The enigmatic scorpion Tityus timendus from Ecuador is a valid species

The enigmatic scorpion Tityus timendus Pocock, 1898 is only known from one specimen (holotype) collected in Ecuador. It was later synonymized with T. asthenes Pocock, 1893, but this decision was made without the holotype being examined. Wilson Lourenco has now reanalysed and redescribed Tityus timendus, concluding that this is a valid species.

Abstract:
The status of the enigmatic buthid scorpion, Tityus timendus Pocock, 1898 is discussed. Described from Cavachi in Ecuador, the species remains known by the male holotype only. A reanalysis of the several characteristics of the holotype demonstrates that the species is valid. Previous suggestions that T. timendus could represented a junior synonym of Tityus asthenes Pocock, 1893 are due to misinterpretations, and the new analysis shows that T. timendus is in fact close related to Tityus pachyurus Pocock, 1897, known from Colombia and Panama. New diagnosis and redescription are also proposed.

Reference:
Lourenco WR. Tityus (Atreus) timendus Pocock, 1898 (Scorpiones, Buthidae), an enigmatic scorpion from Ecuador. Acta Biologica Paranaense, Curitiba. 2012;41(1-2):1-8.

Thanks to Gerard Dupre for sending me this paper!

Family Buthidae