08 March, 2012

Chactas camposi redescribed and transfered to Teuthraustes

Jose Ochoa & Ricardo Pinto da Rocha have rediscovered the type for Chactas camposi Mello-Leiato, 1939 (Chactidae) that where believed to be lost. A redescription of the type revealed that this scorpion should be placed in the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878. New status is:

Teuthraustes camposi (Mello-Leiato, 1939)

Abstract:
The true taxonomic status of the chactid scorpion Chactas camposi Mello-Leitão, 1939 from Ecuador is established based in the recently discovered holotype female, until now considered lost, at the Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro. In base on the analysis of the external morphology, we transfer this species to the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878. A detailed redescription and diagnosis according to modern standards are provided. Teuthraustes camposi comb. n. is closely related with Teuthraustes whymperi (Pocock, 1893) from Ecuadorian provinces Pichincha and Cotopaxi.

Reference:
Ochoa JA, Pinto da Rocha R. On the taxonomical status of Chactas camposi Mello-Leitao, 1939. Zootaxa. 2012(3210):61-8. [Subscription required for access]

Thanks to Jacek Szubert for informing about this paper.

Family Chactidae

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