Describing to preserve – three new species of Xangoniscus (Oniscidea, Styloniscidae) of unprotected caves in dry areas from Bahia state, northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Three new troglobitic amphibious species of Xangoniscus (Styloniscidae) have been described from limestone caves of the Bambui Group semiarid ecosystems (Chacoan subregion) in the state of Bahia: Xangoniscus antiquus sp. nov., X. chaimowiczi sp. nov., and X. jonasi sp. nov. Natural history information is provided for X. chaimowiczi sp. nov. and X. jonasi sp. nov. Considering the differences between the known species of Xangoniscus and those described in this study, we redefined the diagnostic characteristics of the genus. Moreover, the distribution of Xangoniscus is discussed. The species described in this study, along with those previously reported, serve as fundamental tools for decision-making processes aimed at conserving Brazil’s speleological natural heritage.