Bringing order to a complex system: phenotypic and genotypic evidence contribute to the taxonomy of Tityus (Scorpiones, Buthidae) and support the description of a new species

We present a molecular phylogenetic analysis including a survey for overlooked phenotypic characters. Based on both analysis and characters a new cave-dwelling species is described: Tityus (Tityus) spelaeus sp. nov. from the Russao II cave, Posse, state of Goias, Central Brazil. Characters such as the glandular regions of the female pectinal basal piece and basal middle lamellae of pectines, and the distribution of the ventral setae of telotarsi I-IV proved to be useful to constructing the taxonomy of species and species groups of Tityus. The new species is a member of the Tityus trivittatus species-group of Tityus (Tityus) and can be readily recognized by the immaculate coloration pattern and the more developed glandular region on the female pectinal basal piece. In addition, we provide a discussion of the phylogenetic relationships observed within Tityus, on the relevance of the new phenotypic characters to the modern taxonomy of the genus Tityus, and to the records of Brazilian cave scorpions.

Automated summary

A new cave-dwelling species, Tityus spelaeus, is described in this study based on molecular phylogenetic analysis and survey of overlooked phenotypic characters. The study identifies useful characters such as glandular regions and setae distribution for constructing the taxonomy of Tityus species and species groups. Additionally, the study discusses the phylogenetic relationships within Tityus, the relevance of new phenotypic characters to modern taxonomy, and records of Brazilian cave scorpions.