Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho

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  Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Antrodiaetidae) from a highly restricted range in Idaho Abstract A new species of Hexura Simon, 1885 is described from a very restricted geographic range in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, 500 km east of the previously known distribution of the genus in the Coastal Ranges and western Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington. This work provides the first taxonomic information for this group in almost 50 years, including a phylogenomic framework for the genus within the mygalomorph superfamily Atypoidea , based on Ultraconserved elements ( UCEs ). Hexura vandal sp. nov . can be distinguished from the other two described species by a combination of morphological, molecular, and geographic characteristics. Lastly, we discuss the need for conservation actions to secure the survival of the species. Calatayud-Mascarell A, Briggs EJ, Hamilton CA (2026) Hidden in the woods: A new species of Hexura (Araneae, Mygalomo...

The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço(Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations

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The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço(Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations

ABSTRACT

Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço was described based on a female holotype specimen from Cyprus. This species is redescribed based on the holotype and additional specimens collected from Cyprus, with the male description and variational information presented for the first time. Detailed illustrations and UV light images of the female holotype and male specimen are provided. The first ecological observations of B. kunti are presented here. We observed that B. kunti prefers sandy soil and is a burrowing species. Additionally, we observed that B. kunti is associated with the bushes of Cistus salviifolius. According to our observations, specimens sit under the branches of these bushes or climb them. Adults were observed under the bushes, whereas subadult specimens were observed on the branches. We also report the first recorded case of cannibalism in this species, documenting two instances.

Yağmur, E. A., Kunt, K. B., Hadjiconstantis, M., Bağlar, H., & Gücel, S. (2025). The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço(Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations. Journal of Natural History, 59(25–28), 1775–1805. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2498715