Leonardo Sousa Carvalho and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of the rare and partly troglobitic genus Troglorhopalurus Lourenço, Baptista & Giupponi, 2004 (Buthidae) form five caves in the municipalities of Iuiú and Malhada, in the western region Bahia state, Northeastern Brazil.
Troglorhopalurus iuiu Carvalho, Silva, Emanuela de Souza & Feirreira, 2025
The new species was found quite deep into the caves and is probably a troglobite, but shows only minor troglomorphic traits. Due to the limited distribution and potential negative human impact on the habitat, the authors suggest that the new species should be classified and endangered.
Abstract:
The genus Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones:
Buthidae) is endemic to northeastern Brazil and comprises cave-dwelling
species with limited distributions. Based on newly collected specimens,
this study provides a description of a new cave-dwelling Troglorhopalurus species and the first detailed description of the male hemispermatophore of the genus. Troglorhopalurus iuiu
n. sp. is diagnosed based on morphometric characters, distinct carapace
granulation, and differences in the pedipalps and metasomal carinae and
peg sensillae shape. The hemispermatophore of Troglorhopalurus
is like other Centruroidinae species, with internal, external, and
basal lobes. Additionally, we discuss the distribution and conservation
status of Troglorhopalurus species. Troglorhopalurus lacrau
distribution range is extended based on additional epigean and hypogean
records. This species may be reassessed from data deficient to least
concern. Based on the limited localities and declining habitat quality,
we propose that T. iuiu n. sp. be
considered endangered. This research underscores the importance of
further sampling to explore species-specific variations and promote
conservation efforts for these ecologically specialized scorpions.
Reference:
Carvalho LS, Silva MIL, Souza PEd, Ferreira RL. Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones, Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species. Arthropoda. 2025;3(2):6. [Open Access]
Thanks to Gerard for sending me this article!
No comments:
Post a Comment