The Pseudoscorpionida of Hawaii Part I. Introduction and Chthonioidea

Abstract

The history of our knowledge of pseudoscorpions in the Hawaiian Islands is traced briefly. The chthonioid pseudoscorpions already known to exist in the islands are reviewed and some additional records are reported. A new genus, Vulcanochthonius, is proposed, based on Tyrannochthonius howarthi Muchmore. Three new species are described: Tyrannochthonius oahuanus from Oahu, and Vulcanochthonius aa and V. pohakuloae from Hawaii Island. Chthonius tetrachelatus (Preyssler) and Lechytia sakagamii Morikawa are reported for the first time and complete descriptions of the Hawaiian material are given.