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Chthonius kewi

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Subspecies

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Synonyms

Chthonius kewi Gabbutt, 1966

Note: this is a doubtful species and might be identical with Chthonius tetrachelatus (see also below).

Identification

The posterior part of the carapace bears four large hairs and two small ones. The larger hairs are present in several species, but the small hairs ("microchaetae") are considered to be specific for the present species. However, Duchac (2004) reports a population of Chthonius tetrachelatus from Helgoland that comprises both specimens with microchaetae and without them, and there are also specimens with only a single microchaeta either on the left or on the right side. Similar results are reported by Drogla and Lippold (2004). Thus, the presence or absence of the smaller bristles could be within the range of intraspecific variability of Chthonius tetrachelatus. Alternatively, the Helgoland population might be a hybrid population between the two species.

Distribution

Described from the UK. In Germany recorded from Sachsen-Anhalt and Thüringen. Specimens intermediate between Chthonius kewi and Chthonius tetrachelatus are known from Helgoland (Duchac 2004).

Biology

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