First record of the schizomid Stenochrus portoricensis (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in Poland, with DNA barcode data

Authors: KRZYSZTOF ZAWIERUCHA, PAWEL SZYMKOWIAK, MIROSLAWA DABERT, MARK STEPHEN HARVEY

Abstract: Several specimens of the tropical schizomid Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (family Hubbardiidae) were found in the Poznan Palm House, representing the first record of micro-whip scorpions (Schizomida) from Poland. Stenochrus portoricensis is an alien species in temperate climates, and has been accidentally introduced to greenhouses via potted plants. Its parthenogenetic lifestyle allows for the easy transfer of populations to new locations and the successful founding of new colonies. New DNA sequence data for Stenochrus portoricensis are presented, which comprise a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (DNA barcode sequence) from mitochondrial DNA, and a fragment of the 28S rRNA gene (D1-D3 regions) from nuclear DNA.

Keywords: Micro-whip scorpions, alien species, artificial habitat, greenhouse, introduced animals, DNA barcode, COI, 28S rDNA

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