The remarkable discovery of a new and extinct species of Tityus from Martinique in Lesser Antilles (Chelicerata, Scorpiones, Buthidae)

Abstract

TITYUS EXTINCTUS NSP. IS DESCRIBED FROM THE NORTHERN RANGE OF THE ISLAND OF MARTINIQUE IN THE LESSER ANTILLES. THIS REPRESENTS THE FIRST TITYUS SPECIES KNOWN FROM THIS ISLAND. IT IS SUGGESTED HERE THAT THIS SPECIES WAS FORMELY EN DEMIC TO MARTINIQUE BUT HAS VENISHED FROM ITS NATURAL HABITAT AND IS TODAY EXTINCT. THE CAUSES RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS EXTINCTION ARE ALMOST CERTAINLY HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND VOLCANIC ACTIVIVITY.