Erich Volschenk
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Erich S. Volschenk | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | James Cook University |
| Known for | Taxonomy of Australian scorpions |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Arachnology, Scorpion Systematics |
| Institutions | Alacran Environmental Science |
Erich S. Volschenk is an Australian arachnologist specializing in the systematics and taxonomy of scorpions, particularly those native to Australia. He is recognized [by whom?] for his extensive research on the genera Lychas and Urodacus, as well as his studies on pseudoscorpions and subterranean invertebrates.
Education and early career
[edit]Volschenk obtained his Bachelor of Science with first-class honours in 1996 from James Cook University, where he focused on pseudoscorpion systematics and the ecology of cave-dwelling invertebrates.[1]
Research and contributions
[edit]As Australia's only dedicated scorpion taxonomist, Volschenk has revised major scorpion genera, including Lychas and Urodacus. His research extends to pseudoscorpions and the biology of subterranean invertebrates.
In 2008, Volschenk co-described Aops oncodactylus, the first known troglobitic scorpion in the family Urodacidae. The species was discovered in Western Australia and represents an adaptation to life in caves, including reduced pigmentation and elongated appendages.[2]
Volschenk has also contributed to understanding the medical significance of scorpions. A 2003 study he co-authored examined the clinical effects of Australian scorpion stings, highlighting the mild but occasionally painful symptoms caused by species in genera like Hormurus and Lychas.[3]
Selected publications
[edit]- Volschenk, E. S., & Prendini, L. (2008). Aops oncodactylus, gen. et sp. nov., the first troglobitic urodacid (Urodacidae: Scorpiones), with a re-assessment of cavernicolous, troglobitic, and troglomorphic scorpions. *Invertebrate Systematics*, 22(2), 235–257.[2]
- Isbister, G. K., Volschenk, E. S., Balit, C. R., & Harvey, M. S. (2003). Australian scorpion stings: a prospective study of definite stings. *Toxicon*, 41(7), 877–883.[3]
- Volschenk, E. S., Harvey, M. S., & Prendini, L. (2012). A new species of Urodacus (Scorpiones: Urodacidae) from Western Australia. *American Museum Novitates*, 3748, 1–18.[4]
Taxa named in his honor
[edit]The schizomid species Apozomus volschenki was named to honor Volschenk's contributions to arachnology.[5]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Author information: Erich S. Volschenk". Lucid Central. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ a b Volschenk, E. S.; Prendini, L. (2008). "Aops oncodactylus, gen. et sp. nov., the first troglobitic urodacid (Urodacidae: Scorpiones), with a re-assessment of cavernicolous, troglobitic, and troglomorphic scorpions". Invertebrate Systematics. 22 (2): 235–257. doi:10.1071/IS07027 (inactive 3 January 2025).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2025 (link) - ^ a b Isbister, G. K.; Volschenk, E. S.; Balit, C. R.; Harvey, M. S. (2003). "Australian scorpion stings: a prospective study of definite stings". Toxicon. 41 (7): 877–883. Bibcode:2003Txcn...41..877I. doi:10.1016/s0041-0101(03)00065-5. PMID 12782088.
- ^ Volschenk, E. S.; Harvey, M. S.; Prendini, L. (2012). "A new species of Urodacus (Scorpiones: Urodacidae) from Western Australia". American Museum Novitates (3748): 1–18. doi:10.1206/3748.2.
- ^ Harvey, M. S. (2001). "A new species of schizomid (Hubbardiidae) from Queensland, Australia". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 46: 259–266.