Further observations on scorpion genera Hadrurus and Hoffmannihadrurus (Scorpiones, Caraboctonidae)

Victor Fet,Michael Soleglad

doi:10.3897/zookeys.59.546

Abstract

Multiple populations of Hadrurus pinteri from Baja California Sur, Mexico have been examined. It is demonstrated that the southern populations of this species have a larger number of accessory trichobothria (neobothriotaxy) than the northern populations, numbers exceeding the maximum currently recorded for the genus. Examination of carapace and chela coloration and its patterns show a close affinity between Hadrurus pinteri and the dark phase of Hadrurus concolorous. A new morphometric ratio of the carapace is defined that distinguishes Hadrurus from Hoffmannihadrurus, further supporting the monophyly of the latter genus.

Highlights

Fet and Soleglad (2008) presented a cladistic analysis of scorpion superfamily Iuroidea
Populations of H. pinteri are losing accessory trichobothria as demonstrated by a larger number being found in the southern populations; 2) analysis of coloration and its patterns of the carapace and chela of H. pinteri show close affinities to the dark phase of H. concolorous, not Hoffmannihadrurus gertschi, as proposed by Francke and Prendini (2008); and 3) a new morphometric ratio involving the carapace is defined which can be used to diagnostically separate genera Hadrurus and Hoffmannihadrurus
Fet and Soleglad (2008) had very little H. pinteri material from the southern area of Baja California, so this assumption of accessory trichobothria loss in the northern half was not based on substantial data

Summary

Introduction

Fet and Soleglad (2008) presented a cladistic analysis of scorpion superfamily Iuroidea. Populations of H. pinteri are losing accessory trichobothria as demonstrated by a larger number being found in the southern populations; 2) analysis of coloration and its patterns of the carapace and chela of H. pinteri show close affinities to the dark phase of H. concolorous, not Hoffmannihadrurus gertschi, as proposed by Francke and Prendini (2008); and 3) a new morphometric ratio involving the carapace is defined which can be used to diagnostically separate genera Hadrurus and Hoffmannihadrurus.

Results

Conclusion