<i>Skandarella vixe</i> gen. et sp. nov., a new tricommatinae harvestman (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) from chapada diamantina (Bahia, Brazil)

Abstract Skandarella vixe gen. et sp. nov. , a new gonyleptid harvestman of the subfamily Tricommatinae, is described from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia State, eastern Brazil. Skandarella gen . n ov . exhibits strong sexually dimorphic modifications in male leg II, contrasting with related genera such as Caramaschia Kury, 2002 (modifications in chelicerae, pedipalps, and femur IV), Tricommatus Roewer, 1912 (modifications in femur and patella IV), and Voriax Kury, 2014 (modifications in leg III and dorsal scutum shape). The new species inhabits the Caatinga domain, a poorly sampled and understudied region of Brazil, and was collected by sifting leaf litter—a challenging method in dry environments. The discovery of Skandarella gen. nov. not only expands the known diversity of Tricommatinae, a recently redefined subfamily now restricted to a small core group of six valid species in three genera, but also highlights the potential for uncovering hidden lineages in neglected dry habitats, helping bridge biogeographic gaps in the group.