About Liocheles gracilipalpus:
- It is a new species of scorpion belonging to the Hormuridae family.
- It was discovered from the Shivalik Hills of the Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of 1,655 metres above sea level.
- The name Liocheles gracilipalpus refers directly to its distinctive anatomy, with ‘’gracilis’’ meaning ‘’slender’’ and palpus referring to the pedipalp.
- It had unusually long and slender pedipalps — the pincer-like appendages characteristic of scorpions.
- It is relatively large for its genus, measuring between 34.8 and 43.2 mm in total length.
- Its body ranges from greyish brown to dark brown, while the legs and tail are lighter in colour.
- The researchers also observed marked sexual dimorphism, with differences between males and females particularly evident in the structure of the pedipalps.
- It was found beneath flat rocks near a man-made wall at the type locality.
- The species appeared to be relatively abundant there and was recorded across an elevation range extending from 1,655 metres down to Reasi town, located at around 600 metres.
- Interestingly, the scorpion was not restricted to undisturbed natural habitats. Researchers observed individuals in human-inhabited areas, including wood-storage sheds.
- Before the latest finding, L. australasiae, L. nigripes and L. schalleri were among the species of the genus recorded from India.
