Bassam Abu Afifeh and co-workers recently published an article with the description of a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from southern Jordan.
Androctonus minaeus Abu Afifeh, Al-Saraireh & El-Hennaway, 2025
The distribution of relevant species from Jordan and Egypt is also presented and discussed.
Abstract:
A new buthid scorpion species, Androctonus minaeus sp. n., is described from the Ma’an governorate in southern Jordan. This study provides a detailed morphological description, morphometric analysis, and diagnostic comparison with closely related species, particularly Androctonus bicolor and A. tenuissimus, using comparative material of these species from Egypt, along with ecological and distributional notes for each. Historical records of A. bicolor, A. amoreuxi, and A. australis from Jordan are reviewed and considered unverified due to the absence of supporting morphological data, and are therefore excluded from the confirmed scorpion fauna of Jordan pending further evidence. A distribution map of all examined specimens, along with previous records of related species from Egypt, is also provided to enhance our understanding of the geographic range and biogeography of this genus. The new species is distinguished by a unique combination of characters, including colouration, carinal development, and pedipalp proportions. The results contribute to a refined understanding of Androctonus diversity in the Levant and underscore the importance of critical reevaluation of regional scorpion records.
Reference:
Abu Afifeh B, Al-Saraireh M, El-Hennawy HK. A new Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 species from southern Jordan with implications for regional taxonomy and distribution (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2025;21(1):12–32. [Open Access]
Thanks to Hirsham El-Hennaway for sending me scorpion articles published in Serket!
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