Lychas serratus
| Lychas serratus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Scorpiones |
| Family: | Buthidae |
| Genus: | Lychas |
| Species: | L. serratus |
| Binomial name | |
| Lychas serratus | |
Lychas serratus is a species of scorpion that is endemic to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.[2] It was last seen in 1868, and was thought to be extinct for more than 150 years.
It was found on Coin de Mire, a northern island of Mauritius;[3] its discovery raised hope in the conservation sector.[3]
Description and behaviour
It is a small scorpion, of lightish-brown colour. It measures 4–5 cm (1.6–2.0 in) and weighs around 3 g (0.11 oz). It hides in crevices or under tree bark. It is mainly nocturnal and has a painful sting, although not deadly.[4]
References
- ^ "Lychas serratus (Pocock, 1891)". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ Citizen science observations for Lychas serratus at iNaturalist
- ^ a b "CONSIDÉRÉ ÉTEINT— SUR LE COIN DE MIRE: Redécouverte du scorpion "Lychas serratus"". Le Mauricien (in French). 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2025-01-16.
- ^ Irlepenne, Samuel (2013-04-18). "Maurice : Un scorpion disparu depuis 150 ans refait son apparition". Zinfos974 (in French). Retrieved 2025-01-16.