Taxonomy and distribution of Equitius in eastern Australia (Opiliones: Laniatores: Triaenonychidae)

Abstract

The genus Equitius is revised. Jenolanicus Roewer, 1915, Monacanthobunus Roewer, 1915, Monoxyomma Pocock, 1903 and Rydrusa Roewer, 1931 = new synonyms of Equitius Simon, 1880. Three new combinations are established: E. altus (Forster, 1955) (Jenolanicus), E. spinatus (Pocock, 1903) (Monoxyomma) and E. tambourineus (Roewer, 1921) (Jenolanicus). Four new synonymies are proposed: Jenolanicus armatus Roewer, 1915 and Monacanthobunus continentalis Roewer, 1915 = E. doriae Simon, 1880; E. affinis Roewer, 1923 and Rydrusa armata Roewer, 1931 = E. tambourineus (Roewer, 1921). Three new species are described: E. formidabilis, E. montanus and E. richardsae. A key to all seven species is given. Discontinuous mountain blocks and major river valleys are seen as factors influencing the present distribution of species in south-eastern Australia. An isolated cave population of E. altus is noted.