Satrapanus Explained

Satrapanus is a monotypic genus of pseudoscorpions in the Chernetidae family. It is endemic to Australia's Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea. It was described in 2007 by Australian arachnologists Mark Harvey and Erich Volschenk. The generic epithet comes from the Latin satrapa ('provincial governor') with reference to the pseudoscorpion being the only known species of the genus on the island.^[1]

Species

The genus contains the sole species Satrapanus grayi, which was described by Austrian arachnologist Max Beier in 1976.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Description

Body lengths of males are 1.68–2.03 mm; those of females 1.91–2.78 mm. The colour is mainly dark reddish-brown.^[2]

Distribution and habitat

The species is known only from Lord Howe Island, where it inhabits plant litter and other ground habitats.^{[2] [4]}

Behaviour

The pseudoscorpions are terrestrial predators.^[4]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Genus Satrapanus Harvey & Volschenk, 2007. . 2023-10-09. Australian Faunal Directory . Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia . 2023-11-10.
2. Beier. M . 1976 . The pseudoscorpions of New Zealand, Norfolk and Lord Howe. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 3 . 3. 199–246 [225]. 10.1080/03014223.1976.9517913. 2023-11-10 .
3. Web site: 2023 . Genus: Satrapanus Harvey and Volschenk, 2007. World Arachnida Catalog . Natural History Museum Bern. 2023-11-10.
4. Web site: Species Satrapanus grayi (Beier, 1976). . 2023-10-09. Australian Faunal Directory . Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia . 2023-11-10.