Sphaerochthonius Berlese, 1910

Sphaerochthonius Berlese, 1910, pp. 218, 223.

In the original diagnosis of Sphaerochthonius (as well as in the accompanying key to the genera of Hypochthoniidae), Berlese (1910) mentions monodactyly of the legs as one of the main characters. An examination of the type species ( S. splendidus) demonstrates, however, that his Observation is incorrect. Sphaerochthonius is tridactylous, although the lateral claws appear to be very thin and are easily overlooked. The claw segment has a characteristic shape that reminds of Cryptoplophora ( Protoplophoridae).