Euscorpius biokovensis, Tropea & Ozimec, 2020

Tropea, Gioele & Ozimec, Roman, 2020, Another new species of Euscorpius Thorell 1876 from the caves of Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) with notes on biogeography and cave ecology, Euscorpius 308, pp. 1-13 : 3-9

Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n.

( Figures 1–20 , Tables 1–3 )

http://zoobank. org/urn:lsid:zoobank. org: act:DB021E59- AE55-4143-BEE0-8D8F94F71B95

TYPE LOCALITY AND TYPE REPOSITORY. Croatia, Biokovo Mts. , Drinova 2 Cave, Bartulovići, 43°24'27.6"N 16°56'51.9"E, 525 m a. s. l. ; GTC.

TYPE MATERIAL. Croatia, Biokovo Mts.: Drinova 2 Cave, Bartulovići, 43°24'27.6"N 16°56'51.9"E, 525 m a. s. l., leg. R. Ozimec and I. Vuković, 5 October 2018, 1♂ (holotype), GTC 1156 ; Baba Cave, Štedovac , 43°15'23.3"N 17°09'44.2"E, leg. R. Ozimec and I. Vuković, 10 October 2018, 1♂ 1♀ (paratypes), GTC; Brikinjava Cave , Župa, leg. M. Pavlek, 17 November 2005, 2♀ (paratypes), ROC; Cave in Radinovci , Rastovac, leg. R. Ozimec, 25 October 2006, 1♀ (paratype), ROC; Gradina (Jujnovića) Cave , Kozica, leg. R. Ozimec, 25 August 2011, 1♀ (paratype), GTC; leg. R. Ozimec, 6 November 2017, 1♂ juv. 1♀ (paratypes) , ROC; Gradska Cave , Župa, leg . R. Ozimec, 5 November 2015, 1♂ juv. 1♀ (paratypes) , ROC; Jama za Supinom Pit, leg. R. Ozimec, 4 November 2015, 1♀ (paratype) , ROC; Kukor Cave , Bast, leg . R. Ozimec, 7 August 2000, 2♀ (paratypes) , ROC, 23 June 2007, 1♀ (paratype), ROC, 19 August 2008, 1♀ (paratype), ROC, 4 November 2009, 1♂ (paratype), ROC, 8 November 2015, 1♂ juv. 1♀1♀ juv. (paratypes), ROC, 24 August 2017, 1♂ (paratype), GTC, 7 October 2018, 3♀ (paratypes) , ROC, leg. D. Basara and P. Visković, 7 October 2018, 1♀ juv. (paratype), ROC, leg. D. Basara, M. Klisović and T. Tursić, 6 November 2017, 2♀ (paratypes) , ROC; Mala Jama Pit, Bratuš, leg. R. Ozimec, 11 October 2018, 1♀ juv. (paratype) , ROC; Plužina Cave , Zagvozd, leg . R. Ozimec, 15 October 2002, 1♂ (paratype) , ROC; Podrum Cave , Podgora, leg . R. Ozimec, 23 February 2002, 1♀ (paratype) , ROC; Rakova Cave , Brela, leg . R. Ozimec, 3 November 2015, 1♂ juv. 1♀ juv. (paratypes) , ROC; Stara Škola Pit (at the entrance, deep under stones), leg. R. Ozimec, 20 June 2016, 1♂ juv. (paratype) , ROC; Stonska Peć, Župa, leg. R. & D. Ozimec, 20 August 2016, 1♂ 1♀ (paratypes) , ROC); Svetica Cave , Gornja Brela, leg . R. Ozimec, 22 May 2004, 1♂ (paratype) , ROC; Vrstalinka Pit, Kozica, leg. R. Ozimec, 26 March 2003, 1♀ (paratype) , GTC; Zlatna Cave , Lađena , R. Ozimec, 21 October 2018, 1♀ juv. (paratype) , ROC.

OTHER MATERIAL EXAMINED. Bosnia - Herzegovina, Konjic-Jablanica, 1♀, GTC; Stara Đurkovica, Grebca, Ravno, 42°44'28.7"N 18°04'56.9"E, leg. L. Marko, 31 May 2005, 1♂ juv., GTC. Croatia, Đuderina Cave , Krizani, Split, Dugopolje, leg. J. Bedek, 7 May 2005, 1♂ juv., ROC; Golubinka 2 Pit, Pupnat, Korčula Island , leg. A. Kirin, 20 March 2010, 1♂, ROC; Jama u Dubokom dolu pit, Korčula Island, 27 April 2004, leg. R. Ozimec, 1♀, ROC; Golubska Jama Pit , Ponikve , Pelješac, Dubrovnik, leg. R. Ozimec, 22 November 2011, 1♂, ROC; Nikolina Cave , Kućiće , Omiš, leg. M. Franičević, 23 March 2003, 2♂ juvs. 3♀ juvs., ROC; Maklutača Cave , Dugopolje, Split, leg. SUK i T. R., 22 April 2000, 1♂, ROC; Trojama Pit , Mosor Mts., Split, leg. R. Ozimec, 6 May 2005, 1♀ juv., ROC; Velika Špilja Cave by Neorić , Bazine , Sutina , Neorić , Muć, Sinj, Middle Dalmatia, leg. A. Kirin, 28 April 2012, 2♀ juvs., ROC .

ETYMOLOGY. The specific epithet is derived from Biokovo Mts., where the type locality is situated.

DIAGNOSIS. A medium-large Euscorpius species of total length 30–40 mm, particularly elongated. Colour of adults light brown to light brown-reddish without reticulation or marbling, with carapace and pedipalps darker reddish. Number of trichobothria on the pedipalp manus ventral surface is 4 (3 V +Et 1); the number of trichobothria on the pedipalp patella ventral surface usually is 8 or 9 (8 in 67.92% and 9 in 29.24% of the pedipalps eXamined). Number of trichobothria on pedipalp patella eXternal surface usually is: eb = 4, eb a = 4, esb = 2, em = 4, est = 4, et = 6. Pectinal teeth count usually is 7 in males and 6 in females. Metasomal segment I longer than wide in males and usually longer than wide, but it may also be slightly wider than long, in females; average L/W met. seg. I ratio 1.13 in males and 1.03 in females. Chela elongated with long finger; Lchel/Wchel ratio is 3.09 in males and 3.18 in females. Dorsal patellar spur highly developed. Femur longer than patella; Lfem/Lpat ratio is 1.12. Carapace longer than wide; average ratio Lcar/Wcar 1.09; average distance from centre of median eyes to anterior margin of the carapace is 39.35% of the carapace length and from centre of median eyes to posterior margin of the carapace is 60.65% of the carapace length. Average ratio of Lmet/Lcar is 2.66 in males and 2.34 in females. Metasomal segment V with little marked carinae, the ventrolateral carinae little marked, spaced and with slightly serrulated granules, and ventromedian carina little marked and with the normal granulation present on the entire intercarinal surface on segment. Ventral surface of tarsus with spinules positioned in a single straight row or ending with a decentralized distal spinule.

TRICHOBOTHRIAL AND PECTINAL TEETH COUNT VARIATION. The variation observed in 53 eXamined specimens (19 males, 34 females) is given below (left/right asymmetry not specified) .

Pectinal teeth in males (n=19): 6/7 (2), 7/7 (12), 7/8 (5); in total, 6 in 5.26% (2), 7 in 81.58% (31) and 8 in 13.16% (5); mean = 7.08, SD 0.43.

Pectinal teeth in females (n=34): 6/5 (2), 6/6 (29), 7/6 (1), 7/7 (1), 8/8 (1); in total, 5 in 2.94% (2), 6 in 89.71% (61), 7 in 4.41% (3) and 8 in 2.94% (2); mean = 6.07, SD 0.43.

Pedipalp patella trichobothria Pv (n=53): 7/7 (1), 8/7 (1), 8/8 (28), 8/9 (15), 9/9 (8); in total, 7 in 2.83% (3), 8 in 67.92% (72) and 9 in 29.24% (31); mean = 8.26, SD 0.50.

Pedipalp patella trichobothria Pe (n=53): et = 5/6 (1), 6/6 (48), 6/7 (3), 7/7 (1); in total, 5 in 0.94% (1), 6 in 94.34% (100) and 7 in 4.72% (5); mean = 6.04, SD 0.24; est = 4/4 (53); em =?/4 (1), 3/4 (1), 4/4 (51); esb =?/2 (1), 1/2 (3), 2/2 (49); eb a =?/4 (1), 3/4 (1), 4/4 (51); eb = 3/4 (1), 4/4 (52).

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM. Largely the same as in most species of Euscorpiinae . The male has a much more swollen telson than the female; average Ltel/Wtel 2.42 in males and 3.17 in females. The metasoma usually is more elongated in males; Lmet/Wmet 1.99 in males vs. 1.89 in female. Males have the fiXed finger of chela with a most marked notch corresponding to the lobe on movable finger than females. Males have higher number of pectinal teeth (Dp 7 in 81.58% and 8 in 13.16%, mean = 7.08, SD 0.43) than females (6 in 89.71%, mean = 6.07, SD 0.43). The males have the genital operculum with genital papillae protruding. Males in general more granulated.

DESCRIPTION (♂ holotype). Coloration. General colour light brown-orange with carapace darker, reddish; sternites, chelicerae, pectines, genital operculum and telson light orange/brownish; darker carinae, specially the internal carinae of pedipalps, blackish.

Carapace. Fine granulation on whole surface, with granules becoming gradually larger toward the lateral area, especially in anterior part, from median eyes to half of carapace length; anterior edge slightly granulate to granulate and sunken; deep anterior median, posterior median and posterior lateral furrows, the latter two combine to form two protuberances at the posterior margin; two pairs of lateral eyes (with a larger anterior eye), and a pair of median eyes, situated anteriorly of the middle; distance from centre of median eyes to the anterior margin is 41.48% of carapace length; distance from centre of median eyes to posterior margin is 58.52% of the carapace length.

Mesosoma. Tergites very finely and homogeneously granulated; sternites finely punctated eXcept the last sternite, which is laterally finely granulated; small spiracles inclined to about 45° downward towards outside; area of overlap between sternites very pale.

Metasoma. All the segments longer than wide. Dorsal carinae on segments I–IV granulated; dorsolateral carinae on segments I-III with some granules proXimally and after smooth or obsolete; ventrolateral carinae absent on segment I, smooth on segments II–IV, with little marked, spaced and slightly serrulated granules on segment V; ventromedian carina absent on the segments I– IV, little marked and with the normal granulation present on the whole intercarinal surface on segment V; intercarinal spaces very finely granulated on dorsal and lateral surfaces and on ventral surface of the segment V, smooth or almost smooth on the others surfaces of the segments I–IV.

Telson. Vesicle with a few scattered, very small granules, with ventral setae of different size, especially near the vesicle/ aculeus juncture.

Pectines. Tooth count 7/7; middle lamellae count 4 or 5/4 or 5; several microsetae on marginal lamellae, middle lamellae and fulcra.

Genital operculum. Formed by two subtriangular sclerites partially divided with genital papillae protruding; a few microsetae are present.

Sternum. Pentagonal in shape, more or less as long as wide, with a deep posterior emargination.

Pedipalps. CoXa and trochanter with tuberculated carinae. Femur: dorsal internal carinae tuberculated; dorsal eXternal carinae formed by tubercles slightly spaced; eXternal median carinae serrulated; ventral internal carinae tuberculated; ventral eXternal carinae formed by spaced tubercles, wellformed only in the proXimal half; anterior median formed by a few spaced, conical tubercles, varying in size, of which the larger three bear a macroseta each; dorsal intercarinal spaces granulated, with larger granules near the internal carina; ventral intercarinal spaces not uniformly granulated, with larger granules near ventral internal carinae. Patella: dorsal internal carinae tuberculated; dorsal eXternal carinae crenulated; ventral eXternal carinae crenulated; ventral internal carinae tuberculated to lightly serrulated; dorsal intercarinal surface finely granulated, with larger granules in distal area; ventral intercarinal surface with few scattered minute granules, especially near ventral internal carinae. Dorsal patellar spur highly developed. Chela particularly elongated, with long fingers. FiXed finger with marked notch corresponding to the lobe on movable finger. Chelal carina D1 distinct, strong, dark and from smooth to slightly crenulated; D4 is rounded and rough; V1 distinct, strong, dark and slightly undulated; V3 rounded, dark with small and scattered granules; eXternal carina granulated; intercarinal tegument rough to finely granulated with very minute scattered granules. Finger dentition: in the most distal part a DD on the tip is present; MD is formed by very small denticles closely spaced forming a more or less straight line, discontinued at level of the OD; fiXed finger has 6/6 OD and 11/11 ID; movable finger has 7/7 OD and 13/13 ID.

Trichobothria. Chela: trichobothria on the pedipalp manus ventral surface is 4/4 (V 1-3 + Et 1). Patella: Pv: 8/8; patella eXternal (Pe): et = 6/6, est = 4/4, em = 4/4, esb = 2/2, eb a = 4/4, eb = 4 / 4. Trichobothrium est 2 is slightly proXimal to est 3. Femur: trichobothrium d is proXimal to i, while the trichobothrium e is distal to both d and i; it is situated on dorsal eXternal carina but shifted toward its dorsal surface.

Legs. Legs with two pedal spurs; no tarsal spur; ventral row of tarsus III with a total of about 9 small spinules, of increasing size from proXimal to distal, positioned on a single straight row; 3 main flanking pairs of tarsal setae adjacent to the ventral spinule row. Granulation present on dorsal and ventral surface of leg femora, it is mostly marked and dark ventrally.

Chelicerae. Smooth, without marbling or reticulation, with darker apical portion of denticles. Movable finger: the dorsal distal denticle is much smaller than the ventral distal denticle; ventral edge is smooth with brush-like setae on the inner part; dorsal edge has five denticles: one large distal, one medium and one small subdistal, one large median and a small basal. FiXed finger has four denticles: one distal, one subdistal, one median and one basal, the last two in a fork arrangement; the internal surface has brush-like setae.

AFFINITIES. The new taXon can be distinguished from the other scorpion species belonging to the subgenus Euscorpius or similar to it, that occur in the same, or nearby, areas as follows.

It is possible to distinguish E. biokovensis sp. n. from the species of “ E. hadzii compleX” by the main following features: (1) the number of trichobothrial in some series on pedipalp patella eXternal surface, which usually are eba> 5 and eb = 5 in E. hadzii compleX, versus eb a = 4 and eb = 4 in E. biokovensis sp. n.; (2) E. biokovensis sp. n. is generally more elongated with all segments of the pedipalps and the carapace proportionally longer than in E. hadzii ; (3) E. biokovensis sp. n. has the spinule series on tarsus positioned in a single straight row or ending with a decentralized distal spinule, while in E. hadzii it ends with distal paired spinules formed as a “Y”.

Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n. differs from E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus mainly in the following features: (1) E. biokovensis sp. n. has general habitus more elongated, with all segments of the pedipalps and the carapace proportionally longer than in E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus ; (2) in E.biokovensis sp. n., because of the elongated chela and more proXimal position of the base of fiXed finger, the trichobothria db and dsb occur in more distal position than in E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus , which have the trichobothrium db in basal position and dsb more proXimally; (3) E. biokovensis sp. n. has a proportionally longer pedipalp femur that is usually longer than pedipalp patella, while E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus have a more stocky femur which is usually shorter than patella and sometimes as long as it; (4) E. biokovensis sp. n. has a particularly elongated carapace compared with E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus ; its anterior part is on average 39.35% of the total length of carapace, so the eyes occur in more proXimal position, while E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus have a more stocky carapace, with the length of its anterior part is on average 44.17% and 43.21% of the total length of carapace, respectively; (5) E. biokovensis sp. n. has the spinule series on tarsus positioned in a single straight row or ending with a decentralized distal spinule, while in E. borovaglavaensis and E. tergestinus it ends with distal paired spinules as a “Y”; (6) the colour of the adults is very light brown to light brownreddish without reticulation or marbling in E. biokovensis sp. n. while E. borovaglavaensis is dark brown with marked marbling on most of body.

E. biokovensis sp. n. differs from E. aquilejensis in the following features: (1) E. biokovensis sp. n. has more elongated chelae, with Lchel/Wchel average ratio of 3.09 in males and 3.18 in females versus 2.79 in males and 2.89 in females of E. aquilejensis ; (2) E. biokovensis sp. n. has the metasomal segment I longer than wide in males and usually longer than wide (but it sometimes slightly wider than long) in females, while in E. aquilejensis it is wider than long; (3) E. biokovensis sp. n. has the V segment with the ventrolateral carinae with little marked, spaced and slightly serrulated granules and the ventromedian carinae obsolete with the normal granulation present on the whole intercarinal surface while E. aquilejensis has both those carinae well-marked and serrulated.

E. biokovensis sp. n. differs from E. feti mostly in the following features: (1) E. biokovensis sp. n. has lower number of patellar trichobothria in some series, Pv = 8-9 (mostly 8), and usually et = 6, versus usually Pv = 11-12 and et = 7-8 in E. feti ; (2) E. biokovensis sp. n. has lower number of pectinal teeth, usually Dp = 7 in males and 6 in females while E. feti has Dp = 8-9 in males and 7-8 in females.

DISTRIBUTION. Western Balkans: Bosnia & Herzegovina (south), Croatia (south) ( Fig. 24 ).

ECOLOGICAL AND BIOGEOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON CAVE SPECIMENS. The biospeleological studies conducted by the second author in Croatia from 1987 to present, resulted in collecting many scorpion specimens, primary in caves and some similar habitats (mines, underground tunnels). After a detailed taXonomic analysis, performed by the first author, a new Euscorpius species is described here, found in 26 caves ( Table 3 ), collected in 2000–2018. It is obvious that E. biokovensis sp. n. has a significant affinity to cave habitats within its predominantly karstic geographic range.

The geographic range of E. biokovensis sp. n. occupies the Mediterranean region of the Dinaric Alps (Dinarides), located mainly in the mountain ranges between the Dalmatian Zagora in the north and the Neretva River in the southeast, including mainly (from south to north): Biokovo Mts., Omiška Dinara Mts., and Mosor Mts. It stretches further to the warm sub-Mediterranean area deep into northeastern Herzegovina (Konjic) via the deep canyon of the Neretva River, together with some isolated findings in the adjacent Korčula Island, south to the Pelješac Peninsula. The new species could inhabit also the Rilić Mts., the area south from Biokovo Mts., and Kozjak Mts. above Split.

This distribution range belongs mainly to the Middle Dinaric biogeographical region ( Ozimec, 2009), with its high cave biodiversity, including newly discovered rich cave populations of E. biokovensis sp. n. Therefore, E. biokovensis sp. n. can be considered a Middle Dinaric endemic and a subtroglophilic species.

Specimens of E. biokovensis sp. n. have been found in caves, usually approXimately down to 20 m depth, at the altitudes from 25 m a. s. l. (Mala Jama Pit) to about 1550 m a. s. l. (Stara Škola Pit) in the region of Biokovo Mts. Most caves are small or middle-sized, and specimens are regularly found in the first chamber or along the entire cave.

Compared to its closest taXon, E. feti , the range of E. biokovensis sp. n. is located more to the northwest; also, the new species was found at higher altitudes, to 1550 m a. s. l. Even on the island of Korčula, it was found only near Pupnat Village, above 300 m a. s. l.; the same was true for the Pelješac Peninsula (386 m a. s. l.). The few findings south of theNeretva River could be due to imports, relict populations, causes of competition with E. feti etc. Surely they still require confirmations, and further ecological and biogeographical observations (the sampling was done for biospeleological purposes, not aimed at the search for scorpions, therefore no eXternal research was done).

Cave habitats. Some of specimens were found in a cave habitat classified as “semi-caves and entrance part of caves” (EUNIS habitat code H.1.1.; NKS H.1.1.1.), and some of them were collected in “caves and cave systems with troglophilic invertebrates” (EUNIS habitat code H.1.2.; H.1.25; NKS H.1.1.5.). In Gradina Cave, E. biokovensis sp. n. occurred in the habitat classified as “caves and cave systems with subtroglophilic vertebrates” (EUNIS habitat code H.1.22; NKS H.1.1.3.). Most interesting findings are in the habitat classified as “caves and cave systems with troglobitic invertebrates” (EUNIS habitat code H.1.23; NKS H.1.1.4.), as well as in Baba cave, Jama za Supinom, both on Biokovo, same as type locality Drinova 2 cave, where specimens can be regularly found in the last, deep cave chambers, together with many troglobitic taXa endemic to deep cave habitats.

Microclimate. During biospeleological studies in all caves, the basic microclimate parameters were measured: air temperature, air humidity, substrate temperature, water temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, CO 2 concentration, and illumination. Most of habitats have the standard environment of total darkness, moderate temperature, high humidity, and no wind. Most variable temperature range in the places where E. biokovensis sp. n. has been found, was from 8.0°C in the Špilja u Radinovcima Cave to 16.1°C in the Kukor Cave for the air, and from 8.0°C to 15.3°C for the substrate. In the last chamber in the type locality, Drinova 2 Cave, regularly populated by scorpions, average measurements are 12.2°C for air and 11.8°C for substrate.

Bionomics. Scorpions were usually collected under stones, both on wall sides and on floor, some specimens also were under stones, but not affiXed on the stone. Sometimes, scorpions occurred directly on the cave walls or roofs, most probably hunting. In the Kukor Cave on 8 November 2015, one female was found actively hunting the cave cricket Dolichopoda araneiformis ( Fig. 20 ).

Accompanying cave fauna. Many troglophilic and troglobitic animals inhabit the same caves and cave habitats together with E.biokovensis sp. n. The following terrestrial taXa can be found there: Gastropoda: Hypnophila , Spelaeoconcha , Vitrea ; Isopoda : Alpioniscus ; Diplopoda: Apfelbeckia , Brachydesmus ; Chilopoda: Lithobius , Eupolybothrus ; Araneae : Barusia , Meta , Nesticus , Histopona , Stalagtia , Sulcia , Tegenaria , Typhlonyphia ; Opiliones : Cyphophthalmus , Nelima , Trogulus ; Pseudoscorpiones : Chthonius , Neobisium , Roncus ; Diplura : Stygiocampa ; Collembola: Verhoefiella; Coleoptera : Laemostenus , Neotrechus , Speonesiotes , Thaumastocephalus ; Orthoptera : Dolichopoda, Grylomorpha , Troglophilus ; and many others, but no other scorpion taXa.

Besides E. biokovensis sp. n., several Euscorpius species have been found in caves, e. g. E. aquilejensis (C. L. Koch, 1837) , E. birulai Fet et al. 2014 , E. giachinoi Tropea & Fet, 2015 , and E. feti Tropea, 2013 ( Fet et al., 2014; Tropea, 2013a; Tropea & Fet, 2015; Tropea & Ozimec, 2019). All these species also clearly have more elongated features than most of other Euscorpius . In addition, many Euscorpius species are often found in the garages, basements, or other human constructions, which could be considered a sort of artificial caves. Thus, it is quite possible that some Euscorpius species are more or less troglophilic, opportunistic taXa, and spend part or all of their lives inside a cave or a similar habitat, as does E. biokovensis sp. n.

Figures

Figures 1–4: Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n. Figures 1–2. Male holotype in dorsal (1) and ventral (2) views. Figures 3–4. Female paratype in dorsal (3) and ventral (4) views.

Figures 5–18: Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n. Figures 5–6, 8–15, 17–18. Male holotype, carapace (5), pedipalp chela eXternal (6), ventral (13) and dorsal (14) views, pedipalp patella dorsal (8), ventral (9) and eXternal (10) views, pedipalp femur dorsal (11) and ventral (12) views, telson lateral (15), metasoma V ventral (17) and lateral (18) views. Figures 7, 16. Female paratype, pedipalp chela eXternal (7) and telson lateral (16).

Figures 19–20: Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n. Figure 19. Male holotype, in situ in Drinova 2 Cave. Figure 20. Female, in situ in Kukor Cave while eats a Dolichopoda araneiformis.

Figures 23–25: Euscorpius biokovensis sp. n. Figure 23. Internal cave where specimens have been found. Figure 24. Drinova 2 map with marked part of cave (red line) where specimens were regularly found (after Jalžić, 2005, amended). Figure 25. Distribution map with type locality in red.