A potential explanation for the disjunct distributions of Western Mediterranean scorpions in the genus Euscorpius

 

The genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae) is widespread and have a high diversity in the Western Mediterranean, including several islands with endemic species. An interesting case is Euscorpius oglasae Caporiacco, 1950 from the island of Montecristo. Based on morphological analysis it has been regarded as closely related to the species Euscorpius balearicus Caporiacco, 1950 in the Balearic islands. But how is this possible as the distance between these islands is very large? 

Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and co-workers have recently published molecular study where they try to explain the disjunct distributions of Western Mediterranean scorpions in the genus Euscorpius. The study confirms the previous conclusion that the two above mentioned species are indeed closely related, and it offers an explanation of how the initial diversification of E. oglasae happened in the Paleogene time period.

Abstract:
Aim: Small wood-scorpions (Euscorpius Thorell, 1876) are widespread across the Mediterranean forests, mountains, coastlines, and islands of Europe. Their ancient origins make them an excellent model system for reconstructing the complex biogeographical history of the western Palaearctic. The present study focused on the islands of the western Mediterranean, which are geologically dynamic and harbour many endemic and relictual taxa, and on the relationships among Euscorpius species inhabiting Montecristo and the Balearic Islands, in particular. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) long-distance dispersal from the Balearic Islands after Montecristo emerged following the HT/LP plutonic intrusion (8.4–7.2 Ma), and (2) a multi-phase scenario beginning with vicariance from the Balearic, Calabrian, Corsican, Sardinian and Sicilian (Ba-Ca- Co- Sa- Si) microplate fragmentation, followed by dispersal to Montecristo during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma) or later Pliocene–Pleistocene sea-level regressions (3.6–0.2 Ma).
Location: Western Mediterranean islands of France, Spain, and Italy, including the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Tuscan Archipelago.
Time Periods: Eocene, Oligocene, Neogene, and Quaternary.
Taxon: Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae: Euscorpius Thorell, 1876: Euscorpius balearicus Caporiacco, 1950; Euscorpius canestrinii (Fanzago, 1872); Euscorpius concinnus (C.L. Koch, 1837); Euscorpius oglasae Caporiacco, 1950; Euscorpius sicanus (C.L. Koch, 1837).
Methods: Multi-locus phylogenies were inferred from 2815 base-pairs of concatenated DNA sequence of the nuclear region comprising 18S rDNA (partial) and the Internal Transcribed Spacer II, and mitochondrial 12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I loci using Maximum Likelihood, and divergence times estimated in a Bayesian framework with conservative fossil calibration constraints. Ancestral areas and biogeographical transitions were reconstructed using parametric models complemented by Principal Coordinates Analysis and Isolation-by- Distance tests to assess spatial genetic structure.
Results: Molecular clock dating and biogeographical analyses suggest initial diversification of E. oglasae occurred after break-up of the Ba-Ca- Co- Sa- Si microplate during the Oligocene (25.9 Ma), which transferred the lineage to the Corsica-Sardinia block. A likely passive dispersal event (i.e., transient lands, orogenies) towards Montecristo only occurred after its emergence (8.4–7.2 Ma), probably during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.97–5.33 Ma).

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Isaia M, Barba-Montoya J, Tolve M, Roppo M, Prendini L. Ancient Divergence, Recent Island: Microplate Fragmentation and Dispersal Explain Disjunct Distributions of Western Mediterranean Scorpions. Journal of Biogeography. 2026;53(9). [Subscription required for full text]

New location and DNA barcoding of Euscorpius vailatii from Trizonia Island in Greece)

 

 Konstantinos Kalaentzis and co-workers recently published a new, insular location of Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 (Euscorpiidae) from Trizonia Island in Greece. Molcular data was also collect from the species and a phylogenetic analysis is presented.

Abstract:
Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), originally described from Aitoloakarnania and Fokida (Greece), is herein reported from Trizonia Island in the Gulf of Corinth, representing the first insular record for the species. The examined specimens are consistent with the diagnostic morphology of E. vailatii. The first molecular data for the species are provided, based on both mainland and insular populations. Comparative analyses further highlight the distinctiveness of E. vailatii from geographically close congeners, while phylogenetic results indicate a sister-taxon relationship with E. erymanthius, supporting a Quaternary biogeographic history shaped by the evolution of the Gulf of Corinth system.

Reference:
Kalaentzis K, Frigioni F, Panagiotopoulos A, Tzoras E, Minoudi S, Triantafyllidis A. First insular record and DNA barcoding of Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 from Trizonia Island (Fokida, Greece). Euscorpius. 2026;2026(439):1–6. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae 

A new species of Alpiscorpius from from Denizli Province in Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur has described a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from from Denizli Province in Turkey.

Alpiscorpius kaleensis Yagmur, 2026 

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov., is described from Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius, based on the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from all congeners by its orange-yellow males and brownish-orange females, the presence of distinct ventrolateral carinae on metasomal segment V, six trichobothria in the Pv series, and five trichobothria in the et series. The new species is compared with Alpiscorpius akkayai, A. hakani, and A. honazicus, all of which occur in Denizli Province, as well as with A. huyukensis from Konya Province, its most similar congener. With the description of this new species, the number of recognised species of Euscorpiidae in Turkey increases to 27, and the genus Alpiscorpius is now represented by 14 species in the country.

Reference:
Yağmur EA. Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov., a new scorpion species from Denizli Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Zoology in the Middle East. 2026:1–18. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me his new article!

Family Euscorpiidae 

A new species of Alpiscorpius from Denizli Province in Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur has recently described a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from near the Çardak District, Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey. In addition, re-examination of two species in the same region have resulted in two new combinations.

New species:

Alpiscorpius akkayai Yagmur, 2026

New combinations:

Alpiscorpius hakani (Tropea & Yagmur, 2016) [Transferred from Euscorpius Thorell, 1876]

Alpiscorpius honazicus (Tropea, Yagmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis & Yesilyurt, 2016) [Transferred from Euscorpius Thorell, 1876]

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n., is described from near Lake Acıgöl, Çardak District, Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al. based on the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n. can be readily distinguished from all its congeners by its yellow-orange body and yellow or yellow-orange metasomal colouration; the presence of distinct ventrolateral carinae on metasomal segment V; the presence of seven trichobothria in the Pv series; and five to six trichobothria in the et series. Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n. was collected from a low-altitude locality geographically close to the known distributions of Euscorpius hakani Tropea and Yağmur and Euscorpius honazicus Tropea, Yağmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis and Yeşilyurt. Therefore, the occurrence of this new species in this locality is unexpected. Both species are herein transferred to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al. because they possess three trichobothria in the em series and a reduced number of trichobothria in the Pv series (Pv = 7 and 6, respectively), and the new species is particularly compared to these two species. With the description of this new species and the new combinations Alpiscorpius hakani (Tropea and Yağmur) comb. n. and Alpiscorpius honazicus (Tropea, Yağmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis and Yeşilyurt) comb. n., the number of recognised species of the family Euscorpiidae increases to 26, and the genus Alpiscorpius is now represented by 13 species in Turkey.

Reference:
Yağmur EA. Alpiscorpius akkayai an unexpected new species from Denizli Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(29-32):1645–61. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for informing me about the new species!

Family Euscorpiidae 

A new species of Euscorpius from Montenegro

 

Still enjoying my holiday, but time to start reading all the scorpion articles that have piled up. I'm starting with a recent article by Frantisek Kovarik that describes a new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae) from Montenegro. This is the third Euscorpius species from this country.

Euscorpius emae Kovarik, 2026

Abstract:
A new species Euscorpius emae sp. n. (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) from Montenegro is described, fully complemented with color photographs. E. emae sp. n. is morphologically unique by having yellow to orange color, very narrow metasoma and enlarged chela. Pedipalp patella external trichobothria numbers are 4eb, 4eba, 2esb, 4em, 4est, 5et, and ventral aspect of patella with 9 trichobothria.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Euscorpius emae sp. n. (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), a new scorpion species from Montenegro. Euscorpius. 2026(436):1–7. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae 

DNA barcoding and distribution of euscorpiid scorpions from Kosovo

 

Donard Geci and co-workers have recently published a study of the little known scorpion fauna of Kosovo. A DNA barcoding together with morphological characters confirmed for the first time the presence of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco, 1950) (Euscorpiidae) in Kosovo. Illustrations to facilitate the identification of this species is provided. The distribution of Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco, 1950 in Kosovo is expanded.

Abstract:
This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii, previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo).

Reference:
Geci D, Ibrahimi H, Bilalli A, Musliu M, Strohmeier T, Koblmüller S, et al. DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(21-24):1243–58. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Euscorpiidae 

A new species of Euscorpius from Rhodes Island, Greece

 

It has been quiet about European Euscorpiidae for awhile after several decades of many new genera and species from what was originally less than 10 species. Several new species have been described from many of the Greek islands, showing the importance of insular isolation and diversity. 

Konstantinos Kalaentzis and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae) from the Greek island Rhodes based on morphological and molecular analysis. 

Euscorpius diagorasi Kalaentzis & Frigioni, 2026

Abstract:
The genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 comprises a diverse and taxonomically challenging group of scorpions in the Mediterranean, with Greece representing one of its principal centers of diversity. In this study, we provide an integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n., a new species from Rhodes Island, Greece. The new species is described on the basis of adult male and female morphology and mitochondrial COI sequence data. It is a small oligotrichous species characterized by a total length of approximately 21–25 mm, pale yellow to light brown coloration with darker reddish-brown pedipalps, pectinal tooth count of 8 in the male and 7 in the females, Pv = 7–8, Pe-et = 5–6, and a distinct mitochondrial lineage. Phylogenetic analyses based on COI recovered the Rhodian specimens as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage, sister to E. vignai from Karpathos. Species delimitation analyses with BIN assignment, ABGD, and ASAP consistently supported the Rhodes population as a separate molecular unit. Morphologically, the new species differs from E. vignai and other geographically proximate Aegean and Anatolian congeners in a combination of body size, coloration, trichobothrial counts, pectinal tooth counts, carinal development and granulations. The species was found in pine forest habitat beneath the bark of Pinus brutia, suggesting an association with sheltered corticolous microhabitats. The description of E. diagorasi sp. n. adds to the growing evidence of insular diversification in Greek Euscorpius and highlights the still underestimated scorpion diversity of the Dodecanese.

Reference:
Kalaentzis K, Frigioni F, Kaitetzidou E, Iannucci A, riantafyllidis A. An integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n. from Rhodes, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Euscorpius. 2026(428):1–14.

Family Euscorpiidae 

An observation of scorpion predation on a gecko in Greece

 

Scorpions prey on a wide variety of invertebrate prey and generally you can say that they will catch and eat any prey they can subdue without to much risk.  As most of you probably know, they can catch and eat vertebrate prey too as long as the can subdue them. Cases of predation on amphibians, reptiles and even small mammals have been reported. 

In a recent paper, Noureddine Benali and Guillaume Gomard have described a case of vertebrate predation from Greece where an Aegaeobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Buthidae) was seen eating on a juvenile gecko Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758). 

The authors think that this is not an isolated case and that opportunistic scorpions will catch and eat any prey they can subdue.

Abstract:
We report a natural case of predation on the gecko Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758) by Aegaeobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) in Western Peloponnese, Greece. The event was recorded during a nocturnal survey in a sandy habitat. The scorpion was observed grasping the gecko with its pedipalps and feeding on it. This observation provides new insights into the trophic interactions of A. gibbosus.

Reference:
Benali N, Gomard G. Predation on the gecko Tarentola mauritanica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) by the scorpion Aegaeobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in western Peloponnese, Greece. Serket. 2025;21(1):60–3. [Full text supplied bu authors] 

Thanks to Noureddine Benali and Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me this article!  

How many Buthus species are there in Europe and how did they evolve?

 

As mentioned in  previous post, the number of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) species in Europe grew from one single species to more than 20. Earlier this year, this number was reduced to nine valid species. This decision was based on  rigorous phylogenetic analyses combining morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphometric analyses, and ecological data.

In a new study, which was supposed to be published before the article mentioned above, Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and co-workers looks more deeply into the DNA og genetics of the Iberian Buthus species. This is complex stuff, way beyond my knowledge. I have therefor asked co-author Yuri simon to explain this article for us in more laymen terms:

 In this study, the authors re-examined the number of species within the European Buthus scorpions. Over the years, the group experienced a rapid increase in the number of described species, mostly because they show a great morphological diversity. 

However, this high morphological diversity is not always reflected in their DNA. The fast-changing mitochondrial DNA (inherited only from the mother) often suggests many species, while the more slowly evolving nuclear DNA (inherited from both parents) tells a different story. When these two genetic signals disagree, a situation known as mito-nuclear discordance, making difficult to define clear species boundaries. Moreover, since the past climate changes and the region’s complex landscape repeatedly separated and later reconnected populations, these scorpions sometimes met again after long periods apart and interbred creating in some cases hybrid populations showing some morphological intermediate characters which has contributed to the large number of taxa described. 

By combining genetic evidence with morphology and species distribution modelling, we found that the evolutionary history of Buthus in Iberia is far more complex than a simple “split and diverge” story. It involves repeated cycles of isolation, reconnection, and hybridization. Our results show that no single source of data—neither morphology nor mitochondrial or nuclear DNA alone—is sufficient to accurately define these species. Instead, an integrative approach is necessary. Using this approach, we concluded that the number of valid European Buthus species is likely much lower than previously thought, reducing it from around 20 to roughly half.

Abstract:
Mito-nuclear (or cytonuclear) discordance, evolutionary incongruence between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, is a widespread but underappreciated phenomenon that may obscure signals of introgression and hybridization important for understanding evolutionary trajectories and species boundaries. The present study explored the roles of secondary contact and introgressive hybridization in the diversification of Buthus Leach, 1815 scorpions in the Iberian Peninsula, a hotspot for mito-nuclear discordance, in which complex topography and glacial history facilitated repeated cycles of isolation and secondary contact. Patterns of mito-nuclear discordance were predicted to be consistent with overlapping distributions, similar ecological niches, and intermediate phenotypes. By integrating genomic, morphological, and ecological data, the intricate evolutionary history of Buthus, shaped by vicariance, reticulation and ecological opportunity, was revealed. The results underscore the role of introgressive hybridization in shaping patterns of biodiversity and the need to consider mito-nuclear discordance in species delimitation. 

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Simone Y, Paulo OS, Prendini L. Mito-nuclear discordance reveals introgressive hybridization following vicariance and secondary contact in Iberian scorpions (Buthidae: Buthus). BMC Ecol Evol. 2025;25(1):112. [Open access]

Thanks to Yuri for sending me their article and for for writing a layman version of a summary for the article! 

A new species of Alpiscorpius from Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur recently published an article describing a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from northern Turkey.

Alpiscorpius tropeai Yagmur, 2025

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius tropeai sp.n., is described from Gümüşhane and Tokat Provinces in northern Turkey. The species is classified within the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 based on the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella and is characterized by a low trichobothrial count (Pv = 5 and et = 4). With this addition, the number of known species in the family Euscorpiidae increased to 25, while in the genus Alpiscorpius to nine species now in Turkey.

Reference:
Yagmur EA. Alpiscorpius tropeai sp.n. from the Gümüşhane and Tokat Provinces, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Arthropoda Selecta. 2025;34:377–86. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me his new article!

Family Euscorpiidae

A new species of Alpiscorpius from Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur and Halil Yayh have recently published an article describing a new species of  Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from Sultan Mountains in Turkey.

Alpiscorpius huyukensis Yagmur, 2025

In addition, the article transfers Euscorpius sultanensis Tropea & Yağmur, 2015 to Alpiscorpius. New status: Alpiscorpius sultanensis (Tropea & Yağmur, 2015).

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius huyukensis sp. n., is described from the western foothills of the Sultan Mountains, Konya Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999, due to the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. A. huyukensis sp. n. can be readily distinguished from its all congeners by its yellowish-orange or greyishorange body and yellow metasomal coloration, the fifth metasomal segment bearing distinct ventrolateral carinae, the presence of six trichobothria in the Pv series, and 4–5 trichobothria in the et series. A. huyukensis sp. n. clearly differs from the geographically close species Euscorpius sultanensis Tropea & Yağmur, 2015, by its reddish brown coloration and higher trichobothrial number in the et series (et = 5 versus 4). The latter species is transferred herein to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999, because it has three trichobothria in the em series and a lower number of trichobothria in the Pv series (Pv = 6). With the description of this species and the new combination for A. sultanensis (Tropea & Yağmur, 2015), comb. n., the number of recognized species of the family Euscorpiidae in Turkey increases to 25, with the genus Alpiscorpius represented by ten species.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Yayh HI. Alpiscorpius huyukensis sp. n., an unexpected new species from Sultan Mountains, Konya Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Euscorpius. 2025(425):1–15. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae

A systematic revision of the European Buthus species with 10 synonymizations

 

As readers of this blog will know, there have been major increase of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) species in Europe in the last two decades. Initially, the only species known from the Iberian Peninsula was Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789). But this species complex was split into several new species, and in 2025 the number had reached almost 20.

Recently, Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and co-workers published a major systematic revision based on samples collected across the known distribution, rigorous phylogenetic analyses combining morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphometric analyses, and ecological data. Their analysis has concluded with the synonymization of 10 species from the Iberian Peninsula. 

Buthus gonzalezdelavegai González-Moliné and Armas, 2024 is synonymzed with Buthus delafuentei Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus (Androctonus) ajax C.L. Koch, 1839 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus gabani Ythier, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus castellano Teruel and Turiel, 2022 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus baeticus Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus ibericus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004.

Buthus alacanti Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus serrano Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus pedrosousai Teruel and Turiel, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

 Buthus pyrenaeus Ythier, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789).

Buthus balmensis Ythier and Laborieux, 2022 is synonymized with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789).

The remaining nine valid species from the Iberian Peninsula are redescribed and data on distribution and habitats are given. A identification guide for the nine species is also available.

Abstract:
The Palearctic buthid scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815, distributed from southwestern Europe (southern France and the Iberian Peninsula) across Africa north of the Sahara, to the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, has undergone extensive taxonomic revision in the past two decades. Despite these efforts, its taxonomic composition remains confused, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Iberian Peninsula, where 20 putative species were recognized in the past two decades. Molecular phylogenetic studies of Buthus in northwestern Africa and southwestern Europe, based on a few, mostly mitochondrial gene loci, recovered a monophyletic origin for the European clade of Buthus and suggested the existence of several distinct lineages on the Iberian Peninsula. However, relationships with the species of Buthus from the North African Maghreb remained ambiguous. Morphological descriptions of new or revalidated species of Buthus, based in part on the molecular phylogenies but lacking robust diagnoses, and making little attempt to consider geographical variation, compounded the confusion. The present contribution provides a comprehensive, integrative revision of the European species of Buthus based on samples, including topotypes, collected across the known distribution, rigorous phylogenetic analyses combining morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphometric analyses, and ecological data. Nine valid species of Buthus are recognized across France, Portugal, and Spain, and 10 new synonyms presented: Buthus delafuentei Teruel and Turiel, 2020 = Buthus gonzalezdelavegai González-Moliné and Armas, 2024, syn. n.; Buthus elongatus Rossi, 2021; Buthus garcialorcai Teruel and Turiel, 2020; Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839) = Androctonus ajax C.L. Koch, 1839, syn. n. = Buthus gabani Ythier, 2021, syn. n. = Buthus castellano Teruel and Turiel, 2022, syn, n.; Buthus iaspis Teruel and Turiel, 2022; Buthus ibericus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004 = Buthus baeticus Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n.; Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020 = Buthus alacanti Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n. = Buthus serrano Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n. = Buthus pedrosousai Teruel and Turiel, 2021, syn. n.; Buthus montanus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004; Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789) = Buthus pyrenaeus Ythier, 2021, syn. n. = Buthus balmensis Ythier and Laborieux, 2022, syn. n. Revised, comparative diagnoses and illustrations are provided for each species, together with a distribution map and key to their identification.

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Simone Y, Prendini L. Systematic revision of the European species of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Bulletin of The American Museum of Natural History. 2025(476):1–131. [Open Access]

Thanks to Yuri for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

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 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 Alpiscorpius from The Murat Mountain in Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur has just published an article describing a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from The Murat Mountain in Turkey.

Alpiscorpius victori Yagmur, 2025

This species was found at quite high altitudes ranging from 1354 to 2073 meters. 

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius victori sp. n., is described from Mount Murat, located in Kütahya and Uşak Provinces in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological evidence. The species is classified within the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999, due to the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. With the addition of this species, the number of known species in the family Euscorpiidae rises to 23, while the genus Alpiscorpius now includes seven species in Turkey.

Reference:
Yagmur EA. Alpiscorpius victori sp. n. from the Murat Mountain, Kütahaya and Usak Provinces, Turkey (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae). Zoodiversity. 2025;59(2):101-12. [Open Acces, but issue is not available yet]

Thanks to Victoria for informing me about this article!

Second euscorpid species discovered from the Greek island of Lesvos and a change of genus

 

Ersen Yagmur and Özgün Sipahioğlu have recently published an article describing the discovery of Alpiscorpius idaeus (Yağmur & Tropea, 2017) (Euscorpiidae) from the island of Lesvos, Greece. In the article, the authors also make the decision to transfer this species from Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 to Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999.

Abstract:
The scorpion species Euscorpius idaeus Yağmur & Tropea, 2017, previously known from Mount Kazdağı in the Balıkesir and Çanakkale Provinces of Turkey, is reported for the first time from the Lesvos Island, Greece. In this study, it is transferred to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999. Detailed illustrations of Alpiscorpius idaeus (Yağmur & Tropea, 2017), comb. n. from the Lesvos Island population are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Sipahioğlu Ö. The first record of Alpiscorpius idaeus (Yağmur & Tropea, 2017), comb. n. from the Lesvos Island, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Euscorpius. 2025(409):1-6. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae

An overview of the scorpion fauna of the Iberian Peninsula

 

                                            Illustration: Rowanwindwhistler Wikipedia CC-BY-SA

The scorpion fauna in the Iberian Peninsula has grown from a few species to more than 20 in the last two decades. Gerard Dupre has recently published an overview of the current scorpion fauna from this region in Europe.

Abstract:
No abstract.

Reference:
Dupre G. La faune scorpionique de la Péninsule Ibérique (Arachnida : Scorpiones). Arachnides. 2025(121):8-12. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for sharing the content of Arachnides with The Scorpion Files!

A study of prey capture and foraging in the buthid Buthus montanus from Spain

 

Francisco Sanchez-Pinero and co-workers recently published a study of foraging strategies and prey selection in Buthus montanus Lourenco & Vachon, 2004 (Buthidae) from an arid area in southeastern Spain.

The study shows that Buthus occitanus is a generalist predator that capture a wide range of prey types. Cannibalism is a major part of the diet. This species has a varied hunting ground as it was observed to hunt for prey on the ground surface, below ground and in shrub canopies.

Abstract:
Scorpions are diverse and abundant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially in arid ecosystems where they play a relevant role as predators. However, few studies have examined diet composition, use of alternative foraging strategies, prey selection, and predator-prey size relationships of scorpions in different microhabitats. This study provides an analysis of the diet of Buthus montanus Lourenco & Vachon, 2004 in an arid area of SE Spain. Prey captured by scorpions were recorded during black-light censuses over the main activity season of B. montanus in the study area. Because scorpions were observed capturing prey on the ground surface, below ground, and in vegetation, prey availability was estimated using complementary methods for shrub- and ground-dwelling prey. Results show that B. montanus is a generalist predator that feeds on a diverse array of prey, although predatory arthropods and tenebrionid larvae comprised the highest proportion of its diet in both number of prey and biomass. Cannibalism was a major component of its diet, accounting for almost 25% of the biomass ingested, especially in large scorpions. The composition of the diet, prey-size variability, and predator-prey size relationship showed size-related differences. These size-related variations in the diet were also linked to habitat use, due to climbing vegetation by smaller scorpions. These results highlight the implications of ontogenetic shifts in the diet of B. montanus related to cannibalism by larger scorpions and climbing vegetation by smaller individuals, causing changes in the type of prey used by individuals of different size and predator-prey size relationships.

Reference:
Sánchez-Piñero F, Urbano-Tenorio F, Puerta-Rodríguez L. Foraging strategies, prey selection and size- and microhabitat-related diet variation in Buthus montanus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in an arid area of SE Spain. The Journal of Arachnology. 2025;52(3):189-98. [Subscription required for full text]

Review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans

 

Cavernicolous scorpions are fascinating with their choice of habitat and in some cases morphological adaptions. This group of scorpions are usually divided into four categories: Accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The categories are explained in the introduction of the article mentioned below. It is the two latter categories that have caves as their main habitats, but not all of the scorpions in these groups have troglomorphic traits (e.g. reduced eyes, reduced pigmentation etc.). They who do are true troglobites.

Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and Lorenzo Prendini have recently published a review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans. They have classified the known cavernicolous species into the categories mention above, presented a redescription of the only real troglobitic species, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, and provided a identification key for the to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst area.

Abstract:
Cavernicolous scorpions are difficult to collect and study due to their often inaccessible habitats. Some have evolved unique morphological adaptations, known as troglomorphies, including reduced sclerotization and pigmentation, reduction and/or loss of eyes, attenuation and elongation of the appendages, which assist them to thrive in dark, humid and low-energy input environments. Cavernicolous scorpions are classified into accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The Balkans, and particularly the Dinaric Karst region, host a diverse cave-adapted fauna, including scorpions. Despite an 1895 report of a blind scorpion from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first truly troglobitic European scorpion, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, was only described a few years ago, based on two immature specimens. In the present contribution, this unique species is redescribed based on the first adult specimens; the ecological classification of all currently known cavernicolous Euscorpiidae Laurie, 1896, is updated; a key to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst is provided; and the historical and geographical factors affecting the distribution and conservation of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans is reviewed.

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Prendini L. Redescription of Euscorpius studentium Based on Adult Specimens; Updated Classification of Cavernicolous Euscorpiidae; and Review of Cavernicolous Scorpions in the Balkans. Diversity. 2024;16(12):737. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre and Siegfried Huber for informing me about this article!

Shelter size and scent are factors that have an impact on shelter selection in females of two scorpion species

 

Shelter selection and shelters are important for the survival of most scorpions. Some scorpion dig their own burrow, others use naturally existing ones like cracks and crevices in rocks and stones, depressions under stones and burrows made by other animals.

Janina Hladik and co-workers have recently published a study investigation shelter selection (with focus on shelter size and scent) in females of Euscorpius italicus (Herbst, 1800) (Euscorpiidae) and Mesobuthus gibbosus (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Buthidae).

Females of both E. italicus and M. eupeus favor larger over smaller shelters, while they do not show clear preferences for conspecific scents. An impairment experiment showed that the scorpions could not detect size nor scent properly when either their pectines or pedipalps were impaired.

Abstract:
Shelter selection is an important task in an animal’s life. Concerning scorpions, little is known on the evaluation of potential shelters and the importance of chemosensation. To address these issues, we conducted a two-choice shelter test in rectangular open field arenas to identify properties rendering shelters attractive for female scorpions of the species E. italicus and M.  prey, aversive: rosemary oil). Contact with the shelters was video-recorded under red light for 13 h, including the whole night phase. Results revealed a preference for larger shelters, with conspecific scent having minor or no influence. Striking differences occurred with regard to prey and rosemary oil scents. Prey scent was more attractive to M. eupeus, while rosemary oil did not act as a repellent. E. italicus was not very attracted by prey scent, but was repelled by rosemary oil. These findings might reflect the different habitats, semi-arid vs. Mediterranean climates: prey and rosemary are scarce in the semi-arid climate (habitat of M. eupeus), whereas they are abundant in the Mediterranean climate (habitat of E. italicus). We carried out impairment experiments to identify the main sensory organs responsible for the above observations. These are the pectines and pedipalps which function as mechano- and chemosensors. Scorpions could not detect size nor scent properly when either their pectines or pedipalps were impaired.

Reference:
Hladik J, Bailer Y, Wolf H, Stemme T. Shelter selection in females of two scorpion species depends on shelter size and scent. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol. 2024. [Open Access]