Whip Spiders Of The Genus Sarax Simon 1892 (Amblypygi: Charinidae) From Borneo Island

Five species of the whip spider genus Sarax are recognized from Borneo, with the following four species newly described: Sarax yayukae sp. nov. from Sabah (Malaysia), West and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia), and three species from East Kalimantan, S. cavernicola sp. nov., S. sangkulirangensis sp. nov., and S. mardua sp. nov.. Sarax mardua and S. cavernicola have pale coloration, reduced eyes and elongate legs suggesting troglomorphic adaptations to cave environments. The characters diagnosing the family Charinidae and the genus Sarax are discussed and revised. The distribution patterns of Sarax species in Southeast Asia, especially in Borneo Island, are discussed in relation to their habitat preferences. The generic status of Stygophrynus moultoni Gravely 1915 (Charontidae) is briefly discussed. Zootaxa Vol. 2612. 2010. P: 1-21 ISSN: 1175-5326