An extensive revision of the genus Olivierus in Xinjiang, China

 

Victoria Tang a co-workers recently published a thorough revision of the genus Olivierus Farzanpay, 1987 (Buthidae) in Xinjiang, China.

Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010) and O. przewalskii (Birula, 1897) are the only representatives of this genus in this region. The authors also have made the following taxonomical conclusions:

Olivierus (Mesobuthus) bolensis (Sun et al., 2010) is synonymized with Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010).

Olivierus (Mesobuthus) karshius (Sun & Sun, 2011) is synonymized with Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010).

Olivierus tarabaevi Fet et al., 2021 is synonymized with Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010).

Some information about the genus' habitat, distribution and biology is also included.

Abstract:
The genus Olivierus Farzanpay, 1987 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, is revised based on recently collected topotypes and other populations from 12 localities. Brief differential diagnoses are provided, with colored illustrations and photos in vivo habitus, emphasizing the key characters. Chinese appellations, conservation status, and documentation of behavior and post-envenomation symptoms are also included. Only two species are now recognized for this genus in Xinjiang: O. longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010) and O. przewalskii (Birula, 1897), based on both morphological and molecular evidence. The two species exhibit extensive distribution in Xinjiang (China) while also occurring in adjacent countries. Three new synonyms are proposed: Mesobuthus bolensis Sun et al., 2010 = Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010), syn. n.; Mesobuthus karshius Sun & Sun, 2011 = Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010), syn. n.; Olivierus tarabaevi Fet et al., 2021 = Olivierus longichelus (Sun & Zhu, 2010), syn. n. Two species, Olivierus extremus (Werner, 1936) and O. hainanensis (Birula, 1904), are likely synonymous with O. martensii (Karsch, 1879). Should future examination confirm this assumption, the total number of species in genus Olivierus would be reduced to 16.

Reference:
Tang V, Liu Z, Graham MR, Fet V, Kovařík F, Šťáhlavský F. Revision of the genus Olivierus in Xinjiang, China, with comments on Mesobuthus thersites (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024;2024(383):1-58. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victoria for informing me about the article and for sharing the illustration picture with us!

Family Buthidae