Rediscovery of the rare species Paruroctonus williamsi from Big Bend National Park, Texas USA

 

Matthew Leister recently published an article informing about the rediscovery of the rare scorpion Paruroctonus williamsi Sissom & Francke, 1981 (Vaejovidae). Several researchers have tried to find this species again in the last 50 years, but it has stayed hidden until now. Several specimens were discovered in The Big Bend National Park in Texas, USA.

Abstract:
A recent search at Big Bend National Park has recovered specimens of Paruroctonus williamsi after a lapse of over 50 years with no records of the species, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring for rare species. This study includes photographs of living specimens, documentation of their habitat, comparisons with other species of Paruroctonus found at Big Bend National Park, and a list of scorpions observed near P. williamsi.

Reference:
Leister M. Rediscovery of a rare species of Paruroctonus (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) from Big Bend National Park, Texas. Western North American Naturalist. 2024;84(4):524–7. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Luis A. Roque for sending me this article!