How much do people living close to scorpions know about the scorpion’s biology and how to deal with envenomations

 

Scorpions and humans are neighbors in many areas, and this is also the case in many towns and regions in Brazil. This cohabitation will sometimes pose challenges, as scorpions may sting humans and some of them are also quite dangerous. There are many articles dealing with this topic, but few articles have studies the general knowledge local peoples have about scorpion biology and treatment of sting cases.

Luiza Eulália de Azevedo Gonzaga and co-workers published last fall a study where adults locals in a few communities in Brazil were asked to answer a questionnaire about their knowledge about the local scorpion fauna. Interestingly, many of the respondents showed quite good knowledge about the local scorpion's ecological and biological characteristics. Quite a few respondents respected the ecological importance of scorpions, but most of them also admitted fear for this group. More than 70% of them had either been stung or knew about somebody been stung by scorpions. The respondents reported both the use of official medicine (e.g., analgesics) and traditional remedies (the article has a list of these). 

The authors recommend community-based conservation programs that should integrate local knowledge with public health strategies to improve the cohabitation between scorpions and humans.

Abstract:
Scorpions are voracious predators that play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance within food chains. However, they are also notorious for their venom. Understanding ecological knowledge within local populations helps illuminate the intricate relationship between humans and nature. This study investigates the ecological knowledge and uses of scorpion fauna in three municipalities (Caetés, Cumaru, and Limoeiro) in Pernambuco state, Northeast Brazil—primarily engaged in agricultural activities. We administered a 25-question questionnaire, made available online to adult residents, designed to capture their experiences and perceptions regarding these invertebrates. A total of 121 responses were collected (42 from Caetés, 40 from Limoeiro, and 39 from Cumaru). Results revealed that over 70% of participants had either been victims of scorpion stings or knew someone who had experienced scorpionism. Traditional methods, including substances such as milk, alcohol, ice, and even the scorpion itself, were employed in 33% of cases to treat stings, highlighting gaps in public health education regarding venomous sting management. Respondents classified scorpions within the “insect” ethnocategory and used color to distinguish ethnospecies: yellow, red, and black scorpions. Notably, 88.4% of respondents acknowledged the ecological importance of these creatures, while 79.3% admitted fear of them, yet over 60% recognized their significance for humans. This tension underscores opportunities for community-based conservation programs that integrate local knowledge with public health strategies. The alignment between local perceptions and scientific references suggests potential for integrated approaches to mitigate scorpion-related risks while preserving their ecological roles in agricultural landscapes.

Reference:
de Azevedo Gonzaga LE, de Lima JR, da Silva MA, de Moura GJB, de Araujo Lira AF. Traditional ecological knowledge of scorpions in human communities in a Brazilian semiarid region. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 2025;Published 27 November 2025. [Subscription required for full text]

Pregnant woman stung by Parabuthus maximus in Kenya

 

I usually do not blog all scorpion envenomation reports, but I found this one of special interest as the victim was a pregnant women and the case involved a Parabuthus Pocock, 1890 (Buthidae) species from Kenya. We know quite a lot about the consequences of Parabuthus envenomations from southern Africa, but there are fewer documented cases from East Africa.

Felix Pius Omullo recently published a case report involving a 36 week pregnant women stung by a confirmed Parabuthus maximus Werner, 1913 (Buthidae) in Kenya. Thanks to quick treatment and administration of species-specific antivenom, both the mother and the fetus improved quickly. Both mother and the baby were well two weeks after the baby was born. 

The article discusses the case and the interventions necessary in cases like this.

PS! The dark discoloration shown in the picture of the sting site on the heel is due to traditional medicine first aid using a pasty substance made of a mixture of Kiwi shoe polish and Colgate toothpaste.

Abstract:
BACKGROUND
Scorpion envenomation in pregnancy is a rare but potentially fatal obstetric emergency, with limited evidence on optimal management and antivenom safety. Neurotoxic venom induces autonomic storms, threatening maternal cardiovascular stability and uteroplacental perfusion, which can lead to fetal distress or demise.

CASE SUMMARY
A 31-year-old gravida 4, para 3 woman at 36 weeks’ gestation presented 30 minutes after a confirmed Parabuthus maximus sting to her right foot. She manifested systemic envenomation, including agitation, profuse sweating, tachycardia (142 bpm), and hypertension (168/102 mmHg). Cardiotocography revealed fetal tachycardia (175-180 bpm). A multidisciplinary team initiated intravenous morphine, midazolam, and species-specific antivenom (South African Vaccine Producers Polyvalent Scorpion Antivenom), resulting in the resolution of maternal and fetal symptoms within 12 hours. Critically, antivenom was administered within 40 minutes of the sting, which likely contributed to the rapid reversal of the catecholamine surge. A key factor enabling this rapid and targeted response was the patient’s action of capturing the scorpion, allowing for precise species identification. The pregnancy progressed uneventfully to term, culminating in an uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a healthy infant.

CONCLUSION
This case illustrates that scorpion envenomation in late pregnancy poses a dual threat to both maternal and fetal well-being. Prompt recognition, continuous fetal monitoring, and the very early administration of antivenom-buttressed by multidisciplinary care-can avert catastrophic outcomes. This case provides supporting evidence that antivenom can be safe and effective during the third trimester, even in resource-constrained environments. Public education on safe first aid, including bringing the scorpion for identification, is essential.

Reference:
Omullo FP. Successful management of third-trimester scorpion envenomation (Parabuthus maximus) in a resource-limited setting: A case report. World J Clin Cases. 2026;14(2):114762. [Open Access]

Two papers on the venom and venom effect of Tityus species in Brazil

 

As most of you know, there are several medical important scorpions in the Genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae) in Brazil and other countries of South America. Knowledge of the venom composition of dangerous scorpions and their clinical effect is important, both for understanding how they work, but also to develop effective anti-venom therapy. In addition, studying scorpion venom is also important to see if there are components that can be used in medical research.

Last fall there was published two papers on the biochemistry and the effects of the venom of several species of Tityus (and one species of Brotheas C.L. Koch, 1837 in Chactidae). I refer to the abstracts below for further details on these studies.

Paper 1:

Abstract:
Scorpionism is a growing public health concern in Brazil, with the Amazon region presenting the highest mortality rates but remaining understudied, especially regarding local scorpion venoms composition. This study presents the first comprehensive biochemical characterization of venoms from three Amazonian species—Tityus metuendus (TmetuV), Tityus silvestris (TsilvV), and Brotheas amazonicus (BamazV)—using an integrated approach combining Multi-Enzymatic Limited Digestion (MELD)-based bottom-up proteomics, highresolution LC-MS/MS, chromatography, zymography, and enzymatic assays. Tityus serrulatus venom was included as a reference. Significant biochemical differences were observed: TsilvV was rich in 20–30 kDa proteins and showed strong metalloprotease activity; BamazV exhibited high molecular weight proteins and potent phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity but lacked proteolytic and fibrinogenolytic activities; TmetuV showed the highest hyaluronidase activity and abundance of α-KTx neurotoxins. Zymography revealed a conserved ~45 kDa hyaluronidase in all species. Three novel components were partially characterized: BamazPLA2 (Group III PLA2), Tmetu1 (37-residue α-KTx), and TsilvMP_A (a metalloprotease homologous to antarease). This is the first application of MELD-based proteomics to Amazonian scorpion venoms, revealing molecular diversity and functional divergence within Tityus and Brotheas, emphasizing the need for region-specific antivenoms. These findings provide a foundation for future pharmacological studies and the discovery of bioactive peptides with therapeutic potential.

Reference:
Bordon KCF, Santos GC, Martins JG, Wiezel GA, Amorim FG, Crasset T, et al. Pioneering Comparative Proteomic and Enzymatic Profiling of Amazonian Scorpion Venoms Enables the Isolation of Their First α-Ktx, Metalloprotease, and Phospholipase A(2). Toxins (Basel). 2025;17(8). [Open Access]

Paper 2:

Abstract:
Scorpion stings are considered a neglected condition and represent a serious health problem in many tropical countries, especially for children and the elderly. In Brazil, the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) is widely found and responsible for the majority of severe envenoming cases; however, other medically relevant species endemic to the Brazilian Amazon region, such as Tityus silvestris, Tityus metuendus and Tityus obscurus, remain underexplored. In the present study, we characterized the clinical, inflammatory and histopathological responses induced by venoms from these Amazonian species in a murine model (Balb/c mice), using T. serrulatus as a reference. Envenomation with T. silvestris resulted in pronounced systemic manifestations, including elevated clinical scores, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, cytokine release (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10), and tissue injury in the lungs and kidneys, comparable to the pathophysiological manifestations from T. serrulatus venom. In contrast, T. metuendus and T. obscurus induced milder inflammatory profiles. It is noteworthy that cross-reactivity assays revealed limited immunoreactivity and reduced in vivo neutralization of T. metuendus and T. obscurus venoms by the commercially available T. serrulatus-based antivenom. These findings reveal critical limitations in relying on a single-species antivenom for treating scorpion envenomation across diverse regions and underscore the need for region-specific therapeutic strategies tailored to the distinct venom profiles and pathogenicity of Amazonian Tityus species.

Reference:
Zoccal KF, de Castro Figueiredo Bordon K, Reis MB, Rosa Nunes de Souza Chini PB, Martins JG, Zuanazzi BA, et al. Divergent clinical, inflammatory, and histopathological responses induced by Amazonian Tityus venoms: insights and limitations of current antivenom therapy. Biochimie. 2025;238(Pt B):159–71. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Jonas Martins for sending me the two articles!

Microbiota discovered in the venom of two scorpion species

 

There is a great research interest in scorpion venom these days, especially the hunt for toxins and other elements that can be used in medical research. The scorpion venom is known to contain a cocktail of peptids, enzymes and other inorganic and organic compounds, but it has been believed that the venom has been sterile venom it comes to bacteria and other microbiota.

Barbara Murdoch and co-workers recently published an article revealing the presence of several bacteria in the venom of the scorpions Paruoctonus becki (Gertsch & Allred, 1965) (Vaejovidae) and Anuroctonus phaiodactylus (Wood, 1863) (Anuroctonidae). This is the first report of microbiota in scorpion venom.

Matt Simon, who informed me about this article, noticed several interesting facts in this article. Firstly, many of the observed bacteria are known to have evolved for extreme conditions, Secondly, one of the observed genera (Nocardioides) is known to produce antimicrobial compounds. The latter is especially interesting, as it may suggest that antibiotic properties of scorpion venom may not be caused by the scorpion itself, but by bacteria in the venom.

Abstract:
With low nutrient availability and presence of numerous antimicrobial peptides, animal venoms have been traditionally considered to be harsh sterile environments that lack bacteria. Contrary to this assumption, recent studies of animal venom and venom-producing tissues have revealed the presence of diverse microbial communities, warranting further studies of potential microbiota in other venomous animals. In this study we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to elucidate whether scorpion venom contained bacteria, to characterize the bacterial communities, and determine if venom microbiomes differed across geologically complex geographic locations. Our study compares the venom microbiome of two scorpion species, sampled from sites in the Mojave and Great Basin deserts, Paruoctonus becki (family of Vaejovidae) and Anuroctonus phaiodactylus (family of Anuroctonidae), and represents the first assessment of microbial diversity ever conducted using the venom secretion itself, rather than the venom-producing organ and its surrounding tissues.

Reference:
Murdoch B, Kleinschmit AJ, Santibáñez-López CE, Graham MR. Microbiota discovered in scorpion venom. PLoS One. 2026;21(1):e0328427. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon for informing me about this papers and for his comments! 

Melanism in two buthid species from Saudi Arabia

 

Body coloration is important for many animals and is assumed to play a part in part in camouflage, thermoregulation, protection against UV damage, and increased immunity to parasites. In species inhabiting dark surfaces in their habitat, dark body colors may have evolved to increase the camouflage. 

Margareta Lakusic and co-workers have recently published an article describing different levels of dark melanism in the two buthids Leiurus haenggii Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 and Compsobuthus manzonii (Borelli, 1915) from Saudi Arabia. The scorpions were found on dark volcanic substrate or within transition zones between light-colored substrates and dark lava flows.

Abstract:
Body colouration is involved in multiple aspects of species ecology and behaviour. Melanism, a common colour polymorphism, has been associated with camouflage and thermoregulation, particularly in diverse, high-altitude habitats of arid regions. This study reports the first case of melanism in the lacertid Acanthodactylus boskianus, two scorpions, Leiurus haenggii and Compsobuthus manzonii, and the first records of brown-black melanistic colouration in three rodent species, Acomys dimidiatus, Meriones crassus, and Sekeetamys calurus, in the dark lavafields (harrat) of north-western Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it expands observations of melanism in the endemic colubrid Rhynchocalamus hejazicus and provides the first documented records of brown-black melanistic Acomys russatus for the region, consistent with earlier predictions. These observations suggest that colour polymorphism may serve a cryptic function through background matching in both diurnal and nocturnal species, but other roles of melanism should be further investigated. Despite their extent, lava fields in arid regions remain poorly studied due to their remoteness and limited accessibility, yet they offer unique opportunities to investigate phenotypic evolution in arid ecosystems.

Reference:
Lakušić M, Roumelioti M, Licata F, Bilancioni M, Ferreira DF, Khalatbari L, et al. Melanism in scorpions, reptiles and rodents inhabiting the volcanic fields of north-western Saudi Arabia. Journal of Arid Environments. 2026;233:105548. [Full text supplied by authors]

New data on the distribution of Buthiscus bicalcaratus in Algeria

 

 Zineb Souilem and co-workers have recently published an article presenting new distribution records and range extension for the Saharan scorpion Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 (Buthidae) in Algeria.

Abstract:
This study includes new distribution records and range extension for the Saharan scorpion Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 in Algeria, where new specimens were collected from several localities across diverse biotopes. These findings document a significant expansion of the species, both northward and southwestward, providing important insights into its ecological adaptability and contributing to a better understanding of the environmental changes affecting arid and semi-arid regions. It will be crucial to keep focus on B. bicalcaratus in order to comprehend the ecological factors influencing its variations in range and to use the species as a measure of desertification in North Africa.

Reference:
Souilem Z, Sadine SE, Hammou MA, El Bouhissi  M, Chedad A, Zebsa R, et al. Range extension of Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 in Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(47):151–4. [No full text available, contact authors]

Thanks to Salah Eddine Sadine for sending me their article! 

Family Buthidae 

A redescription of Buthacus ahaggar from Algeria

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 (Buthidae) from Algeria based on new materials. The female is described for the first time.

Abstract:
Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 was originally described based on a male holotype specimen from the Tamanrasset Region, Algeria. In this study, the morphology of the species is redescribed based on additional specimens collected from the same region, including both sexes. We describe the female morphology here for the first time. A detailed color illustration is also provided.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Benali N, Derradj L. First Description of the Female and Morphological Analysis of Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Commagene Journal of Biology. (1):1–5. [Open Access]

Thanks to Noureddine Benali for informing me about their new article!

Family Buthidae 

New study on the genus Auyantepuia and two new species from French Guiana

 

16.01.26: New species names are updated with correct year.  

The status of the genus Auyantepuia (Gonzalez-Sponga, 1978) (Chactidae) is controversial and some authors have synonymized the genus with other genera. In the recent years, several authors have accepted the validity of this genus, and The Scorpion Files has now listed the genus and the species originally placed within the genus.

Recently, Eric Ythier and co-workers have published a phylogenomic analysis of the genus Auyantepuia in French Guiana. Current species are diagnosed and two new species are described.

Auyantepuia kwata Ythier, Chevalier, Moreau & Murienne, 2026 

Auyantepuia mammandian Ythier, Chevalier, Moreau & Murienne, 2026 

The article has an identification key for the nine known species in French Guiana.

Abstract:
A review of the scorpions of the genus Auyantepuia (Scorpiones, Chactidae) in French Guiana is conducted using an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular analysis performed on the mitochondrial genome of most species occurring in the territory and more traditional morphological analyses, leading to the descriptions of two new species, Auyantepuia kwata sp. nov. and Auyantepuia manmandinan sp. nov. Diagnoses are presented for all Auyantepuia species occurring in French Guiana and an identification key is proposed. The total number of recognized species in the genus Auyantepuia species is raised to 15.

Reference:
Ythier E, Chevalier J, Moreau L, Murienne J. A phylogenomic analysis of the genus Auyantepuia (Scorpiones: Chactidae) in French Guiana with the descriptions of two new species. European Journal of Taxonomy. 2026(1034):31–57. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me this article!

Family Chactidae 

Sexual stings in scorpions - knock-out drug or love potion?

 

I have taken the liberty to steal the title of Yuqi Reitsema-Wang and co-workers very interesting review article on sexual stings in scorpion that was published recently. Scorpions use their venom and sting for several purposes like defense and prey capturing. Less known is the sexual stings that have been observed as a part of the courtship for several species of scorpions.

The authors give an introduction to this fascinating behavior in scorpions and discuss what is known about the composition of the venom used in sexual stings (venom metering, prevenom, venom heterogeneity and venom plasticity), how do males control the delivery of venom during sexual stings and how do sexual stings affect the females (are they drugged into submission or is the venom a "love potion" encouraging the females to mate?). In addition, the authors also discuss the evolution of sexual stings in scorpions.

The article is open about not having the answers to the mystery of sexual stings and suggest how to further investigate this special behavior in the future.

Abstract:
Conspecific male to female envenomation, though rare, has been documented across venomous taxa. While traditionally interpreted as a coercive mating strategy to enhance male reproductive success and to avoid cannibalism, this explanation may not fully account for the behaviour in scorpions, which exhibit minor sexual size dimorphism and complex courtship rituals. This review explores the possibly multifaceted roles of sexual stinging in scorpions. We highlight potential adaptive strategies, such as venom metering and compositional plasticity, that allow males to subdue females without causing lethal harm. We discuss hypotheses on the evolution of sexual stings, ranging from sexual coercion to chemical seduction and cooperative signalling. Finally, we propose future research directions, including comparative venomics, behavioural assays, and ecological studies, to shed light on the selective pressures that shape this enigmatic behaviour. By integrating insights from physiology, ecology, and evolution, this review advances our understanding of sexual envenomation as a dynamic interplay between conflict and cooperation in scorpion reproductive strategies.

Reference:
Reitsema-Wang Y, Simone Y, Jenner R, Lüddecke T, Herzig V, Krämer J. Sexual stings in scorpions-knock-out drug or love potion? Frontiers in Arachnid Science. 2025;4:1688532. [Open Access]

A new species of Ananteris from northeastern Brazil

 

Wilson Lourenco and Eric Ythier recently published an article describing a new species of Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Ananteridae) from the state of Maranhão in Brazil.

Ananteris penitente Lourenco & Ythier, 2025

Abstract:
A new species of the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 is described from the South of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Ananteris penitente sp. n. is described based on one male specimen collected in the region of the Serra do Penitente, nearby the Rio Panela, in a transitional zone between Gallery Forests and Cerrados. This is the third Ananteris species recorded from this Brazilian state. The number of Ananteris species described from the Northeast region of Brazil is raised to nine, while the number of Ananteris species known for the scorpion fauna of Brazil is now raised to 32.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Ythier E. A new synthesis for the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) for the northeast region of Brazil and description of a new species. Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(47):19–24. [Full text supplied by authors]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about their new article!

Family Ananteridae 

The discovery of the genus Uroplectes on Madagascar and the Comoros Islands and some taxonomical decisions

 

In a recent article, Wilson Lourenco and co-workers present some taxonomic analysis on the genus Uroplectes Peters, 1861 (Buthidae) after discovering the presence of this genus on Madagascar. Here are the main findings/decisions:

Uroplectes nigrimanus (Pocock, 1890) from Kenya and Tanzania is revalidated to species status after been in synonymy with  Uroplectes fischeri (Karsch, 1879).

Uroplectes nigrimanus nigrocarinatus (Kraepelin, 1913) is reserved for the populations in Madagascar. The subspecies Uroplectes fischeri nigrocarinatus Kraepelin, 1913, which was used for the population from Tanzania, is synonymized with Uroplectes nigrimanus typicus (Pocock, 1890).

Uroplectes nigrimanus maore Lourenco, Wilme & Ythier, 2025. New subspecies used for the populations in the island of Mayotte.

Uroplectes xanthogrammus Pocock, 1897 from Tanzania is synonymized with Uroplectes nigrimanus (Pocock, 1890). 

Abstract:
A taxonomic analysis is proposed for the species of the genus Uroplectes Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) present in Oriental Africa and associated with Uroplectes nigrimanus (Pocock, 1890), species originally known from Kenya. U. nigrimanus is revalidated at present and two subspecies namely Uroplectes nigrimanus nigrocarinatus (Kraepelin, 1913), a priori described from Madagascar and Uroplectes nigrimanus maore ssp. nov., described here from specimens collected in Mayotte, are defined here as subspecies of U. nigrimanus. Comments are also added about the possible ways of dispersion of Uroplectes species from African coast to Madagascar and Mayotte.

Reference:
Lourenço WR, Wilmé L, Ythier E. A propos de la présence du genre Uroplectes Peters, 1861 à Madagascar et aux Comores: caractérisation de deux populations avec la définition de deux sous-espèces distinctes (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Revue Arachnologique. 2025;Serie 2(12):42–9.

Thanks to Gerard and Eric for sending me this article and for answering my questions! 

Family Buthidae

A new species of Opisthacanthus from Madagascar

 

Wilson Lourenco and co-workers have recently described a new species of Opisthacanthus Peters, 1861 (Hormuridae) from the Baie d’Antongil, located in the North-East portion of Madagascar.

Opisthacanthus antongil Lourenco, Wilme & Ythier, 2025

The distribution and biogeography of the genus is also discussed.

Abstract:
New comments are presented on the extraordinary diversity of the genus Opisthacanthus in Madagascar, with a similar number of species as in continental Africa, and a larger number of species than in Neotropical region. An African centre of origin can always be suggested for this group of scorpions, particularly in account of some associated Cretaceous fossil elements. The Gondwana model proposed equally suggests that the Madagascar Opisthacanthus could be closer to those of the New World, which is consistent with the affinities observed in morphological characters. A further new species, Opisthacanthus antongil sp. n., is described from the Baie d’Antongil, in a dense humid forest, located in the North-East portion of Madagascar. The new species shows particular affinities with Opisthacanthus piceus Lourenço & Goodman, 2006 known from the humid forests of the National Park of Andohahela, South of Vohibaka, located in the South-East portion of the island. The new species and O. piceus share similar external morphologies and in particular a blackish general coloration, with the exception of the telson’s coloration; however, the general chetotaxy is markedly different. The total number of species in Madagascar is now raised to 15. Hypotheses are also proposed about the species which inhabit humid formations in Madagascar.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Wilme L, Ythier E. On the Malagasy species of Opisthacanthus peters, 1861 distributed in rainforest formations (Scorpiones: Hormuridae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(47):73–81. [Full text supplied by authors]

Family Hormuridae 

New study on taxonomy, distribution and habitat of the medical important genus Hemiscorpius in Iran

 

The genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae) is the probably the main scorpion taxa outside the family Buthidae that can cause death and serious morbidity in humans. This genus is represented with eight species in Iran and information about taxonomy, distribution and habitat preferences is very information to prevent sting cases.

Hossein Dehghan and co-workers have recently published a study on morphology, genetics, and ecological niche modeling to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of Hemiscorpius in southern Iran. The study also resulted in a new species from the Kerman Province.  

Hemiscorpius aratta Barahoei & Prendini, 2025

Abstract:
Eight species of the medically important scorpion genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been reported in Iran, three of which are responsible for most of the severe clinical cases of envenomation. However, morphological similarity complicates species delimitation in this genus, hindering the identification of species implicated in envenomations. The present study integrates morphology, DNA sequences, and ecological niche modeling to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of Hemiscorpius in southern Iran, providing taxonomic insights relevant to public health and biodiversity conservation. Morphometric analyses were performed to evaluate size and shape differences; molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I gene; and species distribution models, based on occurrence records and bioclimatic variables, were developed. Morphometric analyses revealed significant interspecific differences and sexual dimorphism. A new species was identified and described as Hemiscorpius aratta sp. n. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distinctiveness of the new species and revealed intraspecific variation in the type species, Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861, suggesting possible cryptic diversity. Southern Iran, particularly the coastline of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, represents a diversity hotspot for Hemiscorpius. Topographical barriers such as the Jebal Barez, Makkoran, and Zagros Mountain ranges promoted isolation and speciation, leading to high levels of endemism in the genus. Ecological niche models revealed that the distributions of Hemiscorpius species are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation. Coastal species are restricted to thermally stable maritime habitats, whereas semi-arid species occupy regions with higher temperature seasonality. Range-restricted species are habitat specialists, vulnerable to environmental change. This study reinforces the importance of integrating morphological, molecular, and ecological data for resolving taxonomic ambiguity.

Reference:
Dehghan H, Amiri Ghanat Saman E, Madjdzadeh SM, Amiri M, Moeinadini A, Prendini L, et al. Molecules, Morphometrics and Modeling of the Medically Important Genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in Iran Reveal New Species from Kerman. Insects. 2025;17(1):18. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for informing me about this article!

Family Hemiscorpiidae 

 

A redescription of Centruroides infamatus and the description of a new species from Mexico

 

Happy New Year! 

Javier Ponce-Saavedra and co-workers recently published an article with a redescription of Centruroides infamatus (C.L. Koch, 1844) from Mexico. The study also identify a new species that previously were considered a population of this species from the municipality of Jalpa in the southern region of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico.

Centruroides rommeli Ponce-Saavedra, Linares-Guillen, Quijano-Ravell & Chassin-Noria, 2025

The article is in Spanish. 

Abstract:
Centruroides infamatus (C.L. Koch) is redescribed based on individuals obtained from a population from the León, Guanajuato region, in central Mexico. The species is redescribed because in the original description only the country is mentioned as the type locality with no further details. Also, Centruroides rommeli sp. nov. is described based on individuals obtained from a population of scorpions from Jalpa, municipality of Jalpa in the southern region of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. This species is placed in the subgroup "infamatus" as part of the "striped" scorpions. Morphological comparisons are carried out with C. suffusus (Pocock) and C. vittatus (Say), both species that belong to the same subgroup talso recorded in Zacatecas. Additionally, is included the redescription of C. infamatus, because the population of the new species was previously identified with this specific name. Centruroides rommeli sp. nov. is sympatric with Mesomexovis spadix (Hoffmann), scorpions of the Vaejovidae family.

Reference:
Ponce J, Linares Guillén JW, Quijano-Ravell A, Chassin-Noria O. Redescription of Centruroides infamatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and description of a new species of “striped” scorpion of the “infamatus” subgroup from north-central México. Revista de la Sociedad Entomologica Argentina. 2025;84(4):e0409. [Full text supplied by authors]

Family Buthidae