The scorpion of Montecristo, Euscorpius oglasae Di Caporiacco, 1950, stat. nov. (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae): a paleo-endemism of the Tuscan Archipelago (northern Tyrrhenian, Italy)

C R Biol. 2007 Feb;330(2):113-25. doi: 10.1016/j.crvi.2006.11.003. Epub 2006 Dec 14.

Abstract

The scorpion of Montecristo Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Italy): Euscorpius carpathicus oglasae Di Caporiacco, 1950, is a poorly known taxon. We redescribe and illustrate the insular endemism of E. c. oglasae for the first time, and elevate this subspecies to the rank of species following a thorough study of the comparative morphology of 372 specimens (including 7 related taxa). Euscorpius oglasae stat. nov. is an oligotrichous form that differs from the related species by the inner proximal surface of pedipalp movable finger, with a reduced lobe and a slightly swollen telson vesicle in males. Attention was given to the analysis of the hemispermatophore and peg sensilla of pectens. The hemispermatophore is small, with the basal lobe bearing a very short spine. We also discuss aspects of the ecology, conservation and biogeography of this species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Male
  • Mediterranean Islands
  • Scorpions* / anatomy & histology
  • Scorpions* / classification
  • Species Specificity