Description of a new solifuge Melanoblossia ansie sp. n. (Solifugae, Melanoblossiidae) with notes on the setiform flagellar complex of Melanoblossiinae Roewer, 1933

Abstract

Melanoblossiidae Roewer, 1933 is a small family of solifuges (Solifugae, Arachnida), comprising two subfamilies: Melanoblossiinae Roewer, 1933 and the monotypic Dinorhaxinae Roewer, 1933. The Melanoblossiinae consists of 15 currently recognised species, restricted to southern Africa. A new species, Melanoblossia ansie sp. n., placed in the Melanoblossiinae, is described from Namibia. This brings to five the number of species in Melanoblossia Purcell, 1903, and is the first record of Melanoblossia from Namibia. The flagellum and principal seta of the setiform flagellar complex characteristic of Melanoblossiinae are discussed.