Observations on Calchas gruberi from Greece

Iasmi Stathi and co-workers have studied Calchas (Iuridae) materials from the Greek island Megisti (= Kastelorizo). Fet, Soleglad & Kovarik (2009) described two new Calchas in addition to the previous known species Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899 from Turkish populations, but did not conclude on the the Greek populations (on Megisti and Samos). Stathi and co-workers now conclude that the Megisti populations belongs to Calchas gruberi Fet, Soleglad & Kovarik, 2009 and that C. nordmanni is not present in the Greek fauna.

Interestingly, the Megisti populations of C. gruberi is significantly larger than specimens from Turkey.

Abstract:
A series of Calchas specimens from the Greek island of Megisti (= Kastelorizo) was examined. It is shown by detailed analysis of several key diagnostic characters that this population from Megisti Island belongs to C. gruberi Fet, Soleglad et Kovařík, 2009. Therefore, C. nordmanni Birula, 1899 is not present in Greek fauna. The population of C. gruberi from Megisti comprises the largest specimens so far reported.

Reference:
Stathi I, Fet V, Soleglad ME. Etudes on iurids, IV. Observations on Calchas gruberi from Megisti Island, Greece (Scorpiones: Iuridae). Euscorpius. 2010(101):1-9. [Free fulltext]

Family Iuridae