ID for Tailless whip scorpion

[Travypat238]

So I just bought this one from a pet store and it was labeled central american tailless whip scorpion Phrynus mexicanus and I heard it was an extinct species.

 

[wizentrop]

This one is Phrynus whitei (often mislabelled as Phrynus mexicanus which is not an existing species).

 

[Brewser]

Did a quick Google, and sure enough there are Pet Dealers who shall remain 'Nameless' selling what are being referred to as "Phrynus Mexicanus" / Phrynus whitei
Misinformation? Misleading? Misnomer? Mistaken Identity?

 

[that1ocelot]

Did a quick Google, and sure enough there are Pet Dealers who shall remain 'Nameless' selling what are being referred to as "Phrynus Mexicanus" / Phrynus whitei
Misinformation? Misleading? Misnomer? Mistaken Identity?

It's simply a lack of research or care on the part of vendors.

As I understand it (and Gil can correct me if I'm wrong), Paraphrynus Carolynae was at one point described as "Phrynus Mexicanus". It was then moved to Paraphrynus, and it's name was changed P. Carolynae fairly recently.

In 2004(?), a fossil species of amblypygi was found in Mexico and formerly described. It was given the moniker "Phrynus Mexicanus"

In 2020, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature reviewed the use of "Phrynus Mexicanus" to describe the fossil species and deemed it as invalid.

In 2024, there is no Amblypygi that has the name "Phrynus Mexicanus". Currently alive or otherwise.

 

[wizentrop]

As I understand it (and Gil can correct me if I'm wrong), Paraphrynus Carolynae was at one point described as "Phrynus Mexicanus". It was then moved to Paraphrynus, and it's name was changed P. Carolynae fairly recently.

In 2004(?), a fossil species of amblypygi was found in Mexico and formerly described. It was given the moniker "Phrynus Mexicanus"

In 2020, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature reviewed the use of "Phrynus Mexicanus" to describe the fossil species and deemed it as invalid.

In 2024, there is no Amblypygi that has the name "Phrynus Mexicanus". Currently alive or otherwise.

Yes, that's more or less accurate, or a simplified version of the events.
However, one thing to mention is that according to @Banshee05's molecular work paper from 2020, Paraphrynus mexicanus is still valid species (just separate from Paraphrynus carolynae), and now there is also Paraphrynus pseudomexicanus. Things are complicated! Sorry for any confusion.

 

[Matt Man]

P. whitei (White's Tail less Whip) by coloration.