Diversidad y composición estacional de la escorpiofauna (Arachnida: Scorpiones) del archipiélago Los Choros (Región de Coquimbo, Chile)

Abstract

We studied the taxonomic composition, abundance and degree of spatial and temporal structure of the scorpion fauna present in Los Choros Archipelago (Coquimbo Region, Chile). We recorded the presence of four species: Bothriurus coriaceus Pocock 1893, Brachistosternus (Brachistosternus) roigalsinai Ojanguren-Affilastro 2002, Brachistosternus (Brachistosternus) cepedai Ojanguren-Affilastro et al. 2007a (Bothriuridae) and Caraboctonus keyserlingi Pocock 1893 (Caraboctonidae). Among scorpion species we found differences in the levels of total abundance, seasonal presence and abundance as well as in the different pedological environments. Bothriurus coriaceus accounted for 53.1% of the total abundance, it was recorded in eight of the nine pedological environments studied and showed activity in the three sampled seasons. Likewise, Br. roigalsinai, accounted for 30.3 % of the total abundance and it was recorded in seven pedological environments. The species Br. cepedai had low abundance (4.1 %) and its distribution was restricted to dune environments and to spring-summer seasons. The species Caraboctonus keyserlingi accounted for 12.5% of the abundance and its distribution was spatially restricted to the Los Choros island and spring season months. There is not a temporal structure but a spatial structure pattern is recognized. Based on this background we propose that differences in species adaptability to temporal density as well as their strategies of use and environment occupation could explain the observed patterns.