CAVE-DWELLING PSEUDOSCORPIONS (PSEUDOSCORPIONES) OF THE DINARIDES IN CROATIA
CAVE-DWELLING PSEUDOSCORPIONS (PSEUDOSCORPIONES) OF THE DINARIDES IN CROATIA

Summary/Abstract: The history of the cave-dwelling Dinaric pseudoscorpions has been largely affected by the karstification process. It is evident that the Dinaric Karst was not developed at one time; hence; its colonization must have occurred progressively throughout its life span. The Dinaric Karst is inhabited by a great number of endemic and relict cave-dwelling pseudoscorpions pertaining to the Laurasian; Paleo-Mediterranean; Paleo-Aegean and South and North Aegean phyletic series. Among the major causes which explain the extraordinary variety of the troglobitic pseudoscorpion fauna of Croatia; one should mention the varied epigean pseudoscorpion fauna populating the Proto-Balkans in the remote past; the continuity of the continental phase in different areas of the Balkans; the presence of mighty limestone beds and the subsequent evolution of the underground karst relief; the succession of the climatic conditions which were in favor of the colonization of the subterranean domain; and the divergent differentiation of the pseudoscorpion taxa in numerous isolated underground habitats. This study of the cave-dwelling pseudoscorpions inhabiting the Dinaric Karst of Croatia has offered further proof of their great age and probably different origin. These species and genera represent the last vestiges of an old fauna; which found their ultimate shelters in the underground domain of the Balkans and adjoining regions.

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