Chthonius densedentatus Beier 1938
Creators: name: Gardini, Giulio
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2021
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Arachnida
Pseudoscorpiones
Chthoniidae
Chthonius
Chthonius densedentatus

description: Chthonius densedentatus Beier, 1938
(Figs 97–116, 406)
Chthonius (Chthonius) rhodochelatus: Hadži 1933: 133, figs 3a–b, 6a (in part: Omisalj).
Chthonius (Chthonius) densedentatus Beier, 1938: 5; Beier, 1939: 8, fig. 1.
Chthonius (C.) tenuis stammeri: Beier 1942: 130 (in part: Zinzulusa cave).
Chthonius (Globochthonius) ruffoi Caporiacco, 1951a: 4, fig. 2; Caporiacco 1951b: 64, 69; Caporiacco 1951c: 95, fig. 2 (n. syn.).
Chthonius (Chthonius) stammeri ruffoi: Beier 1952: 104, fig. 1.
Chthonius (C.) ischnocheles ruffoi: Beier 1963a: 254 (in part: Zinzulusa cave).
Chthonius (C.) ischnocheles: Lazzeroni 1969b: 390 (in part, see C. agazzii and C. ischnocheles).
Chthonius (C.) litoralis: Lazzeroni 1969b: 393, figs 1–2.
Chthonius cfr. densedentatus: Callaini 1986a: 234, figs 1g –n.
Chthonius (C.) ischnocheles ischnocheles: Callaini 1979a: 131, figs 1a–c (in part: Is. Salina, Malfa); 1986b: 523, figs 1c–d (in part: Buca delle Fate Cave).
Chthonius (Chthonius) ischnocheles reductus: Inzaghi 1987: 180, figs 18–20.
Chthonius (C.) ruffoi: Gardini & Oggianu 1992: 24, figs 16–22 (in part: Zinzulusa Cave; see C. nicolosii).
Chthonius (Chthonius) cfr. ruffoi: Gardini et al. 1997: 220.
Chthonius (Chthonius) rhodochelatus: Gardini 2004: 126, figs 1–7; Gardini 2009: 39; Turienzo et al. 2010: 575.
Chthonius rhodochelatus: Červená et al. 2021: 8, fig. 3B.
Type locality: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Popovo Polje, Pječaljina Pećina (44°48’N, 18°56’E).
Distribution. France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Greece.
Diagnosis (♂ ♀). An eyed epigean or locally hypogean Chthonius that differs from other species of the ischnocheles group in the following combination of characters: anterior margin of carapace with 2 (rarely 1) preocular microsetae on each side; posterior margin of carapace with 2 macrosetae and mostly with 1 lateral microseta on each side; chelicerae with 3 (rarely 2) lateral microsetae; chela length 0.73–1.18 mm; movable chelal finger length 0.46–0.77 mm; fixed and movable chelal fingers with 32–54 and 23–47 teeth respectively; chelal fingers with reclined, pointed, and moderately spaced teeth; both fixed and movable chelal fingers with 5–8 teeth occupying 0.1 mm at level of est-ist and st-t, distance between successive apices 0.011 –0.023 mm; movable chelal finger with coupled sensilla pc not on a tubercle; ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 1.1–1.45.
Type material examined. BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA — Ravno —“Piecaljna Pečina, b. Popovo-Polje”, “Balkan”, “ Chthonius densedentatus n. sp. det. Beier / Type! ♀ ” (NHMW).
Other material examined. ALBANIA — Quarku i Vlorës — 2 ♀, Kardhikaq, 239 m a.s.l., 13. VIII.2019, J. Christophoryová leg., soil (DZCUB)
CROATIA — Hrvatsko Zagorje — 1 ♀, Klana, N of Rijeka, 700 m a.s.l., 8. V.1992, F. Gasparo leg. Istria — 2 ♀, Pula, Medulin, Islet Tombolo, 23. VIII.1989, F. Stoch leg.; 3 ♀, Umag, 2 m a.s.l., F. Gasparo leg., pine wood. Primorje-Gorski Kotar — 4 ♂ (C. rhodochelatus, det. G. Gardini), Krk Island, Omisalj, 5 m a.s.l., 24.II.1991, F. Gasparo leg., oak wood on limestone.
FRANCE — Ain — 2 ♂ 1 T, Bressan, St.-Chalamont-en-Dombes, 28.IV.1996, S. Vit leg., stump of Carpinus; 13 ♂ 14 ♀, Bressan, near SW of Villars-les-Dombes, 28.IV.1996, S. Vit leg., under Quercus; 2 ♂ 3 ♀ 2 T, Ferney Voltaire, near Moëns, 29.I.1996, S. Vit leg., mole lair; 3 ♂ 7 ♀ 6 T, near Versailleux, 28.IV.1996, S. Vit leg., sieved under Betula. Alpes-Maritimes — 4 ♂ 5 ♀ 2 T, Grasse, Saut du Loup, 20. VIII.1983, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg. Haute- Savoie — 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Monnetier-Mornex, Mornex ss. Salève, 600 m a.s.l., 20.III.1996, S. Vit leg. (together with 5 ♂ 10 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), leaf litter; 2 ♀ 3 T 1 D, id., 1. V.1998, S. Vit leg., rotten stump.
ITALY — Venezia Giulia: Gorizia Prov. — 3 ♂ 6 ♀, Doberdò del Lago, Lago di Doberdò, 12.IV.1981, E. Bognolo leg.; 4 ♂ 3 ♀, id., 17.IV.1983, E. Bognolo leg. Venezia Giulia: Trieste Prov. — 1 ♀, Basovizza, slope of Monte Cocusso, 2. VI.2012, G. Gardini leg.; 1 ♂ 1 T, San Dorligo della Valle, 12.III.1989, E. Bognolo leg.; 3 ♂ 6 ♀, Sgonico, Borgo Grotta Gigante, 12.IX.1982, E. Bognolo leg.; 1 ♂, Sgonico, Sagrado di Sgonico, Carso triestino, 7.IV.1980, E. Bognolo leg.; 2 ♀, Sistiana, Costa dei Barbari, 2–5 m a.s.l., 12.IV.1992, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Trieste, Monte Spaccato, 400 m a.s.l., 16. VI.1996, C. Giusto, R. Regalin & S. Zoia leg. Friuli: Pordenone Prov. — 1 ♀ 1 T, Tramonti di Sotto, Campone, 2.X.1985, S. Zoia leg.; 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Zoppola, Parco Fluviale del Meduna, 10. VIII.1991, G. Governatori leg. Friuli: Udine Prov. — 1 ♀, Amaro, 350 m a.s.l., 8. V.1991, F. Gasparo leg., pitfall trap; 3 ♂ 3 ♀, Buttrio, 120 m a.s.l., 18.X.1990, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♀, Venzone, Piani, 270 m a.s.l., 9. VIII.1995, F. Gasparo leg., pitfall trap under Ostrya carpinifolia; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Venzone, Pioverno, 250 m a.s.l., 14.VII.1992, F. Gasparo leg. (together with 3 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), Ostrya carpinifolia wood. Veneto: Belluno Prov. — 4 ♂ 5 ♀, Belluno, gravel bed of Fiume Piave, 10.X.1987, C. Giusto leg. Veneto: Padua Prov. — 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Cinto Euganeo, Valnogaredo, 250 m a.s.l., 25.III.2002, F. Gasparo leg., chestnut wood. Veneto: Treviso Prov. — 1 ♀, Borso del Grappa, Semonzo, 30. V.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 2 ♀ 1 T, id., 12.VII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 3 ♀, id., 2–23. VIII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂, id., 27.XII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV). Veneto: Venice Prov. — 6 ♂ 6 ♀ 1 T, Caorle, Brussa, Valle Vecchia, 0–5 m a.s.l., 12. VIII.1999, P. Glerean leg., coastal pinewood. Veneto: Verona Prov. — 15 ♂ 12 ♀ 1 T (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Bosco Chiesanuova, Vajo dell’Anguilla, 2. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni, G. Osella & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Bosco Chiesanuova, Tracchi, 19. VI.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 4 ♀, Bussolengo, Parco Natura Viva, 28. VI.2003, Marzotto & S. Vanin leg.; 1 ♂ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Cologna Veneta, 2.VII.1968, R. Gioco leg. (MSNV); 6 ♂ 10 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni; together with 5 ♂ 3 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), id., 11.IX.1968, G. Lazzeroni & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 6 ♀ 1 T (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Colognola ai Colli, 30.XI.1967, G. Osella & G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni; C. rhodochelatus, det. G. Gardini), Dolcè, top of Monte Pastello, 1127 m a.s.l., 28. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni, R. Gioco & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 4 ♀ (C. rhodochelatus, det. G. Gardini), Dolcè, Ceraino, Monte Pastello, 500 m a.s.l., 24.IX.1999, A. Zanetti leg., Fagus sylvatica wood; 40 ♂ 4 ♀ 1 T (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Fumane, between Breonio and Sant’Anna d’Alfaedo, 28. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 5 ♂ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni; together with 1 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), between Garda and Punta San Vigilio, 4. VI.1968, G. Lazzeroni & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 5 ♂ 3 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni; together with 2 ♂ of C. agazzii), Grezzana, N slope of Vajo del Paradiso, 27.III.1968, G. Lazzeroni & G. Osella leg. (MSNV); 8 ♂ 11 ♀, Grezzana, Vajo del Paradiso, 27.II.1972, leg.?; 4 ♂ 3 ♀ 2 T, Legnago, floodplain of Fiume Adige, 15.VII.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 3 ♀ 1 T, id., 29.VII.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 3 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 12. VIII.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 4 ♀, id., 26. VIII.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 5 ♂ 13 ♀ 1 T, id., 9.IX.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 5 ♂ 19 ♀ 25 T, id., 23.IX.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 2 ♀ 1 T, id., 7.X.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 1 T, id., 21.X.2009, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 3 ♂ 3 ♀ 1 T, id., 31.III.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 5 ♀, id., 14.IV.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♀, id., 28.IV.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 2 ♀, id., 14. V.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 4 ♀ 1 T, id., 27. V.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 5 ♀, id., 9. VI.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 3 ♀, id., 22. VI.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 3 ♀ 1 T, id., 7.VII.2010, D. Avesani et al. leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 2 ♀, id., 14.IV.2010, D. Avesani, A. Valentini & N. Verdari leg.; 8 ♂ 3 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Negrar, Montecchio, 2. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni & G. Osella leg. (MSNV); 3 ♂ 2 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), id., 29.IX.1968, G. Osella leg. (MSNV); 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Negrar, near Montecchio, 2. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni & G. Osella leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 2 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Roverè Veronese, Vajo di Squaranto, 8. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), id., 9. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Roverè Veronese, Vajo di Squaranto near Cerro, 11.VII.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 12 ♂ 10 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Roverè Veronese, Malga Campo Rotondo di Sotto near Monte Tomba, 19. VI.1968, G. Lazzeroni & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, Monte, 13. V.1968, G. Osella & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), San Martino Buon Albergo, Musella, 26.IV.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), San Zeno di Montagna, 21. V.1968, G. Osella & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 2 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Selva di Progno, 8. V.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 4 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Sommacampagna, Custoza, 23.IV.1968, G. Osella & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 2 ♂ 3 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Torri del Benaco, Albisano, 4. VI.1968, G. Lazzeroni, R. Gioco & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV); 12 ♂ 7 ♀, Verona, Giardino Giusti, 29.IX.2005, F. Ballarin leg., meadow; 5 ♂ 1 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Verona, Santa Maria in Stelle, 20. V.1966, Braga leg. (MSNV); 6 ♂ 7 ♀ (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Villa Bartolomea, 11.IX.1968, G. Lazzeroni & A. Montolli leg. (MSNV). Veneto: Vicenza Prov. — 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Cogollo del Cengio, Mosson, Costo, 21. VI.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg.; 1 ♀, id., 12.VII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂ 2 T, id., 23. VIII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♀, id., 11.X.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♀, id., 27.III.1993, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂, between Enego and Primolano, 500 m a.s.l., 8. VIII.1991, F. Gasparo leg., Ostrya carpinifolia wood; 1 ♂ 2 T, Pove del Grappa, Cornon, 21. VI.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♀ 1 T, id., 12.VII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T, id., 2. VIII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 23. VIII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 11.X.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 2 T, id., 15.XI.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 1 ♂, Roana, tunnel of Fort Corbin, 25. V.1997, F. Stoch leg.; 1 ♀, Santorso, Via Riccio, 210 m a.s.l., 21.III.2017, D. Bianco leg., Populus hollow; 5 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 1.IV.2017, D. Bianco leg., Populus hollow; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Schio, San Rocco, Contrà Gonnati, 540 m a.s.l., 14. VI.2013, D. Bianco leg., trunk of Castanea sativa; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T, Solagna, Mt. Grappa, Col Cavallino, 12.VII.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg. (MNAV); 2 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T, id. 13.IX.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg.; 4 ♀, id., 11.X.1992, F. Rigobello & B. Peruffo leg (MNAV); 1 ♂ 3 ♀, Torrebelvicino, Valle dei Mercanti, 2.III.2009, D. Bianco leg., kaolin quarry; 2 ♂, Valstagna, Oliero, 150 m a.s.l., 31.VII.1989, F. Gasparo leg. (together with 2 ♀ of C. ischnocheles); 1 ♂, Zovencedo, San Gottardo, 13. VI.1996, R. Monguzzi leg. (RMM). Trentino: Trento Prov. — 11 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T (C. ischnocheles, det. G. Lazzeroni), Ala, Sega di Ala, 20. VI.1968, G. Lazzeroni leg. (MSNV); 1 ♂, near Oltrecastello, 19.IX.2019, N. Massimo leg. (NMM); 2 ♂, Trento, Monte Celva, 700 m a.s.l., 14.IX.2019, N. Massimo leg. (NMM). Lombardy: Bergamo Prov. — 1 ♀, Lumezzane, Val Porcino, 2.IV.2011, M. Grottolo leg. Lombardy: Brescia Prov. — 1 ♂, Castenedolo, 11.XI.2011, M. Grottolo; 1 ♀, Cellattica, Campiani, 17.II.2011, M. Grottolo leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Paitone, Santuario, “Carso Bresciano”, 1.XI.1998, R. Monguzzi leg.; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Zone, Grotta Spedini, 26.IV.2014, M. Grottolo leg. Lombardy: Cremona Prov. — 1 ♀, Soncino, 23.III.2019, N. Massimo leg. (NMM). Lombardy: Lecco Prov. — 1 ♂, near Valmadrera, 500 m a.s.l., 6.II.2011, S. Zoia leg. Lombardy: Mantova Prov. — 2 ♀ 1 T, Castiglione delle Stiviere, 107 m a.s.l., 29. VI.2009, G. Ruzzante leg. (together with 2 ♂ 5 ♀ 2 T of C. ischnocheles), basis of city walls. Lombardy: Milan Prov. — 7 ♂ 5 ♀ 2 T, Cassano d’Adda, near Groppello d’Adda, 140 m a.s.l., 6. VIII.2011, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♂ 3 ♀, near Inzago, 130 m a.s.l., 2.X.2010, S. Zoia leg.; 2 ♂, Milano, Parco delle Cave, 26. V.2009, S. Zoia leg.; 2 ♀, id., 20.X.2009, S.Zoia leg.; 1 ♂ 3 ♀, Vanzago, Riserva di Vanzago, 4. VIII.1998, leg.?. Lombardy: Pavia Prov. — 1 ♂ 2 T, Rocca Susella, Stallara, 200 m a.s.l., 22.VII.1981, C. Torti leg., oak wood; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Ruino, Torre degli Alberi, 500 m a.s.l., 11. VI.1985, C. Torti & S.Zoia leg.; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T, Zavattarello, 7. VI.1983, S. Zoia leg., oak wood. Lombardy: Sondrio Prov. — 6 ♂ 1 ♀, Cedrasco, 290 m a.s.l., 29. VI.1996, S. Zoia leg. Lombardy: Varese Prov. — 1 ♂, Brinzio, 600 m a.s.l., 30.III.1980, V. Rosa leg. Piedmont: Alessandria Prov. — 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Alessandria, Montecastello, 29.X.1978, C. Torti leg., Robinia pseudoacacia wood; 9 ♂ 14 ♀, Alessandria, Pecetto, 30.XI.1980, C. Torti leg., Robinia pseudoacacia wood; 2 ♂ 3 ♀, Alessandria, Valmadonna, 29.X.1978, C. Torti leg.; 7 ♂ 6 ♀, id., 11. VIII.1980, C. Torti leg., Robinia pseudoacacia wood; 3 ♂ 8 ♀, id., 20. VIII.1980, C. Torti leg., Robinia pseudoacacia wood; 1 ♀, id., 29. VIII.1980, C. Torti leg., moss; 1 ♂, id., 4.IX.1980, C. Torti leg., hollow in Salix; 1 ♀, id., 25.XI.1981, C. Torti leg.; 2 ♀, id., 2. V.1982, C. Torti leg., in haystack; 1 ♀, Bosio, near Capanne di Marcarolo, 700 m a.s.l., I.1981, C. Torti leg., chestnut wood; 1 ♂, Bosio, Capanne di Marcarolo, Case Foi, 760 m a.s.l., 28. V.2014, D. Cavo & L. Galli; 29 ♂ 40 ♀, Cabella Ligure, Pobbio, 1000 m a.s.l., 26. VIII.1981, C. Torti leg., oak wood; 1 ♂, Capriata d’Orba, 28.X.1980, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♀, Casasco, 15.III.1984, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg.; 3 ♂ 2 ♀, Gamalero, 22.X.1978, C. Torti leg.; 16 ♂ 12 ♀, Gavi, San Cristoforo, 6.X.1982, C. Torti leg.; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Lerma, Cirimilla, 260 m a.s.l., M. Capurro, S. Ferretti, L. Galli & C. Torti leg., sieved under Carpinus betulus; 7 ♂ 7 ♀, id., 7.X.2010, M. Capurro & C. Torti leg., mixed wood; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, id., 240 m a.s.l., 6. VI.2013, G. Gardini & C. Torti leg., mixed wood; 1 ♀, Masio, Abbazia, 14. VI.1981, C. Torti leg.; 5 ♀, id., 15.I.1984, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Ovada, Monte Colma, 500 m a.s.l., 11.IX.1981, C. Torti leg., chestnut wood; 3 ♀ 1 T, Pratalborato, 18.X.1979, C. Torti leg., Robinia pseudoacacia wood; 4 ♂ 1 ♀, Serralunga di Crea, SW slope of Sacro Monte, 250 m a.s.l., 17. V.1998, G.B. Delmastro leg. (MCCI); 5 ♂ 11 ♀, Spineto Scrivia, 21.III.1981, C. Torti leg.; 2 ♀, id., 21.XI.1981, C. Torti leg.; 4 ♂ 6 ♀ 2 T, Val Grue, Valle San Innocenzo, 300 m a.s.l., 24.I.2008, M. Capurro & C. Torti leg., mixed wood with Quercus pubescens; 1 ♀, Valenza, Garzaia, 1.IX.1987, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♂, id., 16.IX.1987, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg. Piedmont: Asti Prov. — 12 ♂ 16 ♀, Castell’Alfero, Callianetto, 180 m a.s.l., 17.III.2019, G. Gardini leg., mixed wood; 3 ♂ 3 ♀, Ferrere, near Arduini, 260 m a.s.l., 31. V.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 2 ♀, Grazzano Badoglio, 250 m a.s.l., 1.X.1982, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Moncucco Torinese, Cascina Morra, 335 m a.s.l., 3.II.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 2 ♂ 3 ♀, Passerano-Marmorito, near Primeglio, 250 m a.s.l., 16.II.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg. (MCCI); 4 ♂ 11 ♀, Rocchetta Tanaro, 23.III.1984, C. Torti leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Rocchetta Tanaro, Val du Gé, 130 m a.s.l., 18.II.1992, G. B. Delmastro leg. Piedmont: Biella Prov. — 7 ♂ 4 ♀, Biella, near Santuario di Oropa, 1100 m a.s.l., 11.I.1981, C. Torti leg., Fagus sylvatica wood. Piedmont: Cuneo Prov. — 1 ♂, near Castagnito, 270 m a.s.l., 6.VII.1996, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Ceresole d’Alba, Cantarelli, Fontana Rambaudi, 300 m a.s.l., 4.VII.1997, G.B. Delmastro leg. (MCCI); 1 ♀, Fossano, near Salmour, 390 m a.s.l., 12.XII.1991, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 1 ♀, Frabosa Soprana, Grotta di Bossea 108 Pi / CN, 836 m a.s.l., 1. V.2013, E. Lana leg.; 1 ♂, Montaldo Roero, Valle Canemorto, 19.VII.1997, M. Evangelista leg. (MCCI); 1 ♂, Morozzo, Oasi di Crava-Morozzo, 23.IV.2008, L. Galli leg., plain forest; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Racconigi, Tenuta Berroni, 252 m a.s.l., 17.III.1999, G.B. Delmastro leg. (MCCI); 1 ♂, Rossana, 600 m a.s.l., 14. VIII.1985, G. Gardini & R. Rizzerio leg. Piedmont: Turin Prov. — 2 ♂, Borgofranco d’Ivrea, Balma 4 di San Germano 1800 Pi /TO, 363 m a.s.l., 2.IV.2014, E. Lana leg.; 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Carmagnola, confluence of Torrente Meletta and Fiume Po, 236 m a.s.l., 2.VII.1997, G.B. Delmastro leg. (MCCI); 1 ♂, Carmagnola, Cave Germaire, 232 m a.s.l., 3.XI.2003, M. Evangelista leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Cumiana, Tavernette, Cascina Ussei, 440 m a.s.l., 3.III.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 3 ♂, Pavone Canavese, Bric Appareglio, 255 m a.s.l., 23. VIII.1996, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Pecetto Torinese, Tetti Rosero, 415 m a.s.l., 4.I.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg.; 2 ♀, Viù, Niquidetto, Vallone Crivari, Rognoso, 1160 m a.s.l., 4. VIII.1992, G.B. Delmastro leg. Liguria: Genoa Prov. — 1 ♂, Arenzano, IX.1978, E. Gardini leg.; 6 ♂ 4 ♀, id., 22.II.1980, G. Gardini, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♂ 1 T, Arenzano, Peschiera, 6.XI.1977, G. Gardini leg., Quercus ilex wood on limestone; 1 ♀, Arenzano, Val Lerone, 200 m a.s.l., 16. VIII.1977, G. Gardini leg.; 8 ♂ 8 ♀, Cogoleto, Prato Zanino, 3.XII.2000, P. Gastaldo leg.; 3 ♂, Cogoleto, Sciarborasca, 14. V.1974, G. Gardini leg., sieved under Quercus ilex; 2 ♂, Genova, Molassana, Prato Casarile, 28. VIII.1973, R. Poggi leg.; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Genova, SW slope of Mt. Moro, 150 m a.s.l., 14.I.2007, G. Gardini leg., sieved under Arbutus unedo; 1 ♂, Genova, Sestri Ponente, Madonna del Gazzo, 400 m a.s.l., 20.XI.1981, G. Gardini & R. Rizzerio leg., Quercus ilex wood on dolomite rock; 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 T, Genova, Sestri Ponente, Monte Gazzo, 390 m a.s.l., 25.X.1982, S. Zoia leg.; 3 ♂ 3 ♀, id., 419 m a.s.l., 21.X.2010, M. Capurro leg., Quercus ilex wood, leaf litter; 2 ♂ 3 ♀, id., 410 m a.s.l., 23. XI.2010, M. Capurro & S. Ferretti leg., Quercus ilex wood, leaf litter; 8 ♂ 3 ♀, id., 350 m a.s.l., 2.XI.2011, M. Capurro, L. Galli & M. Zinni leg., Quercus ilex wood; 1 ♂, Isola del Cantone, Spinola, 5.XI.1978, G. Gardini leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Sant’Olcese, San Lorenzo di Casanova, 26.III.1972, G. Gardini leg.; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Valbrevenna, NW slope of Mt. Buio, 1250 m a.s.l., 6.IX.2009, R. Poggi leg., mixed wood (MSNG). Liguria: La Spezia Prov. — 1 ♀, Levanto, Punta Mesco, 18.III.1975, G. Gardini leg., sieved in Quercus ilex wood. Liguria: Savona Prov. — 1 ♂ 5 ♀, Altare, Bric del Tesoro, 800 m a.s.l., 12.X.1989, G. Gardini & S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 2 ♀, Altare, NW slope of Mt. Baraccone, 500 m a.s.l., 24.X.1985, G. Gardini, S. Zoia & A. Rey leg.; 2 ♂ 4 ♀, Cairo Montenotte, Monte San Giorgio, 6.IV.1974, G. Bartoli leg.; 3 ♂ 1 ♀, Savona, Santuario di Savona, 17.X.1972, G. Bartoli leg.; 3 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 150 m a.s.l., 13.I.2019, P. Gardini & C. Giusto leg., mixed wood; 1 ♂, Varazze, Deserto di Varazze, 22. VIII.1979, G. Gardini leg. Emilia: Piacenza Prov. — 21 ♂ 26 ♀ 7 T 5 D, near Bobbio, 5.VII.1982, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg., oak wood; 4 ♂ 5 ♀, Bobbio, Dezza, 5.VII.1982, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 6 ♂ 6 ♀ 2 T, Bobbio, Vaccarezza, 7. VI.1983, S. Zoia leg. Romagna: Ferrara Prov. — 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Comacchio, delta of Fiume Reno, 4.IV.1975, G. Gardini leg.; 1 ♂, Comacchio, Lido di Volano, 8.III.1998, R. Fabbri leg.; 2 ♂, Mesola, Gorgo di Mezzo, 15.VII.1987, F. Trevisani & R. A. Pantaleoni leg.; 2 ♀, id., 24.VII.1987, F. Trevisani & R. A. Pantaleoni leg. Tuscany: Arezzo Prov. — 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Alpe della Luna, 16.XI.1994, L. Latella leg.; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Alpe della Luna, Passo di Viamaggio, 950 m a.s.l., 26. VI.1986, S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 6 ♀, id., 970 m a.s.l., 2. V.1986, S. Zoia leg., beech wood. Tuscany: Florence Prov. — 1 ♂, Fucecchio, Padule di Fucecchio, X.1977, G. Castellini leg. Tuscany: Livorno Prov. — 2 ♂, Collesalvetti, Colognole, 28. V.1980, S. Zoia leg. Tuscany: Massa – Carrara Prov. — 2 ♂ 2 ♀, Pontremoli, near Caprio, 26.X.1983, L. Ansaldo, C. Torti & S. Zoia leg. Tuscany: Pisa Prov. — 1 ♀, Buti, Monte Pisano towards C. Cucco, 30 m a.s.l., 6.III.1999, M. Bodon leg. Tuscany: Siena Prov. — 1 ♂ 5 T, Abbadia San Salvatore, S slope of Mt. Amiata, 1600 m a.s.l., 25. VI.2017, G. Gardini & C. Giusto leg., beech wood. Marche: Ancona Prov. — 1 ♂, Ancona, Monte Conero, 7.X.1975, G. Gardini leg.; 3 ♂ 1 ♀, near Arcevia, 9.XII.2011, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♀, Genga, Frasassi, Grotta Bella o del Tombino, 16.XII.1988, G.C. Manicardi leg.; 1 ♂, near Genga, 250 m a.s.l., 22.IV.1989, S. Zoia leg., under Corylus avellana. Marche: Macerata Prov. — 1 ♀, Fiuminata, road to Passo Cornello, 600 m a.s.l., XII.1991, M. Valle leg. Marche: Pesaro e Urbino Prov. — 1 ♂ 2 ♂, Cagli, Monte Catria, 17. VIII.1996, L. Latella leg.; 3 ♂, Furlo, Monte Pietralata, 500 m a.s.l., 14.X.1991, F. Gasparo leg. Umbria: Perugia Prov. — 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Castiglione del Lago, near Pozzuolo, 2. V.1986, S. Zoia leg., Quercus ilex wood. Umbria: Terni Prov. — 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Orvieto, 300 m a.s.l., 12.X.1986, G. Gardini, R. Rizzerio & S. Zoia leg. (MSNG); 3 ♂ 7 ♀, Orvieto, Titignano, 16.II.1992, P. Magrini leg.; 2 ♂ 3 ♀, id., entrance of Pozzo della Piana 56 U/ TR, 260 m a.s.l., 6. VI.2004, P. Magrini leg. (together with 1 ♂ of C. ischnocheles); 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Piediluco, 21.III.1984, G. Gardini & S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♀, Terni, San Rocco, VII.1995, D. Antonelli leg. Latium: Frosinone Prov. — 1 ♀ (C. rhodochelatus, det. G. Gardini), Filettino, slope of Mt. Viglio, 1380 m a.s.l., 4. VI.1990, Z. Zoia leg. (together with 1 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), beech wood. Latium: Latina Prov. — 1 ♀, Isola di Ponza, Piana dell’Incenso, 4.X.1990, R. Poggi leg., under Arbutus (MSNG); 1 ♂ 1 ♀ 1 T, Isola di Zannone, Capo Negro, 3.X.1990, R. Poggi leg. (MSNG); 1 ♂ 5 ♀, Isola di Zannone, il Monastero, 120 m a.s.l., IV.2010, G. Ruzzante leg. (together with 5 ♀ of C. ischnocheles); 1 ♂ 1 ♀, San Felice Circeo, Peretto, 190 m a.s.l., 9.XI.2005, G. Forcina leg. (CNBFVR). Latium: Rome Prov. — 1 ♂, Anticoli Corrado, along Fiume Aniene, 12. VI.1991, M. Mei leg.; 2 ♀, Carpineto Romano, Monte Semprevisa, 1300 m a.s.l., 28. V.1987, P. Magrini leg.; 4 ♂ 1 ♀, Maccarese, 27.IX.1992, L. Latella leg. (together with 2 ♀ of C. ischnocheles); 1 ♀ 2 T, Mazzano Romano, Valle del Treja, 22.XI.1992, L. Latella leg.; 1 ♂, Palombara Sabina, Monte Gennaro, 1100 m a.s.l., 1. V.1990, S. Zoia leg.; 15 ♂ 18 ♀ 17 T 7 D, Rocca di Papa, SE slope of Mt. Cavo, 18.III.1990, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♀, near Rocca di Papa, 850 m a.s.l., 18.III.1990, S. Zoia leg. (together with 1 ♀ of C. ischnocheles); 1 ♀, Roma, Monte Mario, 12.I.1991, L. Latella leg.; 1 ♂, id., 16.IX.1991, L. Latella leg.; 1 ♀, Roma, Valle dell’Insugherata, 23.XII.1990, L. Latella leg.; 3 ♂ 9 ♀, Barbarano Romano, 6.X.1991, L. Latella leg. (together with 1 ♂ 1 ♀ of C. ischnocheles). Latium: Viterbo Prov. — 2 ♂ 4 ♀, Caprarola, Lago di Vico, Monte Venere 701 m a.s.l., 2.VII–1.X.2013, S. Chiari leg. (CNBFVR); 1 ♀, Oriolo Romano, Lago di Bracciano, 491 m a.s.l., 7. V.2013, S. Chiari leg. (CNBFVR). Abruzzo: L’Aquila Prov. — 2 ♀ 4 T, Campotosto, Passo di Capannelle, 1250 m a.s.l., 17. VI.1988, S. Zoia leg. (MSNG); 19 ♂ 11 ♀, Capestrano, Capo d’Acqua, 7.II.1993, G. Osella leg. (together with 3 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), under Salix; 7 ♂ 5 ♀, id., 5. XII.1993, G. Osella leg. (together with 7 ♂ 8 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), under Salix caprea; 8 ♂ 11 ♀, id., 3.III.1994, G. Osella leg. (together with 4 ♂ 13 ♀ of C. ischnocheles), under Salix; 1 ♀, Collelongo, Valle Canale, 900 m a.s.l., 2.X.1995, L. Biancucci leg. (together with 1 ♂ of C. ischnocheles), mixed wood; 1 ♂, Gioia dei Marsi, Passo del Diavolo, 1400 m a.s.l., 18. VI.1994, F. Gasparo leg.; 1 ♂ 3 ♀, L’Aquila, E slope of Mt. Cristo, 1200 m a.s.l., 13. VI.1988, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♂ 5 ♀ 2 T, L’Aquila, Sorgenti Fiume Vera, 8.XII.1993, G. Osella leg., moss on Salix; 2 ♀, Ocre, 21.XI.1976, L. Briganti leg., chestnut wood; 1 ♂ 3 ♀, Paganica, Santuario Madonna d’Appari, 700 m a.s.l., 16. VI.1988, R. Poggi leg. (MSNG); 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Pietrasecca, Grotta Ovitto, 20.XII.1990, M. Bologna & S. Zoia leg. (together with 3 ♂ 1 ♀ of C. ischnocheles); 16 ♂ 6 ♀ 1 T, near Pratola Peligna, 340 m a.s.l., 8.IX.1990, S. Zoia leg.; 1 ♂ 7 ♀, Pratola Peligna, Sorgenti del Fiume Pescara, 3.X.1992, G. Osella leg.; 1 ♀, Pratola Peligna, Valle Peligna, 19.IV.1991, Mammoli & G. Osella; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 14.IX.1991, G. Osella leg.; 2 ♀, id., 20.XI.1991, G. Osella leg.; 2 ♂ 4 ♀, id., 18.II.1992, G. Osella leg. Abruzzo: Chieti Prov. — 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Gamberale, Valle del Sole, Chiesa di San Domenico, 1500 m a.s.l., 26.VII.2017, S. & F. Zoia leg.; 8 ♂ 6 ♀, Popoli, Sorgenti del Pescara, 17.X.1991, M. Riti leg. (together with 1 ♂ of C. ischnocheles); 2 ♀, id., 6.I.1992, G. Osella leg.; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ 1 T, 15.I.1994, G. Osella leg.; 1 ♂ 2 T, id., 18.I.1992, M. Riti & G. Osella leg.; 3 ♂ 4 ♀, id., 15.I.1994, G. Osella leg.; 2 ♂, id., 250 m a.s.l., 22. VI.2017, G. Gardini & C. Giusto leg.; 5 ♂ 3 ♀, Popoli, 11.XII.1993, G. Osella leg. Abruzzo: Teramo Prov. — 2 ♂ 1 ♀, Pietracamela, Prati di Tivo, 1500 m a.s.l., 12. VI.1988, S. Zoia leg., beech wood. Molise: Campobasso Prov. — 1 ♂, San Massimo, near Sella del Perrone, 1140 m a.s.l., 14. VI.1991, S. Zoia leg., beech wood. Apulia: Foggia Prov. — 1 ♀, Vico del Gargano, Spiaggia di Calenelle, 10 m a.s.l., 23.IV.2019, G. Gardini & P. Gardini leg. Apulia: Lecce Prov. — 2 ♂ 3 ♀ 2 T (Chthonius tenuis L. Koch, det.?), Castro, Grotta Zinzulusa 107 Pu / LE, 0 m a.s.l., no date, Stammer leg. (NMW); 2 ♂ (Chthonius (C.) ischnocheles ruffoi Cap., det. M. Beier), id., 14.IX.1962, Sichel leg. (MSNV); 1 ♀, id., 9.IX.1996, D. Ferreri leg.; 1 ♀, id., 3.IV.2001, F. Gasparo & R. Pepe leg.; 1 ♀ 1 T, Poggiardo, Grotta Micello 1577 Pu / LE, 5.X.2008, T. Quartulli leg. Basilicata: Matera Prov. — 2 ♂, Policoro, 27.III.1988, F. Angelini leg. (together with 1 ♂ of C. ischnocheles); 4 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 13. VIII.1989, F. Angelini leg. (together with 9 ♂ 12 ♀ 1 T of C. ischnocheles). Basilicata: Potenza Prov. — 1 ♀, Lagonegro, Monte Sirino, 1600 m a.s.l., 26. V.1986, P. Magrini leg.; 1 ♀, id., 22. V.1987, R. Sciaky leg.; 4 ♂ 1 ♀, Lauria, Monte Alpi, 1300 m a.s.l., 1. VI.1983, G. Gardini leg., beech wood; 2 ♂, Viggianello, 550 m a.s.l., VI.1991, M. Valle et al. leg.; 1 ♀, Viggiano, Madonna di Viggiano, 23. V.1984, G. Gardini, R. Rizzerio & S. Zoia leg., beech wood; 1 ♀, SE slope of Monte Vulture, 1000 m a.s.l., 27.IV.2018, S. Zoia leg., Quercus stump. Calabria: Cosenza Prov. — 1 ♂, Falconara Albanese, 12.X.1976, G. Gardini leg. Calabria: Reggio Calabria Prov. — 1 ♀, Molochio, 2.IX.1989, Gentile & Luchetti leg., beech wood; 5 ♀ 1 T, Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, Gambarie, 1300 m a.s.l., 3. VIII.1994, L. Latella leg.; 1 ♀ 1 T, id., 20. VI.1996, L. Latella leg.; 8 ♂, Santo Stefano in Aspromonte, Mausoleo di Garibaldi, 30. VI.1972, G. Bartoli leg. Sicilia: Messina Prov. — 3 ♂ 3 ♀, Alcara Li Fusi, Bosco Scavioli, 1100 m a.s.l., 27.IV.2016, C. Baviera leg.; 1 ♂ 2 ♀, Capizzi, Tassita, 29.IV.2015, C. Baviera leg.; 2 ♂, id., 23. VI.2016, C. Baviera leg.; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Caronia, Contrada Moglia, 1400 m a.s.l., IV.1988, G. Sabella leg., beech wood; 6 ♂ 1 T 1 D, Cesarò, Biviere di Cesarò, 17. VI.1981, G. Gardini leg., beech wood; 1 ♂ 1 T, Cesarò, Monte Soro, 16. VI.1981, G. Gardini leg., beech wood; 1 ♂, Cesarò, Monte Soro, Portella Maulazzo, 14.IX.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 1 ♂, id., 23.X.1981, leg.?, Aquifolio-Fagetum; 1 ♀, id., 28. V.1982, leg.?; 3 ♂ 2 ♀ 3 T, Cesarò, NW slope of Mt. Soro, 1350 m a.s.l., 1. VI.1985, R. Rizzerio & S. Zoia leg.; 4 ♂ 1 ♀, Montalbano Elicona, Bosco Malabotta, 24. V.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 16 ♂ 12 ♀, id., 18. VI.1981, G. Gardini leg., beech wood; 3 ♂, id., 19.VII.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 1 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 17.IX.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 11 ♂ 14 ♀, id., IV.1982, leg.?, beech wood; 5 ♂ 2 ♀, id., 30. V.1982, leg.?; 2 ♂ 1 ♀, id., 25. VI.1982, leg.?, Quercus cerris wood; 1 ♂, Montalbano Elicona, Bosco Malabotta, Pizzo Palo, 24. V.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 2 ♂, id., 18. VI.1981, leg.?, beech wood; 1 ♂, Cesarò, Portella Femmina Morta, 1430 m a.s.l., 22.III.2015, P. Magrini leg.
SLOVENIA — Jugovzhodna Slovenija regija — 1 ♂ 1 ♀, Kocevje, Mozelj, 500 m a.s.l., 11. V.1993, F. Gasparo leg., mixed wood. Notranjsko-kraška regija — 6 ♂ 5 ♀ 12 T 5 D, E of Postojna, slope of V. Javernik, 590 m a.s.l., 8. VIII.2007, S. Zoia leg., mixed wood; 3 ♂, Vipara, W slope of Mt. Nanos, 450 m a.s.l., 3. VI.2012, G. Gardini, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg. Obalno-kraška regija — 1 ♂, Podgorski Kras, 280 m a.s.l., 2. VI.2012, G. Gardini, C. Giusto & S. Zoia leg.
SWITZERLAND — Genève — 3 ♂ 4 ♀ 7 T, Genève, Versoix, 17.XI.1995, S. Vit leg., rotten stump.
Description of adults (♂ ♀). Integument strongly pigmented, carapace, tergites, chelicerae and pedipalps reddish brown; marked scale-shaped granulation on lateral surfaces of carapace, on cheliceral palm, on base of pedipalpal femur, on base of fixed and movable chelal fingers and on surface of chelal hand. Carapace (Figs 98, 107) 0.85–0.95 times longer than broad, trapezoidal, constricted posteriorly; anterior margin denticulate between the median macrosetae and with a prominent epistome (Figs 97, 105–106); ocular area as in figs 98, 107, anterior eyes with more or less convex lens (diameter 0.035–0.05 mm), posterior eyes with flat lens or even reduced to a smooth cuticular area, distance from anterior eyes to anterior margin of carapace 0.03–0.05 mm, distance from anterior to posterior eyes 0.05–0.09 mm; all eyes with a tapetum; standard chaetotaxy mm 4mm:6:4:2:m 2m (24) but highly variable even within populations: anterior row rarely mm 4m or m 4m; posterior row rarely with two lateral mesosetae (shorter than the median ones) or with a micro– and a mesoseta on each side respectively; posterior row rarely also with m 2mm or mm 2mm or mm2mmm; length of anteromedian macrosetae 0.09–0.16 mm, setae mostly thick. Chaetotaxy of tergites 4:4:4:4:6:6:6:6:1T2T1:4:1T2T1:0. Chaetotaxy of sternites II–X: 9–11:(3)8–9(3):(2)6– 8(2):8:6:6:6:6:2T1T2, sternite II most often with 10 setae; genital opening of males flanked by 5–8 (mainly 6–7) setae on each side. Chelicerae (Figs 99, 108) 1.9–2.2 times as long as broad, palm with 6 (rarely 7) setae and 3 (rarely 2, as in female holotype) lateral microsetae (3 and 2 microsetae occur in the same specimen: ♂ from Omisalj, Krk), surface of palm with few non-glandular pores; fixed finger with 2 distal large teeth followed by 5–8 small teeth and 4–6 proximal microtubercles; movable finger with an isolated subapical tooth (di) at level with the spinneret, followed by a large tooth and 5–9 teeth proximally reduced in size; gs ratio 0.58–0.64; spinneret wide and semicircular, mainly similar in both sexes (Figs 99, 108); rallum with 11 blades (11 and 12 blades in ♀ from Grotta Micello, Apulia); serrulae interior and exterior with 14–15 and 16–17 blades respectively. Coxal setae: pedipalp 5 (including 2 on manducatory process), I 3 + 3 marginal microsetae, II 4, III 5, IV 6; coxa I rarely with 3 or 4 + 2 or 3 marginal setae (♀ from Omisalj, Krk), coxa III rarely with 6 setae (♂ ♀ from Omisalj, Krk); coxa II with 6–13 (mainly 7–8) coxal spines, coxa III with 3–7 (mainly 3–4) coxal spines; intercoxal tubercle bisetose. Pedipalp: femur 4.15–5.1 (♂) or 3.8–5.25 (♀) times as long as broad, femoral chaetotaxy 3:6:2:5:1; chela (Figs 101, 110) 5.1–5.55 (♂) or 4.45–5.5 (♀) times as long as deep; hand of chela 1.75–2.05 (♂) or 1.55–1.95 (♀) times as long as deep, with parallel sides or with long ovoid outline in dorsal view (Fig. 100, 109); fixed chelal finger with 35–54 (♂) or 32–53 (♀) broad and almost contiguous or slightly widely spaced teeth, cuspidate and inclined backwards, increasingly reduced towards finger base; the 3–7 proximal teeth short and apically rounded (Figs 102–104, 111–116), followed by 3–6 microtubercles; all teeth with dental canal; fixed finger at level of est-it with 5–7 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.013 –0.018 (♂) or 0.011 –0.023 (♀) mm; tip of fixed chelal finger with apical sensilla af 1- 2, distal paraxial seta gradually curved and thin; movable chelal finger with 27–43 (♂) or 23–47 (♀) teeth, reclined and apically pointed in the distal two thirds of the finger, rounded and increasingly reduced from sb towards finger base; the 4–6 proximal teeth indicated only by the presence of dental canals (Figs 102–104, 111–116); movable finger at level of st-t with 5–8 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.012 –0.018 (♂) or 0.011 –0.022 (♀) mm; coupled sensilla pc just distad of sb, rarely at level at sb; tip of movable chelal finger with apical sensilla am 1- 2; trichobothria as in figs 101, 110; ratio sb -st/sb -b = 1.7–1.8; ratio of movable finger/hand of chela 1.7–1.95 (♂) or 1.65–2.0 (♀); ratio of pedipalpal femur/movable finger 0.95–1.05 (♂) or 1.0–1.05 (♀); ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 1.15–1.35 (♂) or 1.1–1.45 (♀).
Measurements (in mm). Body length 1.4–1.75 (♂) or 1.5–2.0 (♀). Carapace 0.39–0.50 × 0.415–0.56 (0.38–0.53 anteriorly) (♂) or 0.42–0.59 × 0.44–0.62 (0.41–0.59 anteriorly) (♀). Chelicerae 0.40–0.50 × 0.19–0.24 (♂) or 0.40–0.61 × 0.19–0.29 (♀); movable finger length 0.20–0.26 (♂) or 0.19–0.335 (♀). Pedipalp: femur 0.50–0.65 × 0.105 –0.135 (♂) or 0.48–0.81 × 0.115 –0.165 (♀); chela 0.74–0.93 × 0.135 –0.175 (♂) or 0.73–1.18 × 0.155 –0.235 (♀); hand length 0.26–0.34 (♂) or 0.27–0.42 (♀); movable finger length 0.48–0.61 (♂) or 0.46–0.77 (♀).
Description of tritonymph. Integument pigmented but hispid granulation less marked than in adults. Carapace 0.9–0.95 times longer than broad, epistome less prominent than in adults; eyes as in adults, diameter of anterior eyes 0.034 –0.037 mm; chaetotaxy m 4m:6:4:2:m 2m (22), posterior row rarely m2 or m 2mm; length of anteromedian macrosetae 0.073 –0.080 mm, all setae thick. Chaetotaxy of tergites as in adults. Chaetotaxy of sternites II–IX 5:(2)8(2):(1)6–8(1):8:6:6:6:6. Chelicerae 1.95–2.0 times as long as broad, palm with 5 setae and 2 (rarely 1 or 3) lateral microsetae; fixed finger with 7–9 teeth, proximally reduced in size, and a few proximal microtubercles; movable finger with an isolated subapical tooth (di) and 7–8 teeth; gs ratio 0.56–0.60; spinneret as in adults. Coxal setae: pedipalp 5 (including 2 on manducatory process), I 3 + 2 marginal microsetae, II 4, III 5, IV 5; coxa II with 4–7 coxal spines, coxa III with 3–5 coxal spines; intercoxal tubercle bisetose. Pedipalp: femur 3.75–4.55 times as long as broad; chela 4.6–4.9 times as long as deep; hand of chela 1.65–1.75 times as long as deep; fixed chelal finger with 34–42 slightly spaced teeth, all with dental canal; movable chelal finger with 24–35 teeth, reduced in size towards finger base, reaching back near b; coupled sensilla pc nearer to b than to st; ratio of movable finger/hand of chela 1.75–1.9; ratio of pedipalpal femur/movable finger 0.95–1.05; ratio of pedipalpal femur/carapace 0.95–1.1.
Measurements (in mm). Body length 1.0–1.3. Carapace 0.32–0.38 × 0.35–0.42 (0.32–0.37 anteriorly). Chelicerae 0.29–0.34 × 0.145 –0.175, movable finger length 0.15–0.18. Pedipalp: femur 0.34–0.42 × 0.08–0.10; chela 0.52–0.64 × 0.11–0.135; hand length 0.19–0.225; movable finger length 0.34–0.42.
Remarks. The examination of the female holotype of Chthonius densedentatus revealed a notable derivation from Beier (1938, 1939) who reported 36 teeth for the movable chelal finger (28 from my observations). This difference may be caused by the condition of the preserved specimen and the consequent difficulty in detecting the dental canal of the reduced proximal teeth. The holotype redescription allowed to confirm the presence of two preocular microsetae on each side and of two lateral microsetae on cheliceral palm, as well as the dentition pattern of the chelal fingers (Figs 114–116).
Chthonius ruffoi, described by Caporiacco (1951a) from Zinzulusa Cave (Apulia), represents a population of recent subterranean colonisation and there are no adaptive characters in comparison with epigean specimens from the same geographical area. Specimens are quite large (pedipalpal chela of females 1.14–1.16 mm, movable chelal finger 0.75–0.77 mm) and this fits the epigean specimens of C. densedentatus (Mt. Sirino, Potenza Province: pedipalpal chela of female 1.18 mm, movable chelal finger 0.77 mm). Chthonius ruffoi Caporiacco, 1951 is therefore proposed as a junior subjective synonym of Chthonius densedentatus Beier, 1938 (n. syn.).
For the discussion concerning the identity of Chthonius rhodochelatus, see Remarks under C. ischnocheles.
Among the species of the Chthonius ischnocheles group, C. densedentatus is morphologically similar to the epigean, widespread C. ischnocheles and the hypogean C. nicolosii from Sicily. Chthonius densedentatus differs from C. ischnocheles primarily in the following characters: posterior margin of carapace with 2 macrosetae and 2 lateral microsetae that are typically three times shorter than the median macrosetae (with 4 macrosetae, lateral setae as long or slightly shorter than the median ones in C. ischnocheles); fixed chelal finger at level of est-it with 5–7 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.013 –0.018 (♂) or 0.013 –0.023 (♀) mm (with 3–4 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.020 –0.034 (♂) or 0.023 –0.036 (♀) mm in C. ischnocheles); movable chelal finger at level of st-t with 5–8 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.012 –0.020 (♂) or 0.012 –0.022 (♀) mm (with 4–5 (♂ ♀) teeth occupying 0.1 mm, distance between successive apices 0.018 –0.023 (♂) or 0.018 –0.027 (♀) mm in C. ischnocheles). For comparison between C. densedentatus and C. nicolosii see Remarks under the latter species.
The citation of Chthonius ischnocheles ruffoi from Chiusazza cave, Syracuse (Beier 1963a) remains to be verified. Many Italian records of C. ischnocheles reported by Gardini (2000) are likely to be unverified misidentifications of C. densedentatus.
Although previously only known from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chthonius densedentatus is newly recorded from France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania and Greece.
description: Published as part of Gardini, Giulio, 2021, The Italian species of the Chthonius ischnocheles group (Arachnida, Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae), with reference to neighbouring countries, pp. 1-131 in Zootaxa 4987 (1) on pages 31-42, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4987.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4979653