Six cases of cannibalism from Turkey

 

Cannibalism has been reported in scorpions on several occasions. Predatory cannibalism is probably most common, but sexual cannibalism has also known to occur. Generally, a larger scorpion eats a smaller scorpion.

Recently, Ersen Yagmur and co-workers published a study of six cases of cannibalism in five buthid species in Turkey. The cases and cannibalism in scorpions in general are discussed in the article.

Abstract:
No abstract.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Lira AFdA, Kurt R, Tezcan E, Kartal I, Sipahioglu Ö. Does size matter? Reports of cannibalism in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey. North-Western Journal of Zoology. 2025;21(1):90–2. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

A new species of Scorpiops from Thailand

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from the Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province in Thailand.

Scorpiops doiphukha Ythier, Kosulic, Nawanetiwong & Lourenco, 2025

The new species inhabits high-altitude evergreen forests (appr. 1500 m a.s.l.).

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., belonging to the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905, is described based on 12 specimens of both sexes (three adults and nine immatures) collected in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand. The new species presents key features exhibited by scorpions of the subgenus Euscorpiops and can be characterized notably by a large size, a sexual dimorphism strongly marked with male pedipalps elongated, a distinct trichobothrial pattern and other morphological features. This new taxon represents the 115th species among the currently recognized species for the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, and the 44th species described for the subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980. It is likely an endemic element of Thailand’s scorpion fauna, raising the number of known Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) species in the country to 13. Ecological and distributional aspects of the new species are discussed and compared with closely related Scorpiops species, highlighting its distinctiveness within the genus.

Reference:
Ythier E, Kosulic O, Nawanetiwong W, Lourenco WR. A newly discovered species of the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae). ZooKeys. 2025(1241):171–84. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me their article!

Family Scorpiopidae

Sting use in Centruroides sculpturatus in a defensive context

 

Several studies shows that scorpions are selective when it comes to sting and venom use i defense and prey capture. The basis for this is that venom is costly to replace and this cause the scorpions to be restrictive in using venom.

Lindsay Marston and co-workers recently published a study where they tested antipredator behaviors of Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing, 1928 (Buthidae) exposed to two different "threats" in their natural environment. 

Interestingly, the results of the different experiments contrasted with those of previous studies.The article discuss possible reasons for this.

Abstract:
Scorpion antipredator behavior incorporates risk assessment that informs decision-making and venom usage. We quantified antipredator behaviors of the clinically significant Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) in their natural environment using exposure to two stimuli: a freshly thawed laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a membrane-covered glass beaker. We videotaped and compared envenomation behaviors between sexes (females, gravid females, and males), across sizes, and between animal orientations (on vertical or horizontal substrates). Results failed to show consistent support for any of our four hypotheses. Females (especially gravid females) were no more likely than males to exhibit higher levels of stinging and venom expenditure. Scorpions on horizontal surfaces compared to those on vertical surfaces, and larger scorpions compared to smaller ones, were likewise no more likely to exhibit higher levels of responsiveness. Mice were more likely to be stung than the membrane-covered beaker, but with fewer and briefer stings, suggesting the scorpions did not attempt to deliver more venom into the mice. Thus, we discerned no clear patterns in risk assessment, stinging, and venom use associated with sex, substrate orientation, body size, or threat stimuli. These findings contrasted with those of several prior laboratory studies. Variation from unaccounted environmental variables may have obfuscated divergent behavioral tactics. Nevertheless, the behaviors we document here provide insights on the range of defensive behaviors exhibited by C. sculpturatus under natural environmental conditions, including the frequency of dry stings (11.8%) to the membrane-covered beakers.

Reference:
Marston LA, Fox GA, Hung KY, Delo SJ, Hayes WK. A Sting Operation: Risk Assessment and Venom Expenditure by Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) in a Defensive Context. Toxins. 2025;17(4):198. [Open Access]

A redescription of the endemic Buthus kunti from Cyprus and information about its habitat and ecology

 

Cyprus is very special because it is the only place where you can find members of both Buthus Leach, 1815 and Aegaeobuthus Kovarik, 2019 (previously Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950) (Buthidae). For many years only A. cyprius (Gantenbein & Kropf, 2000) was known from the island, but in 2011 surprisingly a second species was described, B. kunti Yagmur, Koc & Lourenço, 2011.

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of  Buthus kunti based on new materials. The article has updated information about the species' distribution and habita. It seems that this species has other habitat preferences than Aegaeobuthus cyprius and that the two species are not sympatric. More studies may change this assumption.

Abstract:
Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço was described based on a female holotype specimen from Cyprus. This species is redescribed based on the holotype and additional specimens collected from Cyprus, with the male description and variational information presented for the first time. Detailed illustrations and UV light images of the female holotype and male specimen are provided. The first ecological observations of B. kunti are presented here. We observed that B. kunti prefers sandy soil and is a burrowing species. Additionally, we observed that B. kunti is associated with the bushes of Cistus salviifolius. According to our observations, specimens sit under the branches of these bushes or climb them. Adults were observed under the bushes, whereas subadult specimens were observed on the branches. We also report the first recorded case of cannibalism in this species, documenting two instances.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Boğaç KK, Michael H, Hasan B, Gücel S. The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations. Journal of Natural History. 2025;59(25-28):1775–805. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen and Michael for sending me their article!

A new species of Androctonus from Iraq

 

 Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Iraq. The new species has previously been misidentified as A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807).

Androctonus ishtar Yagmur, Kachel, Al-Khazali, Al-Jubouri & Ali 2025

Abstract:
A new species, Androctonus ishtar sp. n., is described and illustrated from the Dohuk and Nineveh provinces of Iraq. This new species was previously misidentified as A. crassicauda Olivier. Androctonus sumericus Al-Khazali and Yağmur, and A. turkiyensis Yağmur, are distributed in territories close to those of A. ishtar sp. n. The new species differs from A. crassicauda in the morphology of the fifth metasomal segment, from A. sumericus in its elongate chela, and from A. turkiyensis in the trichobothrial arrangement on the fixed fingers of the chela.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Saeid KH, Mohammed A-KA, Karim A-JMA, and Ali FR. Androctonus ishtar sp. n. from Dohuk and Nineveh provinces, Iraq (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 2025;59(25-28):1757–73. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their new article!

Family Buthidae

An updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi from Egypt

 

Ersen Yagmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published an article with an updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 from Egypt. A few ecological observations are also provided.

Abstract:
The scorpion Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 is redescribed based on specimens collected from its type locality, Cairo, Egypt. Detailed colour illustrations and UV-light-illuminated photographs are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. On the morphology of Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) with some ecological observations. Serket. 2025;20(4):393–403. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennawy for sending me this article!

A new species of Brachistosternus from Chile

 

 The unique geography of Chile is the origin of pockets of endemic species. Andres Ojanguren-Affilastro and co-workers have recently described a new species of Brachistosternus Pocock, 1893 (Bothriuridae) from the upper basin of the Maule Valley, located in the Maule Region of central Chile.

Brachistosternus pehuenche Ojanguren Affilastro, Alfaro, Iuri, Camousseigt-Montolivo & Pizarro-Araya, 2025

Abstract:
Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) is described from the Mauline Andean forests of the northern Chilean Patagonia, located within the upper basin of the Maule Valley. Its unique geography and the discovery of this partial isolation, as a result of the surrounding higher altitudes, support the role of this valley as a biodiversity hotspot, fostering a variety of endemic epigean arthropods. The discovery of this third endemic scorpion species highlights the area’s ecological uniqueness. The species is most similar to Brachistosternus negrei, a species found in the southern Chilean forests, but distinct morphological traits, such as pigmentation patterns and metasomal structures, clearly separate the two. This study underscores the ecological value of the Maule Valley, which, despite its high endemism, remains unprotected and is subject to significant anthropogenic pressures, including agriculture, hydropower projects, and international transit routes. The need for conservation initiatives in this region is critical to preserve its exceptional biodiversity. This work not only adds to the taxonomy of Brachistosternus but also raises fundamental questions about the processes driving endemism in the Andes and the broader implications for the conservation of montane ecosystems.

Reference:
Ojanguren-Affilastro AA, Alfaro FM, Iuri HA, Camousseigt-Montolivo B, Pizarro-Araya J. Description of Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), a new scorpion species from the upper Maule Valley, in the southern Chilean Andes. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 2025;101(3):969–81. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard, Matt and Victoria for informing me about this article!

Family Bothriuridae

A revision of the enigmatic genus Charmus from India and Sri Lanka with a couple of taxonomic updates

 

Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Buthidae) is a genus that is rarely encountered in the field and in collections. The few species in the genus are also very similar. Mihir Joshi and several co-workers have recently published a systematic review of this genus and have made a couple of taxonomic decisions.

Charmus dakshini Joshi, Deshpande, Ukale, Gowande, Bilat, Kovarik, Mottaz, Stahlavsky, Bastawade, Monod & Sulakhe, 2025 New species from southern India.

Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879.

Abstract:
India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically very similar, which impedes their systematic assessment. Our dedicated efforts towards sampling the members of the genus resulted in the collection of important material, which allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic revision of the genus using an integrated taxonomic approach. We propose several taxonomic changes based on the results of a detailed morphological study supported by molecular data. Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879, owing to the lack of morphological differences and low genetic divergence between the two taxa. We designate a neotype for Charmus sinhagadensis Tikader and Bastawade, 1983, and describe a new species from Sirumalai (Tamil Nadu, India). Moreover, we provide the first molecular phylogeny of Charmus based on Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA (16S) and 28S rRNA (28S) genes. The phylogenetic position of the genus within the family Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 is also tested using an independent genome-wide dataset (Ultraconserved Elements). Topological congruence and discrepancies between the phylogenies generated with Sanger sequences and the Ultraconserved Elements are commented on, and the reliability of these datasets when evaluating phylogenetic relationships at different hierarchical levels is further discussed.

Reference:
Joshi M, Deshpande S, Ukale S, Gowande G, Bilat J, Kovařík F, et al. Systematic Revision of the Genus Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), and Assessment of Its Phylogenetic Position Within Buthidae CL Koch, 1837 Using Ultraconserved Elements. Diversity. 2025;17:354. [Open Acces]

Thanks to Gerard and Frantisek for both sending me this article!

Family Buthidae