03 February, 2011

A discussion on Hadrurus and a new species

Michael Soleglad and co-workers have recently published a paper discussing the taxonomy and phylogeny of the Hadrurus "spadix" subgroup (Caraboctonidae). A new species from parts of USA and Mexico is also described:

Hadrurus anzaborrego Soleglad, Fet & Lowe, 2011

Data suggest that Hadrurus obscurus is only a color variant of H. spadix, but more investigations are necessary before a formal deccission can be made.

The paper has an identification key for both Hadrurus and Hoffmannihadurus.

Abstract:
In this study new data are presented on the “spadix” subgroup of genus Hadrurus, including the description of a new species, H. anzaborrego, sp. nov., found primarily in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP) in southern California, USA. This species is distinguished by its internal trichobothrial pattern of the chela and its unique carapace pattern. The status of Hadrurus obscurus Williams, 1970 is discussed and new locality data for this species are provided. A phylogenetic key to the genera, species, and subspecies of subfamily Hadrurinae is provided.

Reference:
Soleglad ME, Fet V, Lowe G. Contributions to scorpion systematics. IV. Observations on the Hadrurus "spadix" subgroup with a description of a new species (Scorpiones: Caraboctonidae). Euscorpius. 2011(112):1-36. [Free fulltext, but large file (17 mb). The paper divided into smaller files is available on the publishers website)]

Family Caraboctonidae

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