Vaejovis cf. vorhiesi, Stahnke, 1940

Mcwest, Kari J., 2009, Tarsal spinules and setae of vaejovid scorpions (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae), Zootaxa 2001, pp. 1-126 : 81-93

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1175­5334

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scientific name

Vaejovis cf. vorhiesi
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Vaejovis cf. vorhiesi View in CoL B

( Figs. 282–286)

The proximalmost retrosuperior seta on the basitarsus is dark and about half the size of the other setae and is present on all 3 specimens examined.

Basitarsus: Setae (16): S, 1; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2; RV, 4; DRV, 2; V, 4; DV, 0. Spinules (15: adult female): RS, 5; RV, 5; V, 5.

Telotarsus: Setae (13): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 0; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (19): ds, 2; vms, 11; bs, 6.

Specimens examined: ARIZONA: Cochise County: Cochise Stronghold, Dragoon Mtns , 1 f, 2 subadult f ( WDS) .

Vaejovis cashi Graham

( Figs. 287–292)

Basitarsus: Setae (14–15): S, 1; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 1–2 (1); RV, 3; DRV, 2; V, 3; DV, 1. Spinules (37): RS, 15; RV, 14; V, 8.

Telotarsus: Setae (14): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 0; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (19–22): ds, 2; vms, 11–14; bs, 4–7.

Specimens examined: ARIZONA: Cochise County: Ash Springs, Chiricahua Mtns, 3 f (FSCA).

IV. nitidulus group

n = 6/16

A recent study concerning members of this group was published while the current work was in the final stages of completion. In that study ( Soleglad & Fet 2005), six species of the nitidulus group ( Vaejovis kochi Sissom , V. minckleyi Williams , V. nitidulus C.L. Koch , V. peninsularis Williams , V. platnicki Sissom , and V. rubrimanus Sissom ) were placed into the new genus Franckeus Soleglad & Fet , while the remainder were retained in Vaejovis as the nigrescens group. A new species of the nigrescens group, Vaejovis davidi Soleglad & Fet , was described based on specimens previously determined by Soleglad (1975) as V. gracilis Gertsch & Soleglad , but subsequently shown to be a different species ( Sissom 1986). Franckeus was separated from the nigrescens group by two putative synapomorphic characters, (a) pedipalp patellar neobothriotaxy (an extra

Prendini & Wheeler (2005) did not accept this genus because of methodological issues. The monophyly of the genus Franckeus has not been tested as the genus was not established through cladistic analysis, which has become the accepted practice in recent years. The naming of a new genus based entirely upon the recognition that its proposed members bear one or few unique characters is unwarranted. Other potential synapomorphies among nitidulus group species were not addressed by Soleglad & Fet (2005), e.g., the presence of seven subrows of denticles on the chela fingers or the loss of ventral submedian metasomal carinae, characters that conflict with the trichobothrial characters; such character conflicts can only be resolved with cladistic analysis. Consequently, I accept the synonymy of Franckeus under Vaejovis as proposed by Prendini & Wheeler (2005), and all species of Franckeus are listed herein under the nitidulus group.

The total setal complement (in parentheses) in the accounts that follow do not include accessory or minor setae.

Basitarsus: Members of the nitidulus group exhibit 15–22 major setae on the examined surfaces, plus 0–5 retromedial accessory setae (0 in Vaejovis peninsularis ) and 7–11 carinal accessory setae (0 and 2 in V. platnicki and V. peninsularis , respectively): S, 2–3 (0–2m); distal lms, 3–4 (0–3 m); RS, 2 (0–3 m); RV, 3–5 (0–4 m); DRV, 2; V, 4 (2 in V. platnicki ; 0–2 m); DV, 1. Basitarsal spinules, 11–60; RS spinules, 13–35 (8–9 in V. platnicki ); RV spinules, 2–18; V spinules, 1–7. Note that V. platnicki has fewer spinules and major setae. There are no accessory setae amid the superior, distal landmarks, and retrosuperior series on V. platnicki . The larger

Mexican mainland species in the group, i.e., V. intermedius , V. mitchelli , V. nitidulus , and V. pococki , possess numerous accessory setae on the basitarsus.

Telotarsus: Total setal complement ranges 13–18: ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rm, 1–2 (0–2 m); rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; ap, 0–2; pi, 1–2 (0–1 m); pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1–2 (0–2 m); pmt, 1 (0–1 m); ps, 0–2 (0–1 m); pst, 1 (0–1 m). Spinule series (13–21: mean = 16.23; var = 2.75; sd = 1.66): d s, 2–4 (mean = 2.32; var = 0.41; sd = 0.64); vms, 7–13 (mean = 9.65; var = 1.78; sd = 1.33); bs, 3–7 (mean = 4.26; var = 1.09; sd = 1.05).

Vaejovis intermedius Borelli

( Figs. 10, 297–311)

Three specimens (2 females, 1 male) from Amistad Reservoir, Val Verde County, Texas ( WDS), and a female ( WDS) born in the lab and raised to adult (at seventh instar; Figs. 297–302) were examined for setal and basitarsal counts. Counts for the third ( Figs. 303–308) and fifth instar exuvia and seventh instar specimen, respectively, are provided in parentheses .

Basitarsus: Setae (18–19): S, 2+ 3 m –3+ 2 m (2+ 2 m; 2+ 2 m; 2+ 3 m); DSM, 1–1+ 2 m (1; 1; 1+ 2 m); DPS, 1+ 1 m (1); DRS, 1+ 1 m (1; 1+ 1 m; 1+ 1 m); RS, 2+ 3 m (2+ 2 m; 2+ 2 m; 2+ 3 m); RMA, 5–6 m (0; 0; 5 m); RV, 3+ 3 m –4+ 4 m (4; 4; 4+ 1 m); DRV, 2; V, 3+ 3 m –4+ 4 m (3; 3; 3+ 1 m); DV, 1. Spinules (44–51): RS, 14–25 (4; 15; 19); RV, 16–18 0; 1); rst, 1 (0; 0; 1 m); pi, 2 (2); pid, 1 (1); pit, 1 (1+ 1 m; 1+ 1 m; 1); pm, 1–1+ 1 m –2 (1+ 1 m); pmt, 1–1+ 1 m (1; 1; 1+ 1 m); ps, 2 (0; 1 m; 1 m); ap, 1 (1 m) pst, 1–1+ 1 m (1). Spinules (13–21: mean = 16.15; var = 4.75; sd = 2.18): ds, 2–4 (mean = 2.15; var = 0.28; sd = 0.53); vms, 7–13 (mean = 9.54; var = 2.25; sd = 1.50); bs, 3–6 (mean = 4.08; var = 0.99; sd = 1.00).

Specimens examined: TEXAS: Crockett County: 14.3 mi S Sheffield, 1 f ( WDS) ; Val Verde County: Amistad Reservoir, 2 f, 2 m ( WDS) . MEXICO: Nuevo Leon: Villa de Garcia , 2 f, 6 m ( WDS) .

Vaejovis mitchelli Sissom

An adult male ( WDS) that was born in the laboratory to a paratype female from 8 mi W Jalpan , Querétaro, Mexico, and reared to seventh instar was examined .

Basitarsus: Setae (21): S, 3; DSM, 1; DPS, 1+ 1 m; DRS, 1+ 2 m; RS, 2+ 3 m; RMA, 5 m; RV, 5+ 4 m; DRV, 2; V, 5+ 2 m; DV, 1. Spinules (60): RS, 35; RV, 21; V, 4.

Telotarsus: Setae (18): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rm, 2; rmt, 1; rs, 2; rst, 1; ap, 1; pi, 2+ 1 m; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 2; pmt, 1; ps, 1+ 1 m; pst, 1+ 1 m. Spinules (17): ds, 3; vms, 9; bs, 5.

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Querétaro: 8 mi W Jalpan , lab-reared offspring of paratype female, 1 m ( WDS) .

Vaejovis nitidulus C.L. Koch

( Figs. 312–316)

Vaejovis nitidulus , the type species of Franckeus , exhibits tarsal characters that closely favor the other species examined in the nitidulus group, namely 18–22 setae on the basitarsus, including numerous accessory and minor setae.

Telotarsus: Setae (18): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1–1+ 1 m; rm, 2; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; ap, 2–3; pi, 2; pid, 1; pit, 2; pm, 3; pmt, 1–1+ 1 m; ps, 1; pst, 1–1+ 1 m –2. Spinules (15–18: mean = 17; var = 1.20; sd = 1.10): ds, 2; vms, 9–12 (mean = 10.40; var = 0.84; sd = 0.92); bs, 4–6 (mean = 4.60; var = 0.64; sd = 0.80).

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Hidalgo: Danghu , 4 f, 2 m ( WDS) , Jacala , 1 f, ( WDS) , 3 mi S Taxquillo , 3 f, 6 m ( WDS) .

Vaejovis peninsularis Williams

This is the only nitidulus group representative examined that does not possess 2 telotarsal proinferior major setae. There is, however, a minor seta in the proximal pi position on both specimens. Vaejovis peninsularis also lacks a superior apical seta on the telotarsus. It also lacks retromedial accessory setae and has only 2 accessory setae on the basitarsus.

Basitarsus: Setae (18): S, 2; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2+ 1 m; RMA, 0; RV, 4+ 1 m; DRV, 2; V, 4; DV, 1. Spinules (26): RS, 13; RV, 12; V, 1.

Telotarsus: Setae (13): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; ap, 0; pi, 1+ 1 m; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (13, 14): ds, 2; vms, 8; bs, 3, 4.

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Baja California Sur: El Portrero, 2 m ( FSCA) .

Vaejovis platnicki Sissom

The two paratype females examined differ in setal counts only by having 1 or 2 retromedial accessory setae on the basitarsus, and in spinule counts as noted below, respectively. Unique among nitidulus group species observed, they lack the numerous accessory setae on the basitarsus. Like Vaejovis peninsularis , they possess only 13 telotarsal setae, compared to 16 or 18 on other members of the group.

Basitarsus: Setae (15): S, 2; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2; RMA, 1 m, 2 m; RV, 3; DRV, 2; V, 2; DV, 1. Spinules (11, 17): RS, 8, 9; RV, 2, 5; V, 1, 3.

Telotarsus: Setae (13): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; ap, 0; pi, 2; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 0; pst, 1. Spinules (14, 20): ds, 2; vms, 9, 11; bs, 3, 7.

Specimens examined: MEXICO: San Luis Potosí: El Tinieblo, 1 paratype f ( WDS) . Tamaulipas: Hwy 85, km 190, 1 paratype f ( WDS) .

Vaejovis pococki Sissom

( Figs. 317–321)

Basitarsus: Setae (18): S, 2; DSM, 1+ 1 m; DPS, 1+ 1 m; DRS, 1+ 2 m; RS, 2+ 3 m; RMA, 4 m; RV, 4+ 1 m; DRV, 2; V, 4; DV, 1. Spinules (20): RS, 14; RV, 4; V, 2.

Telotarsus: Setae (16): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1; rsub, 1; rmt, 1+ 2 m; rmt, 1+ 1 m; rst, 1; rst, 1; pi, 2; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1+ 2m; pmt, 1+ 1m; ps, 1m; pst, 1+ 1m. Spinules (14): ds, 2; vms, 9; bs, 3.

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Querétaro: Ciudad Querétaro, 1 paratype subadult f ( WDS) .

V. punctipalpi group

n = 7(3)/9(6)

The setae on all punctipalpi group species are spiniform: distinctly short and stout.

Basitarsus: Members of the punctipalpi group have 14–21 setae on the examined surfaces: S, 2–3; distal

Telotarsus: Total setal complement, 13–18: ri, 1; rid, 1–2; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 0–1; rst, 1; ap, 0–1 pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1–2; pm, 1–2; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinule series, 17–29 (mean = 22.63; variance = 5.96; sd = 2.44): d s, 4–6 (mean = 4.59; variance = 0.71; sd = 0.84); vms, 9–17 (mean = 12.35; variance = 2.19; sd = 1.48); bs, 3–9 (mean = 5.69; variance = 2.06; sd = 1.43).

Vaejovis bruneus Williams

Vaejovis bruneus bruneus Williams

Vaejovis bruneus bruneus differs from V. bruneus villosus in having 3 superior setae (instead of 2) on the basitarsus. The distal superior seta is adjacent to the superomedian landmark seta on basitarsi II and III.

Basitarsus: Setae (17): S, 3; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2+ 1m; RV, 3+ 2m; DRV, 2; V, 3; DV, 1. Spinules (32): RS, 10; RV, 21; V, 1.

Telotarsus: Setae (15): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1+ 1m; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (22): ds, 5; vms, 11; bs, 6.

Vaejovis bruneus villosus Williams

Basitarsus: Setae (16): S, 2, 2+ 1 m; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2; RV, 3+ 3 m, 5; DRV, 2; V, 3; DV, 1. Spinules (44, 25): RS, 11, 9; RV, 32, 15; V, 1.

Telotarsus: Setae (15): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (18–27: mean = 22.06; variance = 5.00; sd = 2.24): ds, 4–6 (mean = 4.29; variance = 0.44; sd = 0.67); vms, 10–15 (mean = 12.35; variance = 2.23; sd = 1.49); bs, 3–8 (mean = 5.41; variance = 1.54; sd = 1.24).

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Baja California Sur: Isla Monserrat, 1 f, 2 m , Isla San Jose, 1 f, 2 m, Isla Las Animas (NE I. San Jose), 3 m, Juncalito, 1 m, 0.5 mi from Pie de la Cuesta to Guajademi, 1 f, Puerto Escondido , 3 m , Punta Coyote, 3 m ( WDS) .

Vaejovis crassimanus Pocock

Some specimens of Vaejovis crassimanus have a telotarsal seta situated midway between the retroinferior terminal and retromedial terminal setae, counted as rit. One specimen has this rit situated slightly lower yet not adjacent to the other rit as in other species. The male from Porvenir lacks this seta but has a microseta in the typical top rit position. Two additional specimens (1 male, 1 female) from near Lajitas were examined briefly for this rit character: Both exhibit the midway location of the rit, however, the female possesses 2 retroinferior terminal setae in the normally adjacent condition.

Basitarsus: Setae (14–16): S, 2; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 1; RV, 3–3+ 2 m –5; DRV, 2; V, 3; DV, 1. Spinules (34–39): RS, 6–17; RV, 26–29; V, 0–6.

Telotarsus: Setae (14–15): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 1 – 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rst, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (23–29: mean = 24.88; variance = 3.11; sd = 1.76): ds, 4–6 (mean = 5.63; variance = 0.48; sd = 0.70); vms, 12–17 (mean = 13.38; variance = 1.98; sd = 1.41); bs, 5–7 (mean = 5.88; variance = 0.36; sd = 0.60).

Specimens examined: TEXAS: Brewster County: 5 mi E Lajitas, 2 f, 4 m ( WDS) ; Presidio County: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Arenosa Campground along Rio Grande , 1 m ( WTAMU) , Porvenir , 1 m ( FMNH) .

Vaejovis hirsuticauda Banks

( Figs. 322–326)

Unlike other members of the punctipalpi group, Vaejovis hirsuticauda lacks a retrosuperior seta on the telotarsus, thus having the lowest telotarsal seta count in the group (with 14 instead of 15–18). The range of basal spinules varies among members of the same locality (such as 4–9 in Palm Canyon, Arizona; see Appendix).

Basitarsus: Setae (16–18): S, 2–2+ 1 m; DSM, 1; DPS, 1; DRS, 1; RS, 2; RV, 3–3+ 1 m –4; DRV, 2; V, 3–4; DV, 1. Spinules (12–29): RS, 10–12; RV, 2–17; V, 0–1.

Telotarsus: Setae (14): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 0; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1+ 1m; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (17–25; mean = 20.33; variance = 5.56; sd = 1.47): ds, 4; vms, 9–14 (mean = 11.67; variance = 2.22; sd = 1.49); bs, 3–9 (mean = 4.67; variance = 3.56; sd =1.89).

Specimens examined: ARIZONA: La Paz County: Palm Canyon, Kofa Mtns , 1 f, 3 m ( WDS) . CALIFORNIA: San Bernardino County: SGMR, Granite Mtns , 1 f ( UCR) . MEXICO: Baja California: Bahia de los Angeles, 1 f, 2 m, Tres Enriques , 1 f ( WDS) .

Vaejovis punctipalpi (Wood)

Vaejovis punctipalpi punctipalpi (Wood)

2–2+ 1 m; V, 3–4; DV, 1. Spinules (35–57): RS, 8–13; RV, 25–38; V, 2–6.

Telotarsus: Setae (17–18): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 1–1+ 1 m –2; pm, 1, 2; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (n = 10: 20–25; mean = 23.10; variance = 2.49; sd = 1.58): ds, 4–6 (mean = 4.40; variance = 0.44; sd =0.66); vms, 10–14 (mean = 12.10; variance = 1.49; sd = 1.22); bs, 5–8 (mean = 6.60; variance = 1.04; sd = 1.02).

Specimens examined: MEXICO: Baja California Sur: Los Barriles , 2 f, 4 m ( WDS) , Miraflores , 3 m ( WDS) , 11.3 km N Santa Anita , 1 m ( WDS) .

Vaejovis russelli Williams

( Fig. 328)

Spinules (20, 12): RS, 2, 4; RV, 18, 7; V, 0, 1.

Tarsus: Setae (16): ri, 1; rid, 1; rit, 2; rm, 1; rmt, 1; rs, 1; rst, 1; pi, 1; pid, 1; pit, 2, 1+ 1 m; pm, 1; pmt, 1; ps, 1; pst, 1. Spinules (24): ds, 6, 5; vms, 13, 11; bs, 5, 7.

Specimens examined: TEXAS: Potter County: Canadian River at US Hwy 287, 1 subadult f, ( KJM); Randall County : Palo Duro Canyon State Park , 1 f ( WTAMU) .

FSCA

Florida State Collection of Arthropods, The Museum of Entomology

FMNH

Field Museum of Natural History

UCR

University of California

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Arthropoda

Class

Arachnida

Order

Scorpiones

Family

Vaejovidae

Genus

Vaejovis

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