Endecous ( Ramalhoecous ) infernalis, Carvalho & Junta & Castro-Souza & Ferreira, 2023

Is Endecous ( Ramalhoecous) infernalis n. sp. a troglobitic species?

The length of the compound eyes of E. ( E.) zin n. sp., E. ( E.) zaum n. sp. and E. ( R.) infernalis n. sp. are similar, even though the three species have different body sizes. Through morphometric analyses, it was verified that the compound eyes of E. ( R.) infernalis n. sp. are reduced when compared to the compound eyes of E. ( E.) zin n. sp. Besides that, it was found that the legs I and II of E. ( R.) infernalis n. sp. are elongated when compared to the legs I and II of E. ( E.) zin n. sp. and E. ( E.) zaum n. sp.

The reduction of ocular structures and elongation of ambulatory appendages are well known troglomorphisms ( Desutter-Grandcolas 1998b) and have now been observed in E. ( R.) infernalis n. sp. Those characteristics represent adaptations to a strictly subterranean lifestyle, and are, therefore, indicative of the troglobitic nature of this species. Nonetheless, conducting the inventory of the fauna in the surroundings of the caves where E. ( R.) infernalis n. sp. were found may further validated this hypothesis.