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| Urophonius andinus Ojanguren-Affilastro, Santibáñez-López, Alfaro, Ramírez, Iuri, Mattoni & Pizarro-Araya, 2026. |
Abstract
This study presents the first total evidence dated phylogenetic analysis of the scorpion genus Urophonius, integrating 115 morphological characters and five molecular markers (28S, 18S, H3, 16S, COI). Our comprehensive phylogenetic framework provides novel insights into the genus' diversification timeline and evolutionary processes. Additionally, we described Urophonius andinus n. sp. from the central Chilean Andes, a high-altitude species found at 2400 m.s.a.l., representing the highest elevational record for the genus. This new species is placed within the granulatus species group, characterized by a spring–summer activity period.
Keywords: Andes, new species, highland, Scorpiones, total evidence dated phylogeny, Urophonius, winter activity
Urophonius andinus n. sp.
Andrés A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, Carlos Eduardo Santibáñez-López, Fermín M. Alfaro, Martín J. Ramírez, Hernán A. Iuri, Camilo I. Mattoni and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2026. First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032 [17 March 2026]