The disrupted pattern of distribution of the genus Hadrurochactas Pocock; evidence of past connections between Amazon and the Brazilian Atlantic forest

A new species, Hadrurochactas araripe sp. n. (Chactidae) is described from 'Chapada do Araripe', a 'Brejo type' formation located in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The description of the new species confirms a disrupted pattern of distribution presented by the genus Hadrurochactas. This includes species present both in Guiano-Amazon forests and forest islands within the 'Caatingas'. These are xerophytic formations in northeastern Brazil. This new species brings further evidence of a past connection between the Amazonian and Atlantic forests, as already suggested by palaeobotanists. (C) 2009 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.