Liocheles gracilipalpus

Liocheles gracilipalpus Latest News

A team of researchers recently discovered and formally described a new species of scorpion named liocheles gracilipalpus from the Shivalik Hills of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Liocheles gracilipalpus

• It is a new species of scorpion belonging to the Hormuridae family.
• It was discovered from the Shivalik Hills of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 1,655 metres above sea level. 
• The name Liocheles gracilipalpus refers directly to its distinctive anatomy, with ‘’gracilis’’ meaning ‘’slender’’ and palpus referring to the pedipalp. 
• It had unusually long and slender pedipalps — the pincer-like appendages characteristic of scorpions. 
• It is relatively large for its genus, measuring between 34.8 and 43.2 mm in total length. 
• Its body ranges from greyish brown to dark brown, while the legs and tail are lighter in colour. 
• The researchers also observed marked sexual dimorphism, with differences between males and females particularly evident in the structure of the pedipalps. 
• It was found beneath flat rocks near a man-made wall at the type locality. 
• The species appeared to be relatively abundant there and was recorded across an elevation range extending from 1,655 metres down to Reasi town, located at around 600 metres.
• Interestingly, the scorpion was not restricted to undisturbed natural habitats. Researchers observed individuals in human-inhabited areas, including wood-storage sheds.
• Before the latest finding, L. australasiae, L. nigripes and L. schalleri were among the species of the genus recorded from India. 

News: TRIB

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