A revision of the scorpion genus Hadogenes Kraepelin 1894 (Arachnida : Scorpionidae) with a checklist and key to the species

Abstract

This thesis presents the results of a re-examination of the scorpion genus Hadogenes Kraepelin 1894 (Scorpiones; Ischnurinae) in Africa. For the first time in Africa, modern techniques such as chromosome studies and electrophoresis of the venom proteins have been utilized in conjunction with the morphological features of the species to -obtain more meaningful results. Also for the first time ever, collective accurate distributional records of each species have been compiled in terms of geographical co-ordinates and plotted on maps. These distributional records are based upon all the acceptable literature records to-date, all the specimens housed in the major museums of the world and upon extensive field work during the course of the study. Each species is fully described and keys provided to enable the non-specialist to identify any of the fourteen species currently accepted. A detailed account of the scorpions anatomy is included which will enable the non-specialist to comprehend the taxonomic sections of this study. Besides the synonomising of several subspecies, one subspecies is errected to full specific status ( H. zuluanus Lawrence) and a new species (H. zumpti ) formally described. A photograph of each species is included.