Identifications of a variety of subterranean fauna

The Pilbara is home to an estimated 1,800 subterranean species, but only 270 new species have been formally described. Genetic data alone is not enough to define a species, and it needs to be backed by physical descriptions. However, few experts are available to do this work. To help fill the gap, two Postdoctoral Research Fellows were appointed to carry out detailed species-level work on pseudoscorpions and subterranean amphipods, a group of small crustaceans, from the Pilbara region.

Each species has been formally described, with genetic data where possible, images, illustrations, collection locations and a distribution map. Pseudoscorpions: 18 new Hyidae species in the Pilbara, plus new species in Cape Range and the Kimberley; new Atemnidae and Olpiidae species; and 17 new Syarinidae species. Chthoniidae work continues, with 20 species characterised. Amphipods: five new Pilbarana species, identified through genetic and geographic evidence because physical differences were minimal, and one new Aenigmata species.