Gallão and Bichuette have recently published an article with a description of the adult female of the troglobitic scorpion Troglorhopalurus translucidus Lourenço Baptista & Giupponi, 2004 from Brazil. The article also present new data on distribution and life history. The situation for Rhopalurus lacrau Lourenço & Pinto-da-Rocha, 1997 and other buthid troglobites is also discussed.
Abstract:
We describe for the first time the adult female of the troglobitic scorpion Troglorhopalurus translucidus Lourenço Baptista & Giupponi, 2004, and broaden its known distribution to other sandstone caves at Chapada Diamantina’s region. The life history of T. translucidus is reconstructed through morphometric measurements, with a multivariate analysis applied on a set of 16 specimens in all stages (including the holotype) and biological notes. The ontogeny of T. translucidus has seven stages and the litter size is 43 (n = 1). We discuss the isolation of T. translucidus and Rhopalurus lacrau Lourenço & Pinto-da-Rocha, 1997 in caves of Chapada Diamantina, and discuss their troglomorphisms (autapomorphies) among other species related with Rhopalurus. Both species must be considered fragile due their restricted endemism at Chapada Diamantina.
Reference:
Gallao JE, Bichuette ME. On the enigmatic troglobitic scorpion Troglorhopalurus translucidus: distribution, description of adult females, life history and comments on Rhopalurus lacrau (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Zoologia. 2016;33(6):e20150193. [Open Access]
Thanks to Dr. Andre Felipe de Araujo Lira for sending me this article!
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