Phrynus operculatus

Pocock, 1902

tailless whipscorpion

A -sized tailless whipscorpion (18–22 mm total length) found across much of Mexico. Distinguished by chestnut coloration with reddish tones on the and , four on the pedipalp , and specific female . The shows considerable morphological variation across its range, suggesting it may represent a .

Phrynus operculatus by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.Phrynus operculatus by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.Phrynus operculatus by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phrynus operculatus: /ˈfɾɪnʊs oʊˌpɜrkjuˈleɪtəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from by the combination of: four on the ; external on the of the ; and female with short, wide-based with narrow curved . The Texas formerly assigned to this has been separated as Phrynus abstrusus based on morphological differences and geographic isolation. The species shows substantial morphological variation across its Mexican range, complicating identification and suggesting possible cryptic diversity.

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Habitat

Found under stones, under semi-shed tree bark, and under dry cacti in xerophilous forests. Shows ecological plasticity across a wide geographic range.

Distribution

Mexico: states of Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Morelos, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Formerly reported from Texas, USA, but this is now recognized as a distinct , Phrynus abstrusus.

Similar Taxa

  • Phrynus abstrususFormerly considered part of P. operculatus; separated based on morphological differences and geographic isolation from the Mexican .
  • Phrynus jaliscoAnother Mexican Phrynus showing similar morphological variation patterns; part of the same with overlapping distribution.

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Sources and further reading