09 December, 2014

Two new species of Opisthacanthus from Madagascar


Just days after reporting about a new species of Opisthacanthus Peters, 1861 (Hormuridae) from Madagascar, I can report about two new species from this hotspot of biodiversity. Again, it is professor Wilson Lourenco who is the author of the recent article describing the new species.

Opisthacanthus ambanja Lourenço, 2014

Opisthacanthus antsiranana Lourenço, 2014

Abstract:
Two new scorpion species, Opisthacanthus antsiranana sp.n. and O. ambanja sp.n., are described from the North of Madagascar. The new species clearly suggest cases of micro-endemic and vicariant populations within the island. The total number of species of the genus in Madagascar is now elevated to 10 and its known geographical distribution within the island is expanded.

Reference:
Lourenco WR. Micro-endemic and vicariant populations of Opisthacanthus Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hormuridae) in Madagascar, with descriptions of two new species. Arthropoda Selecta. 2014;23(4):383-9. [Free full text]

Thanks to professor Lourenco for sending me his paper!

Family Hormuridae

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