| The members in this very small family, which includes only
2 genera and 2 species [Updated 07.05.03], were orginally placed in the
Chactidae. In a revision in 1992, they were placed in the
family Superstitioniidae. Recently, they were placed in a new
family, the Troglotayosicidae. As the name indicates, the two
species in this family are troglobites (cave dwelling
species). They are found in Europe (a small area in Spain and
France) and in Ecuador in South America. The European species,
Belisarius xambeui, is a very special scorpion that
lacks eyes and pigmentation.
No scorpions in this family have been reported to occur in
captivity except for a handful collectors in Europe keeping Belisarius (myself included).
No data have been found about the venom of these scorpions,
but they are probably harmless.
Belisarius xambeui photo by Dr.
Wilson Lourenco (C) and The Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins/
CEVAP (C)
SPECIES
FILES:
This list of genera and species is
based on Fet et al.(2000). Subspecies is not included in the list.
I try to update the list as additions and changes are published. * denotes changes after Fet et al. (2000). I will be grateful
for information about new development in the taxonomy of this family.
For information about synonyms and bibliographies, see Fet et al. (2000) |
