Hadruroides geckoi, Ochoa & Prendini, 2010

Ochoa, José A. & Prendini, Lorenzo, 2010, The Genus Hadruroides Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Iuridae), in Peru: New Records and Descriptions of Six New Species, American Museum Novitates 2010 (3687), pp. 1-56 : 31-34

Hadruroides geckoi , n. sp.

Figures 1 , 3B , 4C , 10, 11, 12A–D, F, 13, 20G; table 2

TYPE MATERIAL: PERU: Cajamarca Department: Celendin Province: Holotype ♂, 2 ♂, 2 ♀, 1 juv. paratypes ( MHNC), 3 ♂, 2 ♀, 2 juv. paratypes ( AMNH), 1 ♂, 1 ♀ paratypes ( MUSA), Balsas , Marañón river valley, 06 ° 50 ' 49.4 " S 78 ° 02 ' 09.4 " W, 1141 m, 8.i.2008, R. Gutiérrez, D. Apaza, and J.A. Ochoa, dry forest.

ETYMOLOGY: The specific name is a patronym honoring the Peruvian biologist, Roberto Gecko Gutiérrez (Universidad Nacional San Agustín, Arequipa), in recognition of his assistance with fieldwork in Peru, including the trip during which this new species was collected.

DIAGNOSIS: Hadruroides geckoi appears to be most closely related to H. carinatus . The two species may be distinguished from one another based on the dimensions of the pedipalp chela and metasomal segment V: the length:width ratio of the chela is 4.41–4.60 (♂) and 4.53–4.74 (♀) in H. geckoi ( fig. 11E ) compared with 3.48–3.73 (♂) and 3.92–3.96 (♀) in H. carinatus ( fig. 12E ). Metasomal segment V is longer in male H. geckoi , the length:width ratio being 2.40–2.89, compared with 2.17–2.36 in H. carinatus . The telson is entirely smooth in female H. carinatus , compared with H. geckoi , in which the telson ventral surface is granular. Additionally, the lobe on the fixed finger of the chela and the proximal gap between the fixed and movable fingers are more developed in H. carinatus than H. geckoi . The two species may be further separated by means of the pigmentation pattern: the VL stripes merge with the lateral pigmentation on metasomal segments II–V in H. carinatus , and on segments IV and V in H. geckoi ( fig. 12D ). Other differences between the two species are as follows: sternite VII with four well-developed carinae in H. carinatus , but with only VL carinae distinct and VSM carinae obsolete in H. geckoi ; metasomal segment V without DL carinae in H. carinatus , but comprising some granules in H. geckoi ; metasomal segment V with 5–9 dorsolateral setae and 7–10 ventrolateral setae in H. carinatus , but with 10–14 dorsolateral setae and 9–13 ventrolateral setae in H. geckoi ; chela trichobothrium eb situated proximal to base of fixed finger in male H. carinatus , but situated near fixed finger lobe of male H. geckoi ( fig. 11H ). Finally, the shape of the lamina of the hemispermatophore, which is curved in the distal half and acuminate apically, provides a distinctive character for separating H. geckoi from other species of the genus.

DESCRIPTION: Based on the holotype and paratypes. Measurements of the holotype ♂ and a paratype ♀ are recorded in table 2 .

Color: Base color yellowish with light brown spots on carapace, tergites, legs, and pedipalps; pigmentation of metasomal segment V and telson more pronounced. Carapace markedly pigmented, especially laterally and posteriorly; anteromedian longitudinal sulcus with narrow stripe; ocular tubercle and lateral ocelli blackish. Tergites I–VI each with four irregular spots, two spots submedially in posterior half, two sublateral spots slightly paler; additionally with two small spots near anterior margin ( fig. 12F ); VII with carinae faintly pigmented. Sternites III–VI depigmented; VII with two narrow lines of pigmentation along VL carinae and four faint spots surrounding insertion of VSM setae in some specimens. Metasomal segments I–IV, dorsal surfaces faintly pigmented around granulation; lateral surfaces with some spots on segments II and III, more pigmented on IV; ventral surfaces with two narrow stripes along VL carinae, independent of lateral pigmentation of segments I–III, and joining posteriorly to lateral pigmentation of segment IV ( fig. 12D ); additionally with some spots surrounding insertion of setae: segment I with 2+2 spots, II and III with 3+3, IV with 5+5, further small spots evident in some specimens ( fig. 12D ). Metasomal segment V with pigmentation more pronounced than on other segments; reticulation along DL carinae; lateral surface with pronounced reticulation, more so in posterior third; ventral surface with three stripes along VL and VM carinae, 7–8 pairs of spots surrounding insertion of setae, and three or more additional spots ( fig. 12D ). Chelicerae, dorsolateral surfaces pigmented; distal margins with reticulate spots; movable fingers each with small spot. Pedipalp femur with some spots along dorsal carinae and near articulation; additional spots surrounding insertion of setae; external surface with stripe in place of EM carina; other surfaces depigmented. Patella dorsal surface with several spots surrounding insertion of setae; external surfaces with stripe in place of EM carina. Chela external surface with few irregular spots surrounding insertion of setae, as well as three stripes joining proximally on ventral and external surfaces. Legs pigmented on prolateral surfaces.

Chelicerae: Typical of genus; surfaces smooth; dorsal surface with two macrosetae situated near base of fingers.

Carapace: Anterior margin with weak median projection and eight or nine macrosetae; surfaces granular, more coarsely so in ♂, except for anterior third, which is finely granular (♂) or smooth (♀); anteromedian longitudinal sulcus obsolete with few small granules along borders; posteromedian longitudinal and posterolateral sulci well developed; median ocular sulcus obsolete.

Pedipalps: Femur with VI, DI, and DE carinae complete, granular; VE and VM vestigial ( fig. 11F ); dorsal surface smooth or sparsely granular; internal surface with scattered coarse granules; ventral surface smooth. Patella with DI and VI carinae granular ( fig. 11C, D ), DPP and VPP comprising prominent spiniform granules; all other surfaces smooth. Chela acarinate ( figs. 11E, G, H , 12B, C ); fingers relatively elongated; fixed finger straight (♀) or curved and lobed, creating distinct proximal gap with movable finger when fingers are closed (♂); movable finger, median denticle row comprising six subrows, two or three internal and external accessory denticles flanking subrows I–IV (proximal) and two internal accessory denticles flanking subrows V and VI ( fig. 20G ).

Trichobothrial pattern: Typical of genus; femur with three trichobothria, patella with 20, chela with 26; chelal trichobothrium eb situated distal to proximal gap between fixed and movable fingers ( fig. 11H ).

Legs: Prolateral surfaces granular; retrolateral surfaces smooth. Leg III, femur tetracarinate, DE, DI, VI, and EM carinae present; patella, DM carinae present in proximal half of segment, DI in distal third, IM comprising two or three granules medially; DE, VI, and EM carinae complete, granular; VI and EM more developed than DE. Telotarsus with 8– 13 ventromedian spinule clusters (setaceous tufts).

Tergites: Pretergites finely granular (♂) or smooth (♀). Post-tergites I –VI, surfaces finely granular; VII coarsely granular, with four well-developed longitudinal carinae.

Sternum: Subpentagonal; surface with six macrosetae; posterolateral surfaces granular along borders; median sulcus well developed.

Pectines: Pectinal tooth count: 21–23 (♂), 18–21 (♀).

Sternites: Sternites III–VI, surfaces matte (♂) or smooth (♀); spiracles small, narrow, elliptical, situated in posterior half of segment; VII, VL carinae well developed, VSM carinae absent or obsolete, comprising small isolated granules.

Metasoma: Segments I–IV, dorsal surfaces with scattered granules, more sparsely granular on IV than preceding segments; DL carinae complete and well developed, posterior granule slightly larger than others; ML carinae complete, well developed on segments I–III, comprising smaller granules on IV ( fig. 11A ); LIM carinae complete on I, present in posterior two-thirds of segment II and posterior half of III, absent (♂) or comprising three or four granules posteriorly (♀) on IV; surfaces between DL, ML, LIM, and VL carinae with scattered granules on segment I, smooth (♀) or finely granular (♂) on II–IV; VL carinae complete on segments I–IV, granular on I, obsolete, smooth on II–IV ( fig. 11A ); VSM carinae complete on segments I and II, comprising few granules on I, less developed on II, obsolete on III, absent on IV. Segment V relatively elongated, setose ( figs. 11A, B , 12A ); DL carinae complete, comprising few granules; VL and VM carinae well developed, granules increasing in size posteriorly; VSM carinae absent; lateral and dorsal surfaces smooth; ventral surface with scattered granules in posterior third ( fig. 11B ). Segment I with two pairs of ventral setae; II and III with three pairs, one specimen with additional setae along posterior margin of III; IV with five pairs and additional setae along posteromedian margin; V with 15–18 ventral setae, and five or six additional setae along posterior margin.

Telson: Vesicle, surfaces densely setose; ventral surface sparsely (♂) or densely (♀) granular in anterior half ( figs. 11A , 12A ).

Hemispermatophore: Distal lamina inclined to ventral border and strongly curved distally, apex acuminate; crest less than half lamina length ( fig. 13 ).

Variation: Total length: ♂, 40.2–48.5 (mean = 42.8, n = 6); ♀, 38.9–40.4 (mean = 39.7, n = 4). Pedipalp chela, length:width ratio: ♂, 4.33–4.60 (mean = 4.48, n = 6); ♀, 4.53–4.74 (mean = 4.61, n = 5); length:height ratio: ♂, 3.85–4.10 (mean = 4.01, n = 6); ♀, 4.00–4.26 (mean = 4.14, n = 5). Pedipalp femur, length:width ratio: ♂, 3.38–3.45 (mean = 3.44, n = 6); ♀, 3.21–3.28 (mean = 3.24, n = 5). Pectinal tooth count: ♂ (n = 12), 21 (n = 2), 22 (4), 23 (6); ♀ (n = 14), 18 (3), 19 (5), 20 (2), 21 (4). Metasomal segment V, length:width ratio: ♂, 2.40–2.89 (mean = 2.61, n = 6); ♀, 2.10–2.36 (mean = 2.21, n = 5); length:height ratio: ♂, 2.55–2.89 (mean = 2.71, n = 6); ♀, 2.14–2.47 (mean = 2.31, n = 5); number of setae: dorsolateral (n = 18): 10 (n = 2), 11 (2), 12 (9), 13 (2), 14 (3); lateral (n = 18): 7 (10), 8 (6), 9 (2); ventrolateral (n = 18): 9 (1), 10 (8), 11 (6), 12 (2), 13 (1); ventral (n = 9): 15 (1), 16 (2), 17 (4), 18 (2). Telson, length:height ratio: ♂, 3.79–4.13 (mean = 3.91, n = 6); ♀, 3.37–3.70 (mean 3.55, n = 5). Telotarsus, number of ventromedian spinule clusters (setaceous tufts): III (n = 18), 8 (n = 2), 9 (10), 10 (4), 11 (2); IV (n = 18), 10 (2), 11 (8), 12 (6), 13 (2).

DISTRIBUTION: Hadruroides geckoi inhabits the dry inter-Andean forest of the Marañón river valley in the Cajamarca Department of northern Peru (fig. 1). The Marañón valley is an important biogeographical region characterized by abundant cacti (including some columnar species), shrubs and scattered trees, with limited riverine vegetation (fig. 3B).

ECOLOGY: All specimens were collected at an elevation of 1140 m by UV light detection, in semiopen areas with shrubs and cacti.

Figures

Fig. 1. Map of Peru, plotting known locality records of Hadruroides Pocock, 1893. Hadruroides aguilari Francke and Soleglad, 1980, solid circle. Hadruroides bustamantei Ochoa and Chaparro, 2008, squares. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., open triangle. Hadruroides graceae, n. sp., open circle. Hadruroides leopardus Pocock, 1900, diamonds. Hadruroides tishqu, n. sp., solid triangles. Hadruroides vichayitos, n. sp., star.

Fig. 3. Hadruroides Pocock, 1893, habitats in Peru. A. Puchaca Alto (Lambayeque Department), habitat of Hadruroides leopardus Pocock, 1900. B. Balsas (Cajamarca Department), habitat of Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp. C. Cerro Campana (La Libertad Department), habitat of Hadruroides juanchaparroi, n. sp. D. Wari (Ayacucho Department), habitat of Hadruroides bustamantei Ochoa and Chaparro, 2008. E. Isla Santa (Ancash Department), habitat of Hadruroides tishqu, n. sp. F. Playa Vichayitos (Piura Department), habitat of Hadruroides vichayitos, n. sp. G. Lomas de Lachay (Lima Department), habitat of Hadruroides lunatus (L. Koch, 1867).

Fig. 4. Hadruroides Pocock, 1893, habitus in life. A. Hadruroides carinatus Pocock, 1900, ♂. B. Hadruroides chinchaysuyu, n. sp., ♀. C. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., ♂. D. Hadruroides graceae, n. sp., ♂. E. Hadruroides charcasus (Karsch, 1879), ♂.

Fig. 11. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., holotype ♂ (MHNC). A. Metasomal segments IV, V and telson, lateral aspect. B. Metasomal segment V, ventral aspect. C. Dextral pedipalp patella, dorsal aspect. D. Dextral pedipalp patella, ventral aspect. E. Dextral pedipalp chela, ventral aspect. F. Dextral pedipalp femur, dorsal aspect. G. Dextral pedipalp chela, ventrointernal aspect. H. Dextral pedipalp chela, external aspect. Scale bars 5 1 mm

Fig. 12. Hadruroides Pocock, 1893, diagnostic characters. A–C. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., paratype ♀ (MHNC). A. Metasomal segment V and telson, lateral aspect. B. Dextral pedipalp chela, ventrointernal aspect. C. Dextral pedipalp chela, external aspect. D. H. geckoi, paratype ♂ (MHNC), sternite VII and metasomal segments I–V, ventral aspect showing pigmentation pattern. E. Hadruroides carinatus Pocock, 1900, ♂ (MHNC), dextral pedipalp chela, ventral aspect. F. H. geckoi, paratype ♂ (MHNC), tergite IV, dorsal aspect showing pigmentation pattern. G. Hadruroides vichayitos, n. sp., paratype ♂ (MHNC), tergite IV, dorsal aspect showing pigmentation pattern. H. H. carinatus, ♂ (MHNC), tergite IV, dorsal aspect showing pigmentation pattern. Scale bars 5 1 mm.

Fig. 20. Hadruroides Pocock, 1893, diagnostic characters. A, B. Hadruroides juanchaparroi, n. sp., paratype ♀ (MHNC). A. Telson, lateral aspect. B. Metasomal segment V, lateral aspect. C. Hadruroides lunatus (L. Koch, 1867), ♀ (AMNH), tergite V, dorsal aspect showing pigmentation pattern. D–F. H. juanchaparroi, paratype ♂ (MHNC). D. Tergite IV, dorsal aspect showing pigmentation pattern. E. Sternite VII and metasomal segments I–V, ventral aspect showing pigmentation pattern. F. Dextral pedipalp chela, movable finger, dorsal aspect showing dentition. G. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., paratype ♂ (MHNC), dextral pedipalp chela, movable finger, dorsal aspect showing dentition. H. Hadruroides vichayitos, n. sp., paratype ♂ (MHNC), dextral pedipalp chela, movable finger, dorsal aspect showing dentition. Scale bars 5 1 mm.

Fig. 13. Hadruroides geckoi, n. sp., paratype ♂ (MHNC), sinistral hemispermatophore. A. Ental aspect. B. Dorsal aspect. C. Ectal aspect. D. Ventral aspect. Scale bar 5 0.5 mm.