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Marachernes bellus

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Marachernes bellus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Pseudoscorpiones
Family: Chernetidae
Genus: Marachernes
Species:
M. bellus
Binomial name
Marachernes bellus
Harvey, 1992[1]

Marachernes bellus is a species of pseudoscorpion in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It was described in 1992 by Australian arachnologist Mark Harvey. The specific epithet bellus (Latin: 'pretty' or 'lovely') refers to the species’ beauty.[1][2]

Description

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The body length of males is 2.74–3.14 mm; that of females 2.99–3.34 mm. The colour is mainly yellow-brown, with the carapace, pedipalps and legs dark red-brown.[1]

Distribution and habitat

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The species occurs in south-western Victoria and in Tasmania. The type locality is Separation Creek in the Otway Ranges, where the pseudoscorpions were found beneath eucalypt bark in association with colonies of Iridomyrmex ants.[2][1]

Behaviour

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The pseudoscorpions are terrestrial predators.[2][1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Harvey, MS (1992). "A new genus of myrmecophilous Chernetidae from southern Australia (Pseudoscorpionida)" (PDF). Records of the Western Australian Museum. 15: 763–775 [765]. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  2. ^ a b c "Species Marachernes bellus Harvey, 1992". Australian Faunal Directory. Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia. 2023-10-09. Retrieved 2023-11-11.