True Lateral Eye Numbers for Extant Buthids: A New Discovery on an Old Character

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055125
• Publication Date: 2013-01-30T22:04:42Z
• Authors: Xiaofeng Yang; Yusoff Norma-Rashid; Wilson R. Lourenço; Mingsheng Zhu
• Keywords: Subspecies

This study reports the results of a re-analysis number lateral eyes in extant buthids. Specimens studied were confined mostly to those from China and adjacent areas. 353 specimens belonging 20 species (subspecies) 8 genera rechecked found have 5 pairs contrary earlier published works which reported presence 3 only. Combined with examples collected through reference investigation including 63 16 genera, our here shows total 79 21 scorpions spanning Asia Africa had eyes. Reasons for not observing extra are discussed new protocols examining using UV light proposed aid eye recognition. Besides, majority Buthidae suggested be "Five-eye" model re-examination all previously taxonomic studies buthid is highly recommended.