A comparative cytogenetic study of a three Hadogenes species results in a new species from South Africa

Frantisek Stahlavsky and co-workers have recently published the first comparative cytogenetic study in Hadogenes species (Hormuridae) using both standard and molecular cytogenetic approaches. A new species from South Africa is also described.

Hadogenes weygoldti Stahlavsky, Stundlova, Lowe, Stockmann & Kovarik, 2018

Abstract:
In the present study, we performed the first comparative cytogenetic study in Hadogenes species using both standard and molecular cytogenetic approaches. Information about the diploid set, number and distribution of 18S rDNA and telomeric sequences was obtained from three South African species, Hadogenes trichiurus (Gervais, 1843), H. zuluanus Lawrence, 1937 and H. weygoldti sp. n. All species analysed differ considerably in the number of chromosomes (H. trichiurus 2n=48, H. zuluanus 2n=80, H. weygoldti sp. n. 2n=113). In contrast, the number of 18S rDNA clusters and distribution of telomeric sequences represent rather stable cytogenetic characters in Hadogenes. Within all karyotypes, we identified one pair of 18S rDNA clusters. The telomeric signals were exclusively on the terminal chromosomal regions. Interestingly, the chromosomal location of 18S rDNA clusters varied from terminal to interstitial in species karyotypes, indicating the presence of hidden structural chromosomal changes. Additionally, the present comparative study is complemented by the description of a new species, H. weygoldti sp. n., based on specific karyotype features and morphological characters. Finally, our cytogenetic results are compared with known chromosomal data of other Hadogenes species, and the use of cytogenetic approaches in the taxonomy of scorpions is discussed.

Reference:
Šťáhlavský F, Štundlová J, Lowe G, Stockmann M, Kovařík F. Application of cytogenetic markers in the taxonomy of flat rock scorpions (Scorpiones: Hormuridae), with the description of Hadogenes weygoldti sp. n. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2018;Accepted Manuscript. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Family Hormuridae