Abdulhadi Aloufi and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from Saudi Arabia.
Scorpio furvus Aloufi, Afifeh, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2026
Abstract:
A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 is described from Al Ula Governorate, Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia. Scorpio furvus sp. nov. is distinguished from closely related congeners, including S. fuscus, S. kruglovi, S. palmatus, S. jordanensis, and S. yemenensis, by a unique combination of morphological characters notably the granulation pattern of the pedipalp chela, metasomal proportions, pectinal structure and length, and overall dark coloration. Morphometric comparisons further support its distinct status. The discovery of this species highlights the underestimated diversity of the genus Scorpio in the Arabian Peninsula and reinforces the view that the Scorpio maurus complex comprises multiple geographically restricted taxa requiring continued integrative taxonomic investigation.
Reference:
Aloufi A, Abu Afifeh B, Al-Saraireh M, Amr ZS. A New Species of Scorpio from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Taxonomy. 2026;6(2):26. [Open Access]
Thanks to Luis A. Roque for informing me about the new species.
