Microendemic
Guides
Arrhopalitidae
Arrhopalitidae is a family of springtails (Collembola) in the order Symphypleona, superfamily Katiannoidea. The family includes three genera: Arrhopalites, Pygmarrhopalites, and Troglopalites. Many species are obligate cave-dwellers (troglobionts) exhibiting pronounced troglomorphy, including reduced pigmentation, elongated appendages, and modified sensory structures. The family has a sister-group relationship with Katiannidae.
Hypochilidae
Lampshade Spiders
Hypochilidae is an ancient and relict family of true spiders (Araneae) containing two genera: Hypochilus (11 species, North America) and Ectatosticta (22 species, Asia). The family originated in the Late Jurassic and exhibits a classic inter-continental disjunct distribution. These spiders are considered among the most primitive of araneomorphs, retaining plesiomorphic traits including two pairs of book lungs in most species. They are microhabitat specialists with naturally small geographic distributions and low vagility, making them important subjects for conservation and biogeographic research.
Hypochilus xomote
lampshade spider
Hypochilus xomote is a species of lampshade spider described in 2022 from the southern Sierra Nevada of California. It represents the southernmost known population of the genus Hypochilus in this mountain range and is considered a short-range endemic with an extremely restricted distribution. The specific epithet derives from the Yowlumni word for "south," reflecting its geographic position.