DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

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  DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) ABSTRACT This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii , previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo). Geci, D., Ibrahimi, H., Bilalli, A., Musliu, M., Strohmeier, T., Koblmüller, S., … S...

A hairy giant among dwarves: Trichopelma grande, a distinct new species of tarantula from Cuba (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

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A hairy giant among dwarves: Trichopelma grande, a distinct new species of tarantula from Cuba (Araneae: Theraphosidae)

ABSTRACT

Large size, tropical climate, topographic complexity, and millions of years of isolation have turned the Greater Antillean islands into natural laboratories of evolution. Several groups have experienced explosive diversification across these islands, leading to highly diverse and endemic biotas and species experiencing unique adaptations. Here we describe a new tarantula species from the Viñales area, a biodiversity hotspot in western Cuba. Despite being a middle-sized species with large projected setae on the legs, reminiscent of those in arboreal tarantulas, phylogenomic analysis, diagnostic morphological features, and trap-door retreat building behaviour identifies it as the largest known representative of Trichopelma, and the only one with such hirsute legs. We provide mitochondrial barcoding data and a database of ultraconserved elements loci of the holotype of this species, which will help to include it in future phylogenetic studies of Theraphosidae. Given its limited distribution range, and its apparent absence in natural history collections despite its distinct appearance, this species might be scarce, positioning it as a potential conservation concern.

Ortiz, D., & Fonseca, E. (2024). A hairy giant among dwarves: Trichopelma grande, a distinct new species of tarantula from Cuba (Araneae: Theraphosidae). Journal of Natural History, 58(45–48), 2189–2205. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2024.2401921