Balgachernes is a monotypic genus of pseudoscorpions in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia, and was described in 2018 by Australian arachnologist Mark Harvey. The name of the genus combines the common name 'balga' for the grasstree species Xanthorrhoea preissii, with which the pseudoscorpions are associated, with the genus name Chernes (Greek: 'labourer').[1][2][3]
| Balgachernes | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Pseudoscorpiones |
| Family: | Chernetidae |
| Genus: | Balgachernes Harvey, 2018[1] |
| Type species | |
| Balgachernes occultus Harvey, 2018
| |
Species
editThe genus contains the single species Balgachernes occultus Harvey, 2018. The specific epithet occultus (Latin: 'cover' or 'conceal') refers to the pseudoscorpions’ preference for living among balga leaves.[1][2][4]
Description
editThe body length of males is 2.74–3.58 mm; that of females is 2.11–3.76 mm. The colour is mainly dark reddish-brown, with the legs yellowish-brown.[1]
Distribution and habitat
editThe species occurs in south-west Western Australia where it has been recorded from the Swan Coastal Plain, Darling Scarp and Stirling Range National Park. The type locality is Ashendon Road, east of Pickering Brook, a suburb of Perth.[4] The pseudoscorpions have only been found in balga (Xanthorrhoea preissii) grasstrees, with which they appear to have a specialised association.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Harvey, MS (2018). "Balgachernes occultus, a new genus and species of pseudoscorpion (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae) associated with balga (Xanthorrhoea preissii) in south-western Australia, with remarks on Austrochernes and Troglochernes". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 33: 115–130. doi:10.18195/issn.0312-3162.33(1).2018.115-130. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
- ^ a b "Genus: Balgachernes Harvey, 2018". World Arachnida Catalog. Natural History Museum Bern. 2023. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
- ^ "Genus Balgachernes Harvey, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
- ^ a b "Species Balgachernes occultus Harvey, 2018". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-11-08.