Pronunciation
russell-eye, say the name "russell", and add "eye" to the end. Simple.
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
A member of the punctipalpi group of the genus Vaejovis, which also has V. crassimanus, V. sonorae, and V. hirsuticauda, in the US, and several species in northern and Baja California, Mexico.
Explanation of Names
Named in honor of Dr. Fin Russell, venomologist.
Size
Adults are from 40 to 55 mm (about 2 inches), total length.
Identification
Red fingers, scalloped (open space between base of fingers); elongate metasoma (tail). Overall color yellow brown, rarely with markings on the back.
Range
The Chihuahuan Desert and associated grasslands and forests of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico.
Habitat
Typically burrows under surface objects or in deserts/grasslands, usually at the bases of plants.
Remarks
Originally described from specimens collected in Portal, Cochise Co., Arizona, which was also the home of Dr. Fin Russell. This area is actually on the western fringe of its distribution. Numerous new records will soon be published that will drastically expand the known range.
Contributed by
Kari J McWest on 3 January, 2008 - 8:21pm
Last updated 15 August, 2009 - 10:27pm
