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

Posted by
  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...

Does size matter? Reports of cannibalism in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey

Posted by

 


Does size matter? Reports of cannibalism in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey

Short Communication

Cannibalism is a phenomenon where one individual kills and consumes another of its own species, often arising during conflicts related to survival or reproduction (e.g., Persson et al. 2000, DeVore et al. 2021). Early authors have suggested that this mechanism regulates and controls the predator population size, facilitating their survival during prey scarcity (Elgar & Crespi 1992, Wise 2006, Oliveira et al. 2022). As potential competition decreases, resources such as food, shelter, and territory become more readily available. Therefore, cannibalism may result from high population density and/or strong intraspecific competition for prey resources (Davison et al. 2020). 

Yağmur, Ersen & Lira, André & Kurt, Rıdvan & Tezcan, Erman & Kartal, İbrahim & Sipahioğlu, Özgün. (2025). Does size matter? Reports of cannibalism in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey.. 21. 90-92.