23 April, 2015

Two new species of Euscorpius from Central-Western Greece


As seen in previous blog postings, the scorpion fauna of Europe is increasing. This is especially the case for the genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae). The existence of cryptic species complexes and lack of specimens from many areas have made the progress of research into this interesting genus slow. Gioele Tropea and Victor Fet have now published two new species from Central-Western Greece, increasing the number of species in this country to 21.

Euscorpius giachinoi Tropea & Fet, 2015

Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015

Abstract:
Two new Euscorpius species are described, based on specimens collected by P.M. Giachino & D. Vailati in central-western Greece in neighboring Aitoloakarnania (Western Greece) and Fokida (Central Greece) regional units. No Euscorpius specimens were previously available from this area. The first new species, Euscorpius giachinoi sp. n., is very similar to a recently described E. birulai Fet et al., 2014 from Euboea Island, and is also characterized by a low trichobothrial count (Pv = 7, et = 5), a low pectinal teeth count (Dp = 7 in males, 6 in females), and long-limbed features. The second species, E. vailatii sp. n., is widely found in the studied area, and it is characterized by a high trichobothrial and pectinal teeth count (Pv = 9–11, et = 6–8; Dp = 9–10 in males, 7–8 in females).

Reference:
Tropea G, Fet V. Two New Euscorpius Species from Central-Western Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Euscorpius. 2015 (199):1-16. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae

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