On the enigmatic troglobitic scorpion Troglorhopalurus translucidus: distribution, description of adult females, life history and comments on Rhopalurus lacrau (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

Troglobitic (exclusively subterranean species sensu Holsinger & Culver 1988) scorpions are relatively rare, in contrast with troglobitic spiders, opilionids and pseudoscorpions, of which there are many (Culver & PiPan 2009, redell 2012). Even though there are about 38 troglomorphic (species that feature some kind of troglomorphisms) scorpions, only about 25 are considered true troglobites (volsCHenk & Prendini 2008, FranCke 2009, loureno & PHam 2012, santibez-lPez et al. 2014). Other troglomorphic scorpions (but not troglobitic) are endogean and/ or leaf litter species. Anophthalmy, absence or reduction of the median and/ or lateral eyes, depigmentation, and reduction in sclerotization, are considered classical morphological troglomorphisms