Autodesk Sketchbook: An application that minimizes time and maximizes results of taxonomic drawing.

Scientific illustration continues to remain a critical part of taxonomy. Illustrations often require lots of time and, in many cases, the results are not as expected. At present, taxonomy journals only accept high quality digital illustrations; thus, image manipulation programs using vector or bitmap graphics have become the new focus of attention. This paper provides a step-by-step guide to making illustrations using bitmap graphics in Autodesk SketchBook. This application provides an alternative to other known tools by allowing: 1) faster illustrations; 2) direct drawing with a wide range of tools that simulate traditional drawing; 3) more detailed illustrations; and 4) an easy interface and work-flow for novice illustrators, all while being completely free and compatible with multiple operating systems.

New species of Peckhamia Simon, 1900 (Salticidae: Dendryphantini: Synagelina) from the Greater Antilles.

Four new species of Peckhamia Simon, 1900 (P. wesolowskae sp. nov. and P. surcaribensis sp. nov. from Cuba, P. espositoae sp. nov. from Jamaica and P. areito sp. nov. from the Dominican Republic) from the Greater Antilles are described. Additionally, Sarinda glabra Franganillo, 1930, Descanso montanus Bryant, 1943, D. formosus Bryant, 1943 and D. magnus Bryant, 1943 are transferred to Peckhamia and provide new combinations, P. glabra comb. nov., P. montana comb. nov., P. formosa comb. nov. and P. magna comb. nov.. Peckhamia glabra is stated as a nomen dubium. Diagnostic illustrations and a distribution map are provided for the new species.

New species of Otiothopinae (Araneae: Palpimanidae) from Colombia.

Six new Colombian species of Otiothops (O. besotes sp. n., O. doctorstrange sp. n., O. chicaque sp. n., O. vaupes sp. n.) and Fernandezina (F. andersoni sp. n., F. eduardoi sp. n.) are described. Diagnostic illustrations and distribution maps are provided for all of the new species, along with new records for O. macleayi Banks, 1929 and O. amazonicus Simon, 1887 from Colombia.

A review of the genus Berosus Leach of Cuba (Coleoptera, Hydrophilidae).

The Cuban fauna of the genus Berosus Leach, 1817 is reviewed based on newly collected material as well as historical and type specimens. Nine species are recognized, including three recorded from Cuba for the first time: Berosus infuscatus LeConte, 1855, Berosus interstitialis Knisch, 1924 (= Berosus stribalus Orchymont, 1946 syn. n.) and Berosus metalliceps Sharp, 1882. Only one of the nine Cuban species, Berosus chevrolati, remains endemic to Cuba, as two other species previously considered as endemic to Cuba are recorded from elsewhere: Berosus quadridens from Mexico and Central America and Berosus trilobus from the Dominican Republic. Notes on biology and Cuban distribution are provided for all nine species. Berosus quadridens Chevrolat, 1863, stat. restit. is removed from synonym with Berosus truncatipennis and considered a valid species.

ResumenLa fauna cubana de Berosus Leach, 1817 es revisada a partir de nuevo material colectado así, como de material tipo e histórico. Se reconocen un total de nueve especies, incluyendo tres nuevos registros: Berosus infuscatus LeConte, 1855, Berosus interstitialis Knisch, 1924 (= Berosus stribalus Orchymont, 1946, syn. n.) y B metalliceps Sharp, 1882. Solo una de las nueve especies cubanas, Berosus chevrolati, permanece como endémica, las otras dos especies originalmente consideradas como endémicas han sido registradas fuera de Cuba: Berosus quadridens presente en México y América Central y Berosus trilobus en República Dominicana. Se ofrecen datos sobre la biología y la distribución de todas las especies cubanas. Berosus quadridens Chevrolat, 1863, stat. restit. es destituida como sinónimo de Berosus truncatipennis y considerada como una especie válida.

Ecology of the scorpion, Microtityus jaumei in Sierra de Canasta, Cuba.

An assessment of the population dynamics of Microtityus jaumei Armas (Scorpiones: Buthidae) on the slopes south of Sierra de Canasta, Guantánamo Province, Cuba show an increase in activity over the year (≤ 0.05). The activity peak is related to the reproductive period from June to November. The abundance of scorpions was significantly related to density of the canopy and thickness of the substrate.