Diplocentridae

Karsch, 1880

Spinysting Scorpions

Genus Guides

1

A of scorpions comprising approximately 120 , primarily distributed in the New World with the notable exception of the Nebo, which occurs in the Middle East. The family is divided into two : Diplocentrinae and Nebinae. Taxonomic status remains debated; a 2003 study proposed treating Diplocentridae as a subfamily of Scorpionidae rather than a distinct family.

Diplocentrus lindo by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Diplocentrus by (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Carnahan. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diplocentridae: /ˌdɪploʊˈsɛntrɪdiː/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by a combination of morphological characters including the structure of the chelae and metasomal segments. The Nebinae ( Nebo) is geographically isolated in the Middle East, while Diplocentrinae is New World. -level identification within Diplocentrus and other genera often requires examination of male hemispermatophores and subtle differences in and tergite ornamentation.

Images

Habitat

Most occupy terrestrial in arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky areas, forest litter, and soil burrows. Specific microhabitat preferences vary by and species.

Distribution

New World, from the southwestern United States through Mexico and Central America to northern South America, including Caribbean islands (Lesser Antilles). Nebo is distributed in the Middle East.

Behavior

Birth has been described for at least one (Diplocentrus spitzeri), indicating viviparity with females giving birth to live young.

Human Relevance

Some have restricted distributions and may be of conservation concern; several island species are known. The has been subject to taxonomic revision due to its debated phylogenetic position.

Similar Taxa

  • ScorpionidaeDiplocentridae has been proposed as a within Scorpionidae based on 2003 phylogenetic analysis; the two share morphological similarities in structure and metasomal segmentation that can complicate identification at the level.
  • ButhidaeBoth occur in similar New World and share general body plan; Buthidae typically exhibits more slender and a different trichobothrial pattern on the chelae.

Sources and further reading