Michael E. Soleglad

Euscorpius balearicus Caporiacco, 1950, stat. nov. (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae): molecular (allozymes and mtDNA) and morphological evidence for an endemic Balearic Islands species

Abstract The geographic variation of the circum-Mediterranean scorpion species Euscorpius carpathicus (L.) was traditionally analysed using morphological characters such as trichobothrial patterns, which resulted in the recognition of 23 subspecies; however, the biological reality of these subspecies remains unclear. Here, we focus on populations from the western Mediterranean and provide new molecular evidence that those from the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) represent a highly divergent lineage separate from E. carpathicusfrom the mainland of France (Vaucluse) and Italy (Liguria and Piemonte). This divergence is evidenced by morphological analysis. Moreover, allozyme and mtDNA divergences (about 10%) agree with our hypothesis that the Balearic island populations became isolated from the mainland about 5 Ma BP since the refilling of the Mediterranean Basin and have to be considered autochthonous. This hypothesis is additionally supported by the comparison of the genetic differentiation between artificially transplanted island populations and mainland populations in the congeneric species E. flavicaudis(de Geer). The phylogenetic species concept (PSC) is applied to elevate the subspecies E. carpathicus balearicus Caporiacco, 1950 to species rank. A lectotype is designated for this species.

Fauna and Zoogeography of Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in Bulgaria

The fauna and zoogeography of scorpions in Bulgaria have not been well researched. At least four species are recorded currently for this country: the Balkan–Anatolian Mesobuthus gibbosus (Buthidae), known only from Pirin Mts., and several taxa of the genus Euscorpius Thorell (Euscorpiidae). The Balkan species E. hadzii inhabits the southwest of Bulgaria, and an undetermined species of the Balkan–Anatolian ‘‘Euscorpius mingrelicus’’ complex is known only from Pirin Mts. Remaining Bulgarian populations of Euscorpius, widely ranging from north to south (mainly in the mountain areas, up to 1850 m a.s.l.), belong to ‘‘Euscorpius carpathicus’’ complex. Their true taxonomic identity is not yet known, but these populations are not homogeneous. A clearly separated cluster of Rhodope populations could represent a different taxon from the Stara Planina ( = Balkan) ones (mainly known from the Western Stara Planina) and those from the southwest of Bulgaria. Taxonomic affinities of Bulgarian scorpion taxa are discussed, as well as their geographic and altitudinal distribution

The second cretaceous scorpion specimen from Burmese amber (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

Synopsis A new specimen of Palaeoburmesebuthus grimaldii Lourenço, 2002, recently described from Cretaceous (Albian) Burmite, is reported. This is more complete than the holotype consisting of five scattered, unequal parts: a complete metasoma with an attached partial mesosoma bearing a visible stigma, a right pedipalp chela and three leg fragments. Comparisons to extinct and extant lineages of scorpions are made, although the partially observable trichobothrial pattern of the pedipalp chela precludes definitive family placement. The relative position of the fragments and the severe damage they have suffered imply that it was dismembered by a predator and provides the oldest evidence of scorpions being preyed upon by other animals.

Pseudouroctonus peccatum, a new scorpion from the Spring Mountains near "Sin City," Nevada (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae)

Abstract A new scorpion species is described from the Spring Mountain Range near Las Vegas, Nevada. The new species appears to be geographically isolated from other closely related species of Uroctonites Williams & Savaryand Pseudouroctonus Stahnke. We tentatively place the new species in Pseudouroctonus and provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of type material. We compare the new species to 17 congeneric taxa, briefly discuss the taxonomic history of Pseudouroctonus, and provide DNA barcodes for two paratypes to assist ongoing research on the systematics of family Vaejovidae.

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

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.

Genome-wide SNP data and morphology support the distinction of two new species of Kovarikia Soleglad, Fet & Graham, 2014 endemic to California (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae)

Abstract Morphologically conserved taxa such as scorpions represent a challenge to delimit. We recently discovered populations of scorpions in the genus Kovarikia Soleglad, Fet & Graham, 2014 on two isolated mountain ranges in southern California. We generated genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data and used Bayes factors species delimitation to compare alternative species delimitation scenarios which variously placed scorpions from the two localities with geographically adjacent species or into separate lineages. We also estimated a time-calibrated phylogeny of Kovarikia and examined and compared the morphology of preserved specimens from across its distribution. Genetic results strongly support the distinction of two new lineages, which we describe and name here. Morphology among the species of Kovarikia was relatively conserved, despite deep genetic divergences, consistent with recent studies of stenotopic scorpions with limited vagility. Phylogeographic structure discovered in several previously described species also suggests additional cryptic species are probably present in the genus.