31 July, 2012

A new Rhopalurus from eastern Cuba

Rolando Teruel and Luis de Armas have recently described a new species of Rhopalurus Thorell, 1876 (Buthidae) from the desert coast of eastern Cuba.

Rhopalurus aridicola Teruel & Armas, 2012

A identification key for species of Rhopalurus in Cuba is presented. The paper is in Spanish so this comment is based on the English abstract.

Abstract:
A new species of the genus Rhopalurus Thorell 1876 is described which is endemic to the desert coast of the easternmost tip of Cuba and exhibits a very interesting combination of characters, some of which are very peculiar. Also, some aspects of the geographical distribution, ecology, and biogeography of the Antillean representatives of Rhopalurus are briefly discussed; one of them is suggested to be an invalid taxon. With this new addition, the Antillean fauna of the genus is composed by 10 species: six in Cuba, three in Hispaniola, and one in Puerto Rico (Mona Island).

Reference:
Teruel R, de Armas LF. Nueva especie de Rhopalurus Thorell, 1876 de Cuba Oriental, con algunas consideraciones sobre sos congeneres Antillanos (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Boletin de la SEA. 2012(50):209-17.

Thanks to Rolando for sending me this paper!

Family Buthidae

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