A review of the genus Calchas and the description of two new species

The enigmatic genus Calchas (Iuridae) has been of great interest among scorpion taxonomists due to its phylogenetic position. This rare scorpion has so far been known from parts of Turkey and from the two Greek islands Megesti and Samos.

In a major review of the genus, Fet, Soleglad & Kovarik conclude that three distinct, disjunct species exist rather than one widespread species (C. nordmanni) as previously thought. Based on morphological examinations, the authors describe two new species with limited distribution:

Calchas birulai Fet, Soleglad & Kovarik, 2009 with distribution in Southeastern Turkey & Northern Iraq. The author also mentioned a potential sighting in Syria, but a distribution here has not been verified.

Calchas gruberi Fet, Soleglad & Kovarik, 2009 with distribution in Southern Turkey and Greece (only islands Megisti & Samos).

The distribution of Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899 is now restricted to notheastern Turkey.

The article presents many illustrations, updated distribution maps and an identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
The relict, phylogenetically important scorpion genus Calchas Birula, 1899 (Iuridae) remained monotypic since its description. Its sole species, Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899, was known only from northeastern Turkey until Kinzelbach (1980) published first records from southern and southeastern Turkey. A few more localities have been reported from Turkey; the species was also found on two Greek islands, Samos and Megisti. We analyzed significant material (63 specimens, including a previously unpublished large series from Naturhistorisches Museum Wien), and concluded that three distinct, disjunct species exist rather than one widespread species as previously thought. Two new species are described: Calchas birulai sp. nov. (southeastern Turkey, northern Iraq; 30 specimens studied) and Calchas gruberi sp. nov. (southern Turkey; Megisti Island and Samos Island, Greece; 23 specimens studied). The type species Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899 (10 specimens studied) is restricted to northeastern Turkey.

References:
Fet V, Soleglad ME, Kovarik F. Etudes on Iurids, II. Revision of the genus Calchas Birula, 1899, with the description of two new species (Scorpiones: Iuridae). Euscorpius. 2009; (82):1-72. [Free fulltext - large file (27 mb)]

Family Iuridae