25 July, 2011

Review of Mesobuthus in China with a new species

The scorpion fauna of China is under investigation and Sun & Sun have now published a review of Chinese Mesobuthus with the discovery of a new species.

Mesobuthus karshius Sun & Sun, 2011 (Buthidae)

The paper presents an identification key for Chinese Mesobuthus.

Abstract:
Mesobuthus karshius new species from the southern region of Xinjiang, China, is described. Nine species and subspecies of the genus Mesobuthus Vachon 1950 from China are recorded, and diagnoses of M. eupeus mongolicus (Birula 1911), M. eupeus thersites (C.L. Koch 1839) and M. martensii martensii (Karsch 1879) are provided. In addition, M. caucasicus przewalskii (Birula 1897), M. caucasicus intermedius (Birula 1897), M. eupeus mongolicus (Birula 1911), M. karshius sp. nov. and M. martensii martensii (Karsch 1879) are illustrated, and a key to the Chinese Mesobuthus is also provided.

Reference:
Sun D, Sun Z-N. Notes on the genus Mesobuthus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in China, with description of a new species. J Arachnol. 2011;39(1):59-75. [Subscription required for fulltext]

Family Buthidae

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