The first genus with four sac-like structures in the vulva in the cobweb spider subfamily Theridiinae Sundevall, 1833 (Araneae: Theridiidae)

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  The first genus with four sac-like structures in the vulva in the cobweb spider subfamily Theridiinae Sundevall, 1833 (Araneae: Theridiidae) Abstract The morphological characters of copulatory organs are the most important basis in spiders for identification. In theridiids, a vulva with four sac-like structures is mostly associated with the subfamily Hadrotarsinae but has never been recorded in Theridiinae. Based on specimens collected from subtropical forest canopies in China, a new Theridiinae genus that has four sac-like structures in the vulva is described: Sactheridion gen. nov., with the type species S. chuan gen. & sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, China. Photos, diagnosis, description, and a distribution map of the new genus and new species are provided. Hu, C., Yao, Z., Liu, J. & Xu, X. (2026) The first genus with four sac-like structures in the vulva in the cobweb spider subfamily Theridiinae Sundevall, 1833 (Araneae: Theridiidae). Zootaxa, 5884 (1), 167–175. http...

Distribution of scorpions (arachnida: scorpiones) according to inaturalist observations in Panama

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Distribution of scorpions (arachnida: scorpiones) according to inaturalist observations in Panama


Abstract

Scorpions are an important component of Panama’s biodiversity, yet their distribution remains poorly documented. This study analyzed their spatial distribution using 384 research-grade records obtained from iNaturalist between 2020 and 2025. A total of 15 species belonging to three families and five genera were identified. Centruroides bicolor was the most frequently recorded species, while the provinces of Panamá, Coclé, and Veraguas showed the highest species richness and number of observations. The results highlight the potential of iNaturalist as a complementary tool for studying distribution patterns, identifying knowledge gaps, and guiding future research on Panama’s scorpion fauna.  

Youngs-Mitre, M. A., Figueroa-Coronado, I. I., Mack, M. and Santos-Murga, A. (2026) “Distribution of scorpions (arachnida: scorpiones) according to inaturalist observations in Panama”, Mesoamericana, 28(2), pp. 54–59. doi: 10.48204/j.mesoamericana.v28n2.a11312.