A new Cataleptoneta species (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from sulfidic caves in Greece and Albania

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  A new Cataleptoneta species (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from sulfidic caves in Greece and Albania Abstract A new species of the genus Cataleptoneta Denis, 1955, Cataleptoneta sulfur sp. nov ., is described from caves in the Vromoner Canyon (Sarandaporo River Valley), on the Greek–Albanian border (northwestern Greece and southern Albania), on the basis of both sexes. Drawings, scanning electron micrographs, and digital images of diagnostic features are presented. Analysis of COI mitochondrial barcode sequences confirmed the species distinction from all the other sequences. Within the species two separate lineages, unique to each cave were found. The genus Cataleptoneta is not monophyletic as now circumscribed and confirmed also by the phylogenetic analysis of the sequences. Urák I, Ştefan A, Motoc RM, Brad T, Zsigmond A-R, Sarbu SM, Szűts T (2026) A new Cataleptoneta species (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from sulfidic caves in Greece and Albania. ZooKeys 1294: 89-107. https://doi.org/...

Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

With its enormous geographical extent and various ecosystems, Algeria has more than 54 species of scorpions. Among these species, Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) is the species with the highest medical importance. This study particularly concerned this species' seasonal variation and developmental stages, which were collected from various environments in the Sahara Desert of Algeria. The present study focuses on the annual activity of scorpions (phenology) of A. australis in the region of Ghardaïa. Twelve nocturnal outings at mid-month during 2022 made it possible to collect 208 scorpions. Results allowed us to define the favorable mating season of A. australis that occurs during the autumn period (15th November to 10th August) when climatic conditions are favorable for courtship, which means temperatures relatively low (around 18°C) and winds blowing at a regular speed and constant direction. We also noted that the species develops a winter diapause lasting from 5 to 6 months, covering the whole winter season and a few weeks of spring. During spring and summer, as a result of parturition, a huge number of juveniles are observed.  


Zineb, Souilem & Bissati, Samia & Abdelwahab, Chedad & Linda, Rouari & Sadine, Salah Eddine. (2024). Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Biharean Biologist. 18. 83-89.