A new species of Brachistosternus from Chile

 

 The unique geography of Chile is the origin of pockets of endemic species. Andres Ojanguren-Affilastro and co-workers have recently described a new species of Brachistosternus Pocock, 1893 (Bothriuridae) from the upper basin of the Maule Valley, located in the Maule Region of central Chile.

Brachistosternus pehuenche Ojanguren Affilastro, Alfaro, Iuri, Camousseigt-Montolivo & Pizarro-Araya, 2025

Abstract:
Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) is described from the Mauline Andean forests of the northern Chilean Patagonia, located within the upper basin of the Maule Valley. Its unique geography and the discovery of this partial isolation, as a result of the surrounding higher altitudes, support the role of this valley as a biodiversity hotspot, fostering a variety of endemic epigean arthropods. The discovery of this third endemic scorpion species highlights the area’s ecological uniqueness. The species is most similar to Brachistosternus negrei, a species found in the southern Chilean forests, but distinct morphological traits, such as pigmentation patterns and metasomal structures, clearly separate the two. This study underscores the ecological value of the Maule Valley, which, despite its high endemism, remains unprotected and is subject to significant anthropogenic pressures, including agriculture, hydropower projects, and international transit routes. The need for conservation initiatives in this region is critical to preserve its exceptional biodiversity. This work not only adds to the taxonomy of Brachistosternus but also raises fundamental questions about the processes driving endemism in the Andes and the broader implications for the conservation of montane ecosystems.

Reference:
Ojanguren-Affilastro AA, Alfaro FM, Iuri HA, Camousseigt-Montolivo B, Pizarro-Araya J. Description of Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), a new scorpion species from the upper Maule Valley, in the southern Chilean Andes. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 2025;101(3):969–81. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard, Matt and Victoria for informing me about this article!

Family Bothriuridae

A revision of the enigmatic genus Charmus from India and Sri Lanka with a couple of taxonomic updates

 

Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Buthidae) is a genus that is rarely encountered in the field and in collections. The few species in the genus are also very similar. Mihir Joshi and several co-workers have recently published a systematic review of this genus and have made a couple of taxonomic decisions.

Charmus dakshini Joshi, Deshpande, Ukale, Gowande, Bilat, Kovarik, Mottaz, Stahlavsky, Bastawade, Monod & Sulakhe, 2025 New species from southern India.

Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879.

Abstract:
India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically very similar, which impedes their systematic assessment. Our dedicated efforts towards sampling the members of the genus resulted in the collection of important material, which allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic revision of the genus using an integrated taxonomic approach. We propose several taxonomic changes based on the results of a detailed morphological study supported by molecular data. Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879, owing to the lack of morphological differences and low genetic divergence between the two taxa. We designate a neotype for Charmus sinhagadensis Tikader and Bastawade, 1983, and describe a new species from Sirumalai (Tamil Nadu, India). Moreover, we provide the first molecular phylogeny of Charmus based on Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA (16S) and 28S rRNA (28S) genes. The phylogenetic position of the genus within the family Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 is also tested using an independent genome-wide dataset (Ultraconserved Elements). Topological congruence and discrepancies between the phylogenies generated with Sanger sequences and the Ultraconserved Elements are commented on, and the reliability of these datasets when evaluating phylogenetic relationships at different hierarchical levels is further discussed.

Reference:
Joshi M, Deshpande S, Ukale S, Gowande G, Bilat J, Kovařík F, et al. Systematic Revision of the Genus Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), and Assessment of Its Phylogenetic Position Within Buthidae CL Koch, 1837 Using Ultraconserved Elements. Diversity. 2025;17:354. [Open Acces]

Thanks to Gerard and Frantisek for both sending me this article!

Family Buthidae