First troglobitic Iansaoniscus (Isopoda: Pudeoniscidae) from iron-ore caves and new distribution records for the genus

The genus Iansaoniscus is currently known from four troglobitic species, all recorded from limestone caves in the state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Here, a new species of Iansaoniscus from the state of Minas Gerais is described as the first species of the genus discovered in a ferruginous cave. Mocoror Cave is known to be partially excavated by extinct giant sloths, and thus at least part of it may be classified as a paleoburrow. This represents the first known case of a troglobitic isopod occurring in such a context. The discovery expands both the ecological and geographical range of the genus and underscores the importance of iron-ore caves and paleoburrows as unique and understudied subterranean habitats that host specialized and endemic fauna. Ecological observations of the new species are provided, and potential threats are discussed. Finally, new records for two previously described Iansaoniscus species are provided, extending their known distributional ranges along with their ecological information and potential threats to their conservation.