Andrés Ojanguren-Affilastro and co-workers recently published a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Urophonius Pocock, 1893 (Bothriuridae) distributed in the southern parts of South America. A new high-altitude species from Chile is described.
Urophonius andinus Ojanguren-Affilastro & Pizarro-Araya, 2026
Urophonius is special in that most of the species are active during winter. The evolution of this and the physiological adaptions necessary for winter activities are discussed.
Abstract:
This study presents the first total evidence dated phylogenetic analysis of the scorpion genus Urophonius, integrating 115 morphological characters and five molecular markers (28S, 18S, H3, 16S, COI). Our comprehensive phylogenetic framework provides novel insights into the genus’ diversification timeline and evolutionary processes. Additionally, we described Urophonius andinus n. sp. from the central Chilean Andes, a high-altitude species found at 2400 m.s.a.l., representing the highest elevational record for the genus. This new species is placed within the granulatus species group, characterized by a spring–summer activity period.
Reference:
Ojanguren‐Affilastro AA, Santibáñez‐López CE, Alfaro FM, Ramírez MJ, Iuri HA, Mattoni CI, et al. First total evidence dated phylogeny of the scorpion genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with new insights into the transition to winter activity, and the description of the first highland Andean species of the genus. Systematic Entomology. 2026;51(1):e70032. [Subscription required for full text]
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