EUSCORPIOPS KRACHAN

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Picture Courtesy: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/new-scorpion-species-with-8-eyes-and-8-legs-found-in-thai-national-park-12452331.html

Context: In the deep forest of Kaeng Krachan National Park (Thailand), a team of scientists discovers a previously unidentified species of scorpion, officially named Euscorpiops Krachan.

Details

• The newly discovered scorpion has been named "Euscorpiops Krachan," which combines Euscorpiops, the genus to which it belongs, and Krachan, the name of the national park where it was discovered. This naming strategy is used in taxonomy, the scientific discipline that classifies creatures.
• Naming a species after its place allows researchers to easily communicate the geographical origin of the discovery. For example, Euscorpiops Krachan quickly informs that this scorpion is from Kaeng Krachan National Park.

Taxonomical Classification

• Euscorpiops Krachan belongs to the subgenus Euscorpiops, which can be identified by its small size in comparison to other scorpions of the same subgenus.
• Despite its small size, this species is very similar to other scorpions in the Euscorpiops subgenus. More taxonomy research is being performed to better understand its evolutionary links and location within the scorpion group 

Physical characteristics

• It is brownish in colour, with females showing a darker shade than males.
• It differentiates itself from other scorpions by having eight eyes and eight legs. This unique characteristic separates it from the other species in its subgenus.

Behaviour and Ecology

• Euscorpiops Krachan's behaviour has similarities to those of other Scorpiops species, according to research.
• Their hunting style is similar to the "surprise or sit-and-wait type of feeding" seen in other Scorpiops species.
• Understanding the behaviour and ecology of this recently discovered species is critical for understanding its role in the environment and interactions with other creatures.

Conservation Strategy ●The discovery of Euscorpiops Krachan highlights the need to conserve biodiversity-rich locations like Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand. ●Conservation efforts aimed at maintaining the park and its different variety of animals are essential for safeguarding the newly discovered scorpion and other wildlife within its ecosystem. ●More study and monitoring efforts may be required to determine the population status and conservation needs of Euscorpiops Krachan.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Recently discovered scorpion in Thailand, exhibits distinct physical characteristics. It is brownish in colour, with females displaying a darker hue compared to males. What is the name of the newly discovered scorpion species: A) Euscorpiops Krachan B) Scorpiops Tenasserim C) Kaeng Krachanensis D) Thaiensis Scorpiops Answer: A