10 December, 2009

A new Compsobuthus from Oman

Graeme Lowe has recently described a new lithophilic (rock dwelling) species in the genus Compsobuthus from Oman.

Compsobuthus nematodactylus Lowe, 2009 (Buthidae)

Abstract:
A new species of Compsobuthus is described from the Al Hajar mountains of northern Oman. It is distinguished by a strongly dorsoventrally compressed body, reduced carination on the carapace and tergites, extreme elongation of legs and pedipalps, lack of external accessory denticles on the pedipalp fingers, chelal trichobothrium est placed closer to dt than db, heavy setation on the ventral metasoma, and 28–34 pectine teeth. It is an ultralithophilic scorpion, highly adapted to life in narrow rock fissures.

References:
Lowe G. A new lithophilic Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from northern Oman. Euscorpius. 2009(90):1-13. [free fulltext]

Family Buthidae

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