheliceral setae inserted on dorsum of chelicera which is convex with distinct saddle-shaped depression. Empodium on tarsus | enormously enlarged and broadened, fan-shaped, many times overlapping claws. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae. Hypostome with terminal membranous funnel. Solenidia on tibiae I and 11 distinctly distal. Trichobothria filiform. Terminal palpal segment with only 9 ciliated setae, Epimeral formula 3+1-4-3. Differential diagnosis: The genus Latoenpodia resembles the genus Rhagidia in its cheliceral morphology, but it differs with many characters: the large empodium on the tarsus I, the arrangement of the rhagidial organ I, the terminal hypostomal membranous funnel, distal location of the solenidia on the tibiae I and II, the epi- meral formula 3-1-4-3, only 9 ciliated setae on the terminal palpal segment. The generic name points out the unique generic diagnostic character - unusually enlarged and broadened empodium on the tarsus I Feminine gender. Key to the species of Laroempodia Ia Inner margin of digitus fixus with large prebasal broadened protuberance, Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobili, distal cheliceral seta inserted distinctly distal to this joint, Solenidion on tibia II lateral, far from lanceolate seta in dorsodistal depression, mame S Eo Settee eee eee. LL, macroempodiata sp. n. 1b Inner margin of digitus fixus without prebasal protuberance, both cheliceral setae inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis. Soleni coolate Sela, ee 1, Latoempodia macroempodiata sp. 0 (Figs 38-39) Diagnosis: Chelicera slender with relatively short shears, inner margin of digitus fixus with prebasal broadened protuberance. Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted distinctly distally to this joint, Solenidion on tibia II lateral, far from the lanceolate set: Description 5 examined, Length of body 529 (435—580) jm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.56—0.66. Dorsum: (measures in um): ive, ev-27 (24—28), tr-66 (65—69), sc-46 (45—52), 585Fig, 38: Laroempodia macroempodiata; A — dorsum, B— venter, © venter of empodium 1, D ~ dorsum of empodium I. 586/ Fig. 39: Latoempodia macroempodiata; A ~ cheligera, B - rhagidial organ I, C, D ~ rhagidial organ II, E ~ tarsus | in profile, F — hypostome, G ~ pedipalpus, H - empodiam on tars I = dorsodistal solenidion and rhagidial seta on’tibia I, J — solenidia and chaetotaxy location fon legs I=1V. 387ih-24, eh-45 (43—48), di-25 (20-27), da-29 (24—34), i1-37 (34—38), el-26 (24-27), is-45 (41—48), e-27 (24-31). Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1-1-2-2, 4—5 pairs of progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 80 (69—89) jrm long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome triangular, ratio length to breadth: 1.29 (1.23—1.38), with terminal membranous funnel. Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears, Inner margin of digitus fixus with prebasal broadened protuberance. Proximal cheli- ceral seta inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta inserted distal to joint of digitus mobilis and overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate. Length of chelicera 85 (72—93) um, its breadth 31 (27—34) yum, length of digitus mobilis 27 zm, length of proximal and distal cheliceral setae 7 (6—10) and 20 jem, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 8 (7—I0) jem Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.74 (2.50—3.12), length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.31 (0.29—0.33), length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.87 (0.80—1.0), Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.06 (2.0—2.16), ancl bearing %(!) ciliated setae and I spiniform solenidion, Tarsus | short and broad, but forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 2.21 (2.10—2.44), Empodium enormously enlarged and broadened, fan-shaped, many times overlapping claws with small basal clawlets. Rhagidial organ I consits of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying between 2 rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated rhagidial setae, 2 distal are parallel, Spiniform seta lateral to proximal rhagidial seta, Solenidia: Tibia | with | dorsodistal solenidion just behind tibial rhagidial seta, tibia IT with | dorsolateral, distal solenidion, and with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Genua I and I with | distiventral solenidion, tibia II with 2 lateromedial solenidia arranged tandem, solenidion on genu TI] and tibia IV not observed. Material examined: 1 9, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Oblik-Hill near Louny grassy steppe on western slope, pitfall rap, 21. III, 1975, M. Zacharda leg, et coll. 3 9, paratypes the same data as the holotype: 1 9, paratype, Bohemia bor., Provodin, Provodinské kameny-Rock, grass rhizosphere, southern slope, 11. II. 1973, M. Zacharda leg. et coll Distribution: Up to this time only Czechoslovakia. Bionomics: Adults scarcely at the end of winter on rocky steppes. Differential diagnosis: The species Latoempodia macroempodiata resembles the very close species L. sinilis, but it explicitly differs with its cheliceral morphology and the morphology of the rhagidial organ II (cf. drawings). The solenidion on the stinctly lateral, the solenidia on the tibia TV and genu TIT are evidently 5882. Latoempodia simi is sp. n. Fie. 40) Diagnosis: Chelicera slender with long shears, both cheliceral setae inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis. Inner margin of digitus fixus without prebasal protuberance. Solenidion on tibia II laterodorsal, very close to lanceolate seta deep depression with terminal pore, Description 1 & examined. Length of body 435 ym, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.81 Dorsum: (measures in jm): iv-, ev-24, tr-55, ac-45, eh-58, ih-, dy and do. 24, 11-38, el-27, is-48, es-24, Integument in region just before disjugal suture with con- spicuous microselerites. fs, Sh t Fig. 40: Larvempodia nil, A chelicera, B ~ shagidial organ 11, C — pedipalpus, D- bypostome, E - dorsodistal solenidion and lanceolate seta on tibia Il, F ~ solenidia and chactotaxy location on leg 11 589Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1-1 progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 76 4m long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.16, terminally with membranous funnel. Chelicerae slender with long, attenuated shears. Both cheliveral setae inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis. Distal cheliceral seta not overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis serrate. Length of chelicera 79 jem, its breadth 31 ym, length of digitus mobilis 27 jem, length of proximal and distal rhagidial setae 6 and 20 jm, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 10 jum. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.55, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.34, length of digitus mobilis to bradth of chelicera: 0.88. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.83, and bearing 9 cili- ated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion, Tarsus I short and broad, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 2.0. Empodium enormously elongated and broadened, many times overlapping claws. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta between 2 lateral rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated thagidial setae arranged tandem, spiniform seta not observed. Solenidia: Tibia I vith 1 dorsodistal solenidion just behind tibial rhagidial seta, genu I with | distiventral solenidion, tibia II with | dorsodistal solenidion near to lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. Tibia IMI with 2 dorso- lateral, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with | lateroproximal sole- nidion, tibia IV with minute laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and genu IV (!) also with minute lateroproximal solenidion. 2. 4 pairs of both Material examined: 1 2, holotype, Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, the High Tatras, Mengu- sovskéi dotina-Valley, grass rhizosphere, 1730 m., 2. IX. 1974, V, Bukva leg,, coll, M. Zacharda. Distribution: Up to this time only one finding in Czechoslovakia. Bionomies: Unknown, Differential diagnosis: The species L. similix is undoubtedly very close to L, macroempodiata, but it explicitly differs with its cheliceral morphology, and with the rhagidial organ II with no spiniform seta (cf. drawings). The solenidion on the tibia II is just beside the lanceolate seta, 5. Genus Parallelorhagidia gen. n. Genotype: Parallelorhagidia evansi (STRANDTMANN & Prasse, 1976), Diagnosis: Dorsum of chelicera convex with saddle-shaped depression, both cheliceral setae inserted dorsally. Trichobothria short, clavate. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, parallel rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ Il consists of 2—3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, Terminal palpal segment with 9, and subterminal 590palpal segment with 1—2, ciliated setae. Solenidia on tibiae I and II distinctly pro- ximal, Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3 or 3-1-6-3. Hypostome without terminal membranous funnel. Empodium short and slender, not overlapping claws. Differential diagnosis: The genus Parallelorhagidia seems to be close to the genus Rhagidia, but it is conspicuously edaphomorphic. Combination of the ge- nerie diagnostic characters does not allow to misidentify this genus. The name Parallelorhagidia points out the parallel arrangement of the rhagidial setae. Feminine gender. Key to the species of Parallelorhagidia Ia Proximal cheliceral seta inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted just above this joint. Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 separated, parallel rhagidial setae. Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3. Subterminal palpal segment with 2 ciliated setae. eeu? fev es LP, etansi (STRANDTMANN & PRASSE) lib Proximal cheliceral seta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal chelieral seta inserted distinetly distal to this joint, Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial selae, Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3. Subterminal palpal segment with only 1 ciliated seta, be ee meni A 1a one ke wiecitannn ota n doRuhanalltsiiays fs 1. Parallelorhagidia evansi (STRANDTMANN & PRrasse, 1976) comb. n. (Figs 41-42) Coccorhagidia evansi SteANDTWaNN & PRasse, 1976, Abh, u. Ber, Naturk. Gérlitz 50, Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral seta inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta inserted just above this joint. Rhagidial organ 1 con- sists of 2 separated, parallel rhagidial setae. Ciliated setae on palpal segments I-III-IV number 2-2-9, respectively. Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3. Description 1 9 examined. Length of body 354 jum, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.64. Dorsum: (measures in um): iv-7, ev-14, tr-31, sc-28, ih-10, eh-17, di and d»-10, il and el-7, is-21, es-10. Epivertex very short. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1- progenital and paragenital setae. Progenital lip 45 jum long. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.62, internal malae short, styletform, external ones broad, membranous. Chelicerae slender with relatively short shears. Proximal cheliceral seta inserted proximally to joint of digitus mobilis. Distal cheliceral seta inserted just above this joint, its 5 pairs of both 591tip not overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Length of chelicera 71 zm, its breadth 26 ym, length of digitus mobilis 21 em, length of proximal and distal cheliceral seta 6—7, and 13 em, respectively. Distance between bases of these setae 8 zm. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.70, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.30, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 081. Terminal palpal segment shortly oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.0, and bearing 9 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion. Subterminal palpal segment with 2 cili- ated setae. Tarsus I relatively short and broad, ratio length to breadth: 2.50, forward gently rounded. Empodium slender, not overlapping claws. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta proximally between 2 lateral rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ II consists of 2 4 iT hf E Fig. 42: Parallelorhagidial esansi, A ~ chelicera, B ~ rhagidial organ 1, C - chagidial organ I, D-— tarsus I in profile, E - trichobothrium, F ~ hypostome, G ~ pedipalpus, H ~ solenidia and chaetotaxy location on legs I-IV. 593separated, parallel, and partly oblique, rhagidl proximally to rhagidial seta. Solenidia: Tibiae I and 11 with 1 dorsal, distinctly proximal solenidion, genua Land II with 1 distiventral solenidion, tibia III with 2 dorsolateral, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with 1 lateroventral, proximal solenidion, no solenidion on leg IV. Tibia I also with dorsodistal rhagidial seta, tibia II with dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore. ial setae. Small spiniform seta inserted Material examined: 1 ¢, Czechoslovakia, Bohemia bor., Staré Splavy, peat-bog litter, 29. VIN. 1973, M. Zacharda leg. et col. Distribution: Up to this time only Central Europe. Bionomics: Sporadic existence in fields, in depth 0 to 20 em, during summer months (STRANDTMANN & Prasse, 1976). Diferential diagnosis: The species P. evansi can be distinguished from P. hawatiensis by its chelicerae, rhagidial organs Il, pedipalpal chactotaxy (cf. di- agnoses). Discussion: This well distinguishable species was described in detail and, therefore, the revision of the type material has not been necessary, The paper of the describing authors presents also some data on variability and the description of the protonymph. STRANDTMANN & Prasse (1976: 12.) mentioned that smaller forms had 9 ciliated setae, and larger ones 10 setae on the terminal palpal segment. According to my experience, this variability of the pedipalpal chaetotaxy connected with the body size, is unusual in the Rhadigiidae and it should be examined in greater detail. 2. Parallelorhagidia hawaiiensis sp. (Figs 43-44) Diagnosis: Proximal cheliceral scta inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal cheliceral seta distinctly distal to this joint. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 separated, parallel rhagidial setae. Ciliated setae on palpal segments L-IIL-IV in number 2-1-9, respectively. Epimeral formula 3- Deseription 1 2 examined. Length of body 450 jem, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 0.5: Dorsum: (measures in jum): iv-9, ev-13, tr-30, sc-30, ih-8, eh-16, di and ds-8, iL-9, el-5, is-13, es-8. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, trochanteral formula | progenital setae on progenital lips 52 um long. 4/5 paragenital setae, . 5 pairs of 594Fig, 43: Parallelorhagidia hawaitensts; A ~ dorsum, B~ venter. Gnathosoma: Hypostome longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.20, internal malae very short, styletform, external malae broad, membranous. Chelicerae long and slender, with short shears, Proximal cheliceral seta 8 jm tong, inserted above joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta 16 jm long, inserted distal to this joint and overlapping apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth. Length of chelicera 105 jum, its breadth 34 ym, length of digitus mobilis 26 jam, distance between bases of cheliceral setae 8 ym. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 3.10, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.25, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.77. Terminal palpal segment shortly oval, ratio length to breadth: 1.66, and bearing 9 ciliated setae and 1 spiniform solenidion. Subterminal palpal segment with only | ciliated seta. Tarsus I relatively short and k, ratio length to breadth: 2.0, forward suddenly 595rounded. Empodium slender, not overlapping claws which have small basal clawlets Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, parallel rhagidial setae, stellate seta lying proximally to 2nd lateral rhagidial seta. Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 sep: ated, parallel thagidial setae, spiniform seta not observed. Solenidia: Tibia I with 1 laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and dorsodistal rhagidial seta. Genu I with | ventromedial solenidion. Tibia II with | laterodorsal, proximal solenidion and small dorsodistal lanceolate seta in deep depression with Fig. 44: Parallelorhagidia hawatiensis; A ~ chelicera, B — rhagidial organ 1, C - rhagidial organ HL, D ~ trichobothrium, E~ hypostome, F ~ pedipalpus, G ~ tarsus 1 in profile, H ~ solenidia and chaetotaxy location on legs T and I 596terminal pore. Genu II with | distiventral solenidion. Tibia IHI with 2 minute, latero- dorsal, proximal solenidia arranged tandem, genu III with | lateral, medioproximal solenidion, tibia IV with I laterodorsal, proximal solenidion. ii, Big Island, 1971, F. Radovsky & L, Material examined: 1 9, holotype, U.S. A. - Ha Gof leg., coll. R. W. Strandimann, coll. no. 00410, slide. Differential diagnosis: The species P. hawafiensis differs from related P. evansé with its chelicerae, rhagidial organs 11, epimeral formula and it has only 1 ciliated seta on the subterminal palpal segment. 6. Genus Elliotta gen. n Genotype: Eliora howarthi (Euuorr, 1976). Diagnosis: Chelicera very long and slender, but cheliceral shears relatively short, about 1/3 of total length. Dorsum of chelicera almost concave, without distinct saddle-shaped depression, Proximal cheliceral seta inserted just behind joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta inserted just before this joint. Rhagidial organs I and IT consist of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, spiniform seta proximal to proximal rhagidial seta, Dorsodistal lanceolate seta on tibia II conspicuously large, inserted in longitudin- al, open depression. Solenidion on tibia I ventral (!), distal, on tibia IT dorsoproximal, 2 solenidia on tibia III, one of which eryptic, genu 1V with 1 dorsomedial solenidion (). With many trogiomorphisms. Differential diagnosis: The genus Elfiora differs from the other genera of the Rhagidiidae with the combination of the generic diagnostic characters and it cannot be misidentified, Feminine gender. Monotypic. This genus is named for Dr. W. R. ELLiott, Texas, a young zoologist and bio- speleologist, who helped me very much in my searching for American troglobitic rhagidiids. Elfiotta howarthi (ELLIOTT, 1976) comb. n. (Fig. 45) Flabellorhagidia howarthi E.uotr, 1976, Occ. Pap. Mus. Texas Tech. Univ. 43: $—10. Description 19 holotype examined, otherwise taken from the original description and partly complemented. Length of body 656 jrm, ratio length of leg I to that of body: 2.30. Dorsum: Trichobothria finely filiform, about twice as long as scapulars, which are longer than external humerals; ‘h, di and dz about as long as distances between 597\ NA° Ne 4 Fig. 45: Eiforra howarsht A ~ chelicera, B - apical part of cheliceral shears, C ~ lanceolate seta on tibia Tl, D ~ hypostome. cone and another; il-long and extending past base of -is, which are longer than -il and extending for one-half their length past posterior. Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-4-3, trochanteral formula 1- progenital and paragenital setae, Gnathosoma: Hypostome long and very slender, ratio length to breadth: 1.74, terminally pointed. Chelicerae slender, proximal cheliceral seta inserted just behind joint of digitus mobilis, distal seta inserted just before this joint, and overlapp- ing 3-cusped apex of digitus fixus. Inner margin of digitus mobilis smooth or finely serrate. Length of chelicera 203 um, its breadth 69 jm, length of digitus mobilis 66 jam, length of proximal and distal cheliceral setae 24 and 52 um, respectively, distance between bases of these setae 17 jm. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2.95, length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.32, length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 0.96, Terminal palpal segment longitudinally oval, ratio length to breadth: 3.30, and bearing 10 ciliated setae and | spiniform solenidion. Tarsus 1 very long and slender, forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 13.60. Empodium slender, but apparently not overlapping claws. Rhagidial organ | consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagi 2. 5 pairs of both I setae, stellate seta 598,laterally between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae, Rhagidial organ II consists also of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, spiniform seta proximally to proximal thagidial seta. Solenidia: Tibia I with long ventral (1), distal solenidion and small dorsodistal thagidial seta, genu I with 1 ventral, distimedial solenidion, tibia TI with 1 dorso- proximal solenidion and large, dorsodistal lanceolate seta in longitudinal, open insertion pit, genu TI with 1 medioventral solenidion, tibia HI with 2 solenidia - one dorsoproximal, erect, and one dorsodistal, eryptical solenidion lying in longitudinal shallow depression. Genu III with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion, tibia IV with | dorso- proximal solenidion, genu IV (!) with 1 dorsomedial solenidion. Male With no distinet morphological differences, for its description see ELL10TT (1976:8,). Material examined: 1 9, holotype, U.S. A., Klickitat Co., Washington, Cheese Cave, 2 km SW Trout Lake, in twilight, on breakdown, 25. VIII. 1972, F.G. Howarth, L. G. Nieuwen- huis leg,, coll. B. P. Bishop Museum, no. 10667, Honolulu, Hawaii; 19, U. 8. A., Butte Co., Idaho, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boy Scout Cave, 1. X. 1969, 8, & J. Peck leg., Flabellorhagidia pecki Euuiorr, allotype 2, det. Elliott, coll. U, S. Nat. Mus. Natural Hist., Washington, D. C.. Distribution: Up to this time only 2 caves in North America. Bionomics: Predator, the genuine troglobitic species. Differential diagnosis: The unique troglomorphisms, the cheliceral morpholo- gy and the location of solenidia on leg segments do not allow a misidentification of this species. Discussion: | consider £. hiowarthi a genuine troglobitic species with many troglomorphisms which are also employed for the generic diagnosis. T have found no difference between the allotype (9) of Flabellorhagidia pecki and the female of E, howarthi, Otherwise see a discussion of F. pecki, 7. Genus Poecilophysis CAMBRIDGE, 1876 Genotype: Poecilophysis kenguefenensis CAMBRIDGE, 1876 Diagnosis: Chelicera with long and slender shears. Digitus fixus thin, arched and bearing 2 setae inserted dorsally and distally to joint of digitus mobilis. Dorsum of chelicera convex with conspicuous deep saddle-shaped depression. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 rhagidial setae, rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial setae mostly arranged serially in confluent insertion pit Differential diagnosis: The genus Poecilophysis is explicitly defined with its cheliceral morphology and rhagidial organs. It differs from the probably close troglo- 599unose «nord tees 2 8 (26) PINES = 5 esuoNUE EN pouyrod Lell-299 eee + luoyyy — younyNoud t-9 ——aiqeura vopsuayas (at) “ad SvE-SLTPYT— set resp s core puoi (3) set-wt Tee reisip s £91 pomosvs ('8) “ eer Of oLe—srz = wo jounyxoud 5 Poe 4 or-ore siz waomy rsp 5 bore ats 5 ap e See ONP-SL'E OSzT—O81 = wuomy erpow 5 Pore ya sas sysuonad (aq) ‘uuxoud °Z—"] O9-oLF ost—orz (+) wuoyiy repaw s vonjods (a) “a Os-woe stort wuioyiy ——yepaur s 1asd () sepopee ez—ore curoytny reisip s sysucoianf Cg) Os'e—o9'E store rsip, 9 d soe gec-sre resp 9 d soe— sere oz = 9 @ syed) syd by opto -eudens sunuagogoxoun sonads upd systydoyraeg fe buuasaada. ay wp saarabupy poopSo1oydiow ayy fo nostsnduwo “§ aye 600morphic genus Troglocheles with simple, unbroadend laterodistal ciliated setae on the tarsi H!—IV and with the rhagidial organs I and II consisting of 4 and 3 rhagidial setae, respectively. The representatives of this genus can be grouped into a few subgenera (cf, table 5). Key to the subgenera of Poccilophysis Ia Rhagidial organs 1 and It consist of 4 and 3 separated, small rhagidial setae, respectively, arranged serially. 6—7 progenital setae on progenital lip... . . . 5. Wankelia subgen. n, 1b Rhagidial organ 1 consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ Il consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially mostly in confluent pil, exceptionally 2 distal rhagidial setae parallel, $—6 progenital seiae on progenital lip... ee ee 2a Epimeral formula 3-1-64, tarsus I with 1 dorsoproximal solenidion, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd distal, or between 2nd and 3rd chagidial seiae, 5 progenital setae on progenital cr a eran 3. Dentocheles subgen, 2b Epimeral formula 3-1-5-3, or 3-1-6-3, tarsus 1 with no solenidion, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial seta... 3a Trichobothria slenderly clavate, or filiform but thick setae arranged serially in confluent pit, or 2 dist With edaphomorphisms. . . eee ss a 4 4. Soprachetes subgen. n. 3b Trichobothria finely filiform, rhagidial organ I consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged seri ally. Large hemiedaphic species with no edaphomorphisms..... 0-2... 4 44 5 progenital setae on progenital lip, Holarctic region. . . . . 2. Proceracheles subgen. n, 4b 6 progenital setae on progenital lip. Antarctic and Subantarctic region, betes COE EEE be ee eee ee be Pocellophia shagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagidial hagidial setae parallel. Small species 1. Subgenus Poccilophysis s. str. Type species: Poecilophysis (Poecilophysis) kerguelenensis CanmnupGey 1876. S: 6 pairs of progenital setae, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal ial setae, Rhagidial organ I consists of 3 rhagidial setae arranged serially. Solenidia on tibiae I and IT dorsodistal. No solenidion on tarsus I. Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, Antarctic and Subantarctic region Differential diagnosis: The subgenus Poecilophysis is apparently close to the subgenus Procerocheles and it differs with 6 pairs of progenital setae and with its distribution. Key to the species of Poccitophysis s. str Ja Inner margin of digitus fixus without large subterminal thorn... . : Eis rwinmmaan ag $f se RP. PY strandinanii sp. 0. 1b Inner margin of digitus fixus with large subterminal thorn serving as support of apex of digitus mobil. ee 22 2a Tibia I with usual dorsodistal rhagidial seta and with 1 ereet spiniform solenidion just behind this rhagidial seta, Solenidion on genu IL dorsomedial, palpal solenidion spiniform, erect LP. (P.) kerguclenensis: Camprince 6012b Tibia 1 with 2 dorsodistal rhagidial setae arranged parallel. Solenidion on genu TI disti- ventral, solenidion on terminal palpal segment small, cryptical, resembling rhagidial seta. a 6 aioe cee eae BoP, (Ps) macquariensis (Wortensiey & STRANDTMANN) 1. Poecitophysis (Poecilophysis) kerguelenensis CAMBRIDGE, 1876 (Fig. 46) Poecilophysis kerguelenensis CamaniDGe, 1876, Proc. zool, Soc. London: 261—263. 1 Rhagidia megalochela TRAcanpn, 1907, Ergeb. Schwed. Siidp. Exped. 5: 20—21. Rhagidia kerguelenensis: Aworé, 1947, Mem, Mus. natn, Hist. nat. Paris 20: 78—87. Rhagidia kerguelenensis (part.): STRANDTNANN. & Davirs, 1972, Pacif. Insects 14(1); 39-48. ¥ Fy c/o! oF Fig, 46: Poecitophysis (P.) kerguelenensis; A, B - chelicera, C, D —apex of digitus fixus, E - apical part of cheliceral shears, F - hypostome, G — pedipalpus, H — tarsus 1 in profile 602Diagnosis: Digitus fixus terminally 3-cusped, its inner margin with large sub- terminal thorn serving as support of apex of shortened digitus mobilis. Terminal palpal segment with erect spiniform solenidion. Dorsodistal tibial solenidion spini- form and erect. Genu II with 1 dorsomedial solenidion, Description (Taken from Stranprmann & Davies, 1972, and partly complemented): 3, length of body 825 (650—900) am; Dorsum: (measures in jem): iv-20 (18—22), ev- 20 (15—22), tr-40 (38 —42 50 (44 to 52), ih-20(15—23), eh-55 (50—55), dy and do-18(15~21),il-35(27—44), el-19(18 to 21), is-45(39—50), es-20(17—21), Venter: Epimeral formula 3-1-6-3, 6 pairs of progenital and 5 pairs of paragenital setae, Gnathosoma: Hypostome oval, ratio length to breadth 1.14—1.20, internal malae styletform, external ones membranous, large rutellae serrate along outer margin. Chelicerae slender, digitus fixus terminally 3-cusped, its inner margin with large subterminal thorn serving as support of apex of shortened digitus mobilis, Inner margin of digitus mobilis finely serrate. Length of chelicera 235, 258 jum, its breadth 104, [14 jum, length of digitus mobilis 104, 114 jam, length of proximal and distal cheliceral setae 1720 sam and 45, 59 em, respectively, distance between their bases 27 wm. Ratio length of chelicera to breadth of that: 2, 25, 2.28, ratio length of digitus mobilis to that of chelicera: 0.44, ratio length of digitus mobilis to breadth of chelicera: 1.0. Terminal palpal segment oval, ratio length to breadth: 2.0, and bearing 10 ciliated selae and I spiniform solenidion. Tarsus I forward gently rounded, ratio length to breadth: 3.35, 3.65. Rhagidial organ I consists of 4 separated, oblique rhagidial setae, stellate seta between Ist and 2nd proximal rhagidial setae. Rhagidial organ II consists of 3 rhagi- dial setae and 1 proximal spiniform seta arranged serially in confiuent insertion pit, but sometimes rhagidial setae can be separated. Solenidia: Tibia I with | dorsodistal erect solenidion just behind tibial rhagidial seta. Genu I with | distiventral solexidion. Tibia II with 1 dorsodistal solenidion just behind lanceolate seta in deep depression with terminal pore, genu Il with | dorso- medial solenidion. Tibia II with 2 dorsobasal solenidia, genu III with 1 dorsomedial solenidion, tibia IV with 1 dorsomedial solenidion. Female Length of body 780(610—1000) xm, otherwise no morphological differences from males (STRANDTMANN & DaviEs, 1972) 603Material examined: 24, 1 %, 1 protonymph, 2 tritonymphs, Antarctica, Crozet Islands, Jan.-April 1968, L, Davies leg. coll. R. W. Sirandtmann. Distribution: Possession Island, Crozet Island, Saint-Paul Island, Kerguelen Islands, Subantaretie region. Bionomics: Near-surface dwelling spec Davies, 1972). Differential diagnosis: The species P. (P.) kerguelenensis differs from the apparently close species P. (P.) strandtmanni with the large subterminal thorn on the igitus fixus, and from P. (P.) macquariensis with the spiniform, erect solenidion on the terminal palpal segment and the tibia 1, also with dorsomedial location of the solenidion on the genu I. Discussion: I have not gained any information on the existence of a type materi of P. (P.) kerguelenensis, But AxpRé (1947) presented relatively detailed description of this species and his drawing of chelicera (ANoRé, 1947: 85., Fig. 8 Ch) shows the distinct subterminal thorn on the digitus fixus. THoR and WILLMANN: (1941: 126—127) commented on the original drawing of the chelicera that itis resembling the chelicera of Poccilophysis spelaea: ....»... ist das feststehende Glied and der Spitze wieder etwas zuriickgeschlagen, ihnlich wie bei Rhagidia spelaea, ...«, i. e. the digitus fixus terminally weakened, arched and with a subterminal thorn. Up to this time P. kerguelenensis has not been found in Macquarie Island and therefore a confusion between P. kerguelenensis and P. macquariensis, the species with the very similar chelicerae, is improbable. ‘On the other hand, however, it is possible that P. kerguefenensis is identical to Rhagidia megalochela TRAGARDH, 1907. Both species have similar chelicerae and subantarctic distribution, Unfortunately, a type of R. megalachela has not been found. StRANDTMANN & Davits (1972: 44.) identified only a part of their material of P. kerguelenensis with ANDRES description and they named it a morphological type 1 (i.e. with the subterminal thorn on the digitus fixus): »... Rhagidia kerguele= nensis is apparently represented by 2 forms on Possession Island. One form (fig. 1b and fig. 6e, f) has a distinct subapical tooth on the immovable digit of the chela (type 1), the other (type 2), does not . ..«, Therefore I consider their type | = P. kerguele- nensiy and 1 present their type 2 as P. strandtmanni sp. n, According to my opinion, these forms | and 2, i. e. P. kerguelenensis and P. strandimami, are 2 close, but well separated morphological species showing no transgressive variability of their diagnos tic characters, An analogical case of such close relationship is in Poccilophysis (Procerocheles) faeroensis and P. (P.) psetidoreffesa, or in P, (Dentocheles) wankeli and P. (D.) weveren: ‘The species P. kerguelenensis and P. strandumanni are undoubtedly related ones. tis apparent that P. kerguelenensis is derived from P. strandimannt: one of the four terminal cusps on the digitus fixus (in P. strandimanni) went down into a subterminal position (in P. kerguelenensis), and it is serving as a thorn supporting the apex of the shortened, arched digitus mobilis. in moss and grass (STRANDTMANN & 604