Multiple approaches to understanding the taxonomic status of an enigmatic new scorpion species of the genus Tityus (Buthidae) from the biogeographic island of Paraje Tres Cerros (Argentina)

PLoS One. 2017 Jul 26;12(7):e0181337. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181337. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Tityus curupi n. sp., belonging to the bolivianus complex, is described from the biogeographically distinct area of Paraje Tres Cerros in north-eastern Argentina. We also present a molecular species delimitation analysis between Tityus curupi n. sp. and its sister species Tityus uruguayensis Borelli 1901 to confirm species integrity. Furthermore, a cytogenetic analysis is presented for these two species which contain different multivalent associations in meiosis, as a consequence of chromosome rearrangements, and the highest chromosome numbers in the genus.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argentina
  • Chromosomes / genetics*
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / chemistry
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Ecosystem
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Geography
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Islands
  • Male
  • Meiosis / genetics*
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S / genetics
  • Scorpions / anatomy & histology
  • Scorpions / classification
  • Scorpions / genetics*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 28S
  • Electron Transport Complex IV

Grants and funding

This work was supported by grants from the National Council of Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET, PIP 00107), University of Buenos Aires (UBA, 0694BA) and National Agency for Scientific and Technological Promotion (ANPCyT, PICT 2010-1665) to L. Poggio and L. Mola, and ANPCyT (PICT 2010-1764) to A. A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, and PICT 2011-1007 and PIP 2012-943 to M.J. Ramírez. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.