Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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  Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Abstract A new scorpion species, Cicileus derradji sp. nov., is described from Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province, southern Algeria. The description is based on an adult male holotype, an adult female paratype and a juvenile specimen, and is supported by detailed morphological analyses, including colouration, morphometrics, carination patterns and trichobothrial arrangement. This discovery extends the known distribution of the genus Cicileus approximately 500 km southwestward within Algeria. With the addition of this species, the number of recognised species in the genus increases to six. The new species is compared with all previously known species of Cicileus , and detailed colour photographs, including images taken under ultraviolet illumination, are provided. Derradj, L., Aydın Yağmur, E., Benali, N., & Bikada, M. (2026). Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from south...

Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico

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Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Phonotimpus pennimani and P. talquian (Phrurolithidae) are common spider species inhabiting leaf litter in tropical environments of Chiapas, Mexico. This study summarizes laboratory and field observations on their natural history. Both species were observed preying on Tomoceridae springtails in the field and exhibited a preference for springtails in laboratory conditions. Both species continued feeding well beyond maturity, and juveniles were capable of subduing large springtails. Females continued feeding even while guarding their egg sacs. Both species constructed disk-like egg sacs and guarded them until offspring emergence, demonstrating maternal care. Juveniles and penultimate instars typically constructed retreats for molting. Additionally, we documented the parasitism on P. pennimani eggs by a Scelionidae wasp.

Chamé-Vázquez, David, Ibarra-Núñez, Guillermo, & Jiménez, María-Luisa. (2025). Natural history of two spider species of the genus Phonotimpus (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) endemic to Chiapas, Mexico. Acta zoológica mexicana, 41, e2714. Epub 20 de mayo de 2025.https://doi.org/10.21829/azm.2025.4112714