An update on the description and the distribution of the endemic scorpion Orthochirus soufiensis in Algeria

 

Noureddine Benali and co-workers recently published an article on the endemic scorpion Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 (Buthidae) from Algeria. 

The article reports of new findings of the scorpion and expanding the species' range in Algeria. In addition, the study presents an updated description of the species' morphology.

Abstract:
Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 is an endemic scorpion of Algeria, recently discovered from El-Oued region (North-eastern Algeria) in desert area. This note concerns the distribution range update of this species with two new district localities; the first, over 265 km to the south, in the palm grove of Ouargla region (Eastern Algeria); and the second, more than 1000 km to the west, very close to the herbaceous Tamarix in Tindouf region (Southwest Algeria). These new localities may suggest a significant extension of the distribution area of this species to the detriment of the Orthochirus innesi. This work aims to reconsider the distribution of all scorpions in this vast country (Algeria), as well as the proposal of a condense field work, for a better knowledge of distribution of the scorpion fauna, especially in poorly or little prospected areas.

Reference:
Benali N, Boulila I, Meziane R, Menad FZ, El Bouhissi M, Hammou MA, et al. Distribution range and morphological update of Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Algeria. Serket. 2025;21(1):44–53. [Article supplied by authors]

Thanks to Noureddine for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae 

A new species of Leiurus from Niger

 

Wilson Lourenco and co-workers have recently described a new species of the medical important genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from the south of Niger. 

Leiurus sahelicus Lourenco, El-Hennaway & Ythier, 2025

The authors also restore Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenço & El-Hennawy, 2021 from synonymy with L. libycus (Birula, 1908).

A distribution map of the African members of Leiurus is also presented. 

Abstract:
One more African new species belonging to the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 is described. The description is based on six adult males and one adult female collected in the region of Mir, South of Niger. The new species shows affinities with other Leiurus species distributed in the Western portion of Africa; however, several characteristics attest that, once again, this population is certainly distinct. The ecological features of the type locality are particular since the area is characterised by savannah-like vegetation, instead of arid-desert formations; formation previously defined exclusively for Leiurus savanicola Lourenço, Qi & Cloudsley-Thompson, 2006 described from Cameroon and Leiurus nigerianus Lourenço, 2021 described from Nigeria. This new scorpion taxon represents the 28th known species of the genus Leiurus. Comments are equally proposed on the recent synonymy of Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenço & El-Hennawy, 2021 with Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908), and this species is revalidated. A geographical distribution map of the distribution of the African species of the genus Leiurus is presented.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, El-Hennawy HK, Ythier E. A further new species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the South of Niger and confirmation of the extension of the distribution range of the genus to the Southern zones of the Sahara Desert. Serket. 2025;21(1):1–11. [Article supplied by authors]

Thanks to Eric for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae