Androctonus australis reported for the first time from Morocco

Morocco has been a hotspot for the genus Androctonus (Buthidae) with five known species (A. amoreuxi, A. gonneti, A. liouville, A. mauritanicus & A. sergenti). Now Philippe Geniez reports about the presence of Androctonus australis in southeastern Morocco, increasing the number of species to six. This is finding is important because A. australis is one of the most dangerous species in the genus.

Abstract:
Androctonus australis, a Saharo-Sindian scorpion, is new for Morocco. With six species, this country is the greatest centre of diversity for the genus Androctonus. This scorpion, responsible for several deadly envenomations each year in Algeria and Tunisia, is potentially dangerous in Morocco.

Reference:
Geniez P. Decouverte au Maroc d'Androctonus aunstralis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Poiretia. 2009; (1):1-4. [Free fultext]

Thanks to Jean-Michel Pacaud (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle) for sending me this paper!

Family Buthidae