New knowledge on the rare scorpion Cryptoiclus rodriguezi from Cuba

 

Rolando Teruel has just published an article with new information on the rare, endemic scorpion Cryptoiclus rodriguezi Teruel & Kovarik, 2012 (Diplocentridae) from Cuba. Updated morphological descriptions and data on distribution, habitat, ecology and reproduction are presented.

Abstract:
The adult male of Cryptoiclus rodriguezi Teruel & Kovarik, 2012, is herein described and illustrated in detail. It represents both the single species of its genus and one of the most seldom-collected , endemic scorpions from Cuba. Its generic diagnosis is emended and new data on its morphological, morphometric and meristic variability are contributed on the basis of the type and 28 additional specimens. Abundant information on its ecology and reproduction are given and its geographic distribution is updated with new records, including the first from Maisi municipality. Despite this, both the genus and the species remain known only from a reduced area in northeastern Guantanamo Province.

Reference:
Teruel R, Rodriguez-Cabrera TM. La subfamila Diplocentrinae (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) en Cuba. Septima parte: complementos a la descripcion de Cryptoiclus rodriguezi Teruel & Kovarik, 2012. Boletin de Grupo de Sistematica y Ecologia de Artropodos Caribeños. 2021(8):1-23.

Thanks to Rolando for sending me his article!

Family Diplocentridae

New genus and species from Cuba

Cryptoiclus rodriguezi Teruel & Kovarik, 2012 female from Cuba. Photo: Rolando Teruel (C)

I just got my hands on Kovarik and Teruel's wonderful book "Scorpions of Cuba", previously mentioned in this blog. This is a very informative book covering all known scorpions described from Cuba (with color pictures of all species and many habitat pictures too), but a new genus and couple of new species was also discovered by the authors while researching for the book:

Scorpionidae:

Cryptoiclus Teruel &Kovarik, 2012 - A new genus endemic for eastern Cuba.
Cryptoiclus rodriguezi Teruel & Kovarik, 2012 - Only known species in the genus.

Cryptoiclus seems to be a very rare taxa. Only four specimens have been collected during 25 years of intensive searching.

Buthidae:

Microtityus pusillus Teruel & Kovarik, 2012 (new species)
Microtityus flaviscens Teruel, 2001 (new status - previously M. fundorai flaviscens Teruel, 2001)

You will find updated identification keys to all scorpion taxa known so far from Cuba.

The "Scorpions of Cuba" book is a must for all scorpion researchers and enthusiasts interested in the scorpion fauna of Cuba, Caribbean and Central America!

Reference:
Teruel R, Kovarik F. Scorpions of Cuba. Jakub Rolcik - Clarion Production; 2012. ISBN 978-80-904340-1-1.

Thanks to Rolando Teruel for sharing a picture of the new species Cryptoiclus rodriguezi!

Family Scorpionidae
Family Buthidae

New book: Scorpions of Cuba

Rolando Teruel and Frantisek Kovarik have published a new book, Scorpions of Cuba. Here is information about the book:

A new book in English by Rolando Teruel and Frantisek Kovarik. The island of Cuba hosts the most diverse scorpion fauna per area, and this book is the result of its long-range studies. Treated are all 54 species in the form of keys, comments on morphology,  habitats and distribution maps, 636 color photos depicting preseved as well as live specimens, their mating, parental care and localities, and presented are descriptions of two new taxa - Cryptoiclus rodriguezi gen. et sp. n. (Diplocentrinae) and Microtityus pusillus sp. n.

  

More information on the book can be obtained at http://kovarex.com/scorpio/, where 11 selected pages give an idea about the internal arrangement and appearance of the publication. The book can be ordered directly from the second author at kovarik.scorpio@gmail.com. The price is 60 euros (75 USD), which includes postage.

I have not seen the book yet, but I'm quite sure it will be great. I will write a review of the book as soon as I get it.