First DNA barcode records for the buthid Parabuthus liosoma in Saudi Arabia.

 

Ahmed Badry and co-workers recently published a study of DNA barcoding and phylogeny of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. This is the first DNA barcode records for this species, and the study gives insight into identification, taxonomy and phylogeny of Parabuthus in Saudia Arabia.

Abstract:
1) Background. Parabuthus liosoma is one of the largest buthid scorpion species and is endemic to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. This study provides the first DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of P. liosoma from Saudi Arabia, contributing to global efforts in arachnid molecular identification and biodiversity documentation. (2) Methods. The whole genome was extracted from nine adult individuals of P. liosoma, collected from Farasan Island, southwest of Saudi Arabia. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA, specifically, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences, was amplified and sequenced and subjected to genetic and phylogenetic analyses. (3) Results. The DNA barcoding results revealed a high level of genetic variability within P. liosoma, aiding in species identification and supporting its utility as a molecular tool for scorpion taxonomy. In addition, our results reveal a monophyletic relationship among Parabuthus species, with a clear distinction between Arabian and African lineages. (4) Conclusions. This study highlights the effectiveness of DNA barcoding as a reliable tool for species identification and taxonomy and enhances our knowledge of the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of Parabuthus scorpions. However, further research is required to elucidate the complex phylogenetic relationships within this genus.

Reference:
Badry A, Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Salem AM, Al Balawi MS, Mesfer F, Allahyani WS, et al. DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. Biology. 2026;15(4):321. [Open Access]

Thanks to  Luis Roque (Arácnido Taxonomy https://www.aracnidotaxonomy.com) for sending me this article!

Family Buthide 

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]

A new species of Androctonus from Saudi Arabia

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently described a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Najd Plateau of Saudi Arabia.

Androctonus najdensis Yagmur, Alqahtani & Badry, 2025 

The article also provides an identification key for the genus Androctonus in the Middle East, Turkey, and Iran.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Androctonus najdensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Saudi Arabia. It is compared with existing species from the Middle East and Iran, notably A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and the recently described A. tihamicus Alqahtani, Yağmur & Badry, 2023. Molecular analysis using the COI mitochondrial gene revealed a genetic divergence of 7.0 to 11% between A. najdensis sp. nov. and A. crassicauda sensu lato samples from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. The combination of molecular and morphological data supports the recognition of the Najd populations as a distinct species. Additionally, an identification key for Androctonus species in Iran and the Middle East is provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Alqahtani AR, Badry A. A new species of Androctonus from the Najd Plateau of Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones, Buthidae). ZooKeys. 2025(1262):33–59. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen Yagmur, Gerard Dupre and Matt Simon for all sending me a link to this new article! It is easy to stay updated with so much great help from all of you! :)

Family Buthidae 

A new species of Compsobuthus from Saudi Arabia

 

Eric Ythier and Alex Ullrich recently described a new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. 

Compsobuthus henrii Ythier & Ullrich, 2025

Abstract:
A new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 is described on the basis of one female and three males collected in Al Buraikah, Al Ula Governorate, north of Al Madinah Province, in north-western Saudi Arabia. This new scorpion taxon represents the 57th known species of the genus Compsobuthus and the 8th reported from Saudi Arabia. A geographical distribution map of the type localities of the Compsobuthus species occurring in the region is presented.

Reference:
Ythier E, Ullrich A. A new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2025;20(4):383–92. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric, Alex and Hisham El-Hennaway for making this article available to me!

Family Buthidae

A new, black species in the medical important genus Leiurus from Saudi Arabia

 

Most species in the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) are yellowish and quite pale, but in 2002 Lourenco and co-workers quite sensationally described an all black species, L. jordanensis Lourenço, Modry & Amr, 2002. After this, one more dark colored species has been described, Leiurus ater Lourenço, 2019.

Bassam Abu Afifeh and co-workers have now described another blackish species in the genus Leiurus from Saudi Arabia.

Leiurus nigellus Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh, 2023

This species is probably of medical importance.

Abstract:
A new remarkable buthid scorpion, Leiurus nigellus sp. nov., was discovered in Al Ula Governorate, north of Al Madinah Al Monawwarah Province, Saudi Arabia. The new species is described, fully illustrated, and compared with other species of the genus Leiurus reported from the Arabian Peninsula. Notes on its habitats are provided.

Reference:
Afifeh BA, Aloufi A, Al-Saraireh M, Badry A, Al-Qahtni AH, Amr ZS. A new remarkable species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Ecol Mont. 2023(69):91-106. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victora Tang for informing me about this article!

Family Buthidae

Another new species in the medical important genus Leiurus

 

As a I stated a few days ago, the members of the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828  (Buthidae) has the most potent scorpion venom in the world, and knowledge about taxonomy and distribution is very important. Abdulmani H. Al-Qahtni and co-workers have recently published a new species in this genus from the Majami al-Hadb Protected Area in the Riyadh Province of Saudi Arabia based on morphological and molecular analysis.

Leiurus hadb Al-Qahtni, Al-Salem, Alqahtani & Badry, 2023

The article has an identification guide for the genus in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract:
A new species, Leiurus hadb Al-Qahtni, Al-Salem, Alqahtani & Badry, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Majami al-Hadb Protected Area in the Riyadh Province of Saudi Arabia. The new species is compared with species of Leiurus distributed in Saudi Arabia, especially L. arabicus Lowe, Yağmur & Kovařík, 2014. The integrated results indicate that the population found in Majami al-Hadb represents a distinct species, which is described herein. Moreover, the molecular analysis is conducted on the mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA to compare L. hadb sp. nov. with samples of L. arabicus and L. haenggii from Saudi Arabia. The analysis revealed a genetic divergence ranging from 6.0 to 12%. The combination of molecular evidence and morphological characteristics provides adequate support for recognizing the Majami al-Hadb population as a distinct species. Additionally, an identification key for the genus Leiurus found in Saudi Arabia is also provided.

Reference:
Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Salem AM, Mesfer F, Al Balawi MS, Allahyani WS, Alqahtani AR, Badry A. A new species and a key to the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. ZooKeys. 2023(1178):293–312. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric and Gerard for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae 

A revision of the genus Nebo in Saudi Arabia and a description of a new species from the Jazan Province

 

Bassam Abu Afifeh and co-workers have recently published a revision of the genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Diplocentridae) in Saudi Arabia and a description of a new species from  the Jazan Province.

Nebo jazanensis Abu Afifeh, Aloufi, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2023

Notes on the new species' habitat is also provided.

Abstract:
The genus Nebo Simon, 1878 in Saudi Arabia is revised based on morphometric and morphological characters for adult specimens. The presence of Nebo hierichonticus (Simon, 1872) has been justified for the first time from Saudi Arabia and compared with materials collected from Jordan. More specimens of Nebo yemenensis Francke, 1980 including adult males and females were collected and recorded in this study. Nebo jazanensis sp. n. is described and fully illustrated based on adult males and females collected from Jazan Province and compared with other species of the genus Nebo known from the Arabian Peninsula and Jordan. Notes on its habitats are provided.

Reference:
Afifeh BA, Aloufi A, Al-Saraireh M, Amr ZS. Revision of the Genus Nebo (Simon, 1878) in Saudi Arabia with a Description of a New Species from the Jazan Province (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae). Jordan Journal of Natural History. 2023;10(1):40-56. [Full text provided by authors]

Family Diplocentridae

The phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Nebo from Saudi Arabia and Middle East

 

The genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Diplocentridae) consists of nine species distributed across Arabia and the Middle East. Due to few specimens available and complicated morphological characters, the taxonomical status of this genus is unresolved. 

Abdulaziz Alqahtani and co-workers have recently published a phylogenetic analysis of the species Nebo hierichonticus (Simon, 1872) and Nebo yemenensis Francke, 1980 from Saudi Arabia and from Palestine. Their analysis show that there are variations both within and between the two species and this may be an indication of undiscovered, cryptic species. More studies are necessary to confirm this.

Abstract:
Background The genus Nebo has been identified as a medically important scorpion species distributed across Arabia and the Middle East. However, its taxonomic status remains unclear.
Aim The molecular phylogeny of two Nebo species from Saudi Arabia and comparative sequences from Palestine is presented based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.
Methodology Scorpion specimens were collected from two different localities, mainly the Southern part of Saudi Arabia. Then, DNA was extracted, amplified using invertebrate universal primers, and sequenced to identify the COI gene. The obtained sequences were analyzed, and phylogenetic trees based on maximum parsimony, neighborjoining, and Bayesian inference were constructed.
Results The inferred phylogeny indicates the monophyletic status of the family Diplocentridae and its subfamily Nebinae and Diplocentrinae. Also, the phylogenetic analyses support the existence of interspecific and intraspecific variations among/ within Nebo hierichonticus and Nebo yemenensis which may indicate distinct species.
Conclusion Further morphological studies with additional specimens from the Arabian Peninsula may reveal possible undiscovered and cryptic species.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Alotaibi NJ, Aly H, Badry A. The phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Nebo (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) from Saudi Arabia and Middle East. BMC Zool. 2023;8(1):4. [Open Access]

Family Diplocentridae

A new species of Androctonus from Saudi Arabia

 

Abdulaziz Alqahtani and co-workers have recently described a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from the Mecca Province in Saudi Arabia.

Androctonus tihamicus Alqahtani, Yagmur & Badry 2023

Abstract:
We describe and illustrate a new scorpion species, Androctonus tihamicus sp. nov., from the Mecca Province of southwestern Saudi Arabia. The new species is compared to the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828, which is distributed throughout the Middle East, and especially to A. australis (Linnaeus, 1758). We provide the molecular phylogeny for this species.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Yagmur EA, Badry A. Androctonus tihamicus sp. nov. from the Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones, Buthidae). ZooKeys. 2023(1152):9-34. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon and Gerard Dupre for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

Two new buthid species described from Saudi Arabia

 

Eric Yhtier and Wilson Lourenco have recently described two new species in the family Buthidae from Saudi Arabia.

Compsobuthus mahazat Ythier & Lourenco, 2023

Orthochirus arabicus  Ythier & Lourenco, 2023

Abstract:
New buthid scorpions are described from Saudi Arabia, from a site never studied previously, the Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve, in the centre of the country. Two species are described, based on one adult male (Compsobuthus mahazat sp. n.) and one adult female (Orthochirus arabicus sp. n.). The total number of scorpion species currently recognized in Saudi Arabia is now raised to 30.

Reference:
Ythier E, Lourenco WR. Two new scorpion species from Central Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Faunitaxys. 2023;11(8):1-8.

Thanks to Eric for informing me about this species!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Barbaracurus from Saudi Arabia

 

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers published a new species of Barbaracurus Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky, 2018 (Buthidae) this Christmas.

 Barbaracurus kabateki Kovarik, Lowe, Stahlavsky & Just, 2022

 A key to the genus and a distribution map are also presented.

Abstract:
The genus Barbaracurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia. Barbaracurus yemenensis Kovařík et al., 2018 was found in the extreme southwest of the country, near its border with Yemen. The diagnosis of the species is emended based on the finding of adult males and a large adult female. The proximal margins of the pedipalp fingers of male B. yemenensis are strongly undulate, leaving a gap with the fingers closed. This character differentiates it from all other species of Barbaracurus in the Arabian Peninsula. A second species, B. kabateki sp. n. from Saudi Arabia is described as new. In addition to external morphological characters, we also describe the karyotypes of B. yemenensis (2n = 26), and the hemispermatophores of both species. A key to the species of Barbaracurus, and a map of the distribution of the genus in the Arabian Peninsula and Horn of Africa are provided.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stahlavsky F, Just P. The genus Barbaracurus in Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Buthidae), with description of a new species. Euscorpius. 2022(365):1-26. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon for informing me about this article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Orthochirus from Saudi Arabia

 

Frantisek Kovarik and Pavel Just have recently described a new species of Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 (Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia.

Orthochirus katarinae Kovarik & Just, 2022

Abstract:
We describe a new species Orthochirus katerinae sp. n. from Saudi Arabia, previously cited as Orthochirus innesi Simon 1910, ssp. ?, the name many years used as an ‘umbrella’ for various Orthochirus from North Africa and Arabia. The new species is described based on males characterized mainly by: total length 26–30 mm; pectinal teeth number 16–20; movable finger of pedipalps with 7–8 rows of denticles, 8–9 ID and 7 OD; tarsomere I of legs I–III with 3–5 long setae; ratio length/width of metasoma V 1.13–1.16; pedipalp femur length/width ratio 3.30–3.32.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Just P. Orthochirus katerinae sp. n. (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. Euscorpius. 2022(362):1-9. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Additional information about the recently described species Compsobuthus khaybari from Saudi Arabia

 

Compsobuthus khaybari Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh, 2021 (Buthidae) was described from one male specimen in 2021. Abdulhadi Aloufi and co-workers have discovered new specimens of this species and have recently published an article with addition information about this buthid.

Abstract:
Compsobuthus khaybari was described by Abu Afifeh et al. (2021) based on a single male collected form Ain El-Hamah, Khaybar, Saudi Arabia. Recently more specimens were collected from Mughera’a including males and one female. The female of this species is fully described and illustrated.

Reference:
Aloufi A, Afifeh BA, Al-Saraireh M, Amr ZS. Complementary information on Compsobuthus khaybari Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh, 2021, with the description of an adult female (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2022;19(1):7-14. [Open Access]

Thanks to Thanks to Hisham K. El-Hennawy for informing me about this article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Compsobuthus from Saudi Arabia

 

Bassam Abu Afifeha and co-workers have recently described a new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Ain El-Hamah, Khaybar, Saudi Arabia.

Compsobuthus  khaybari Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh, 2021

An identification key for the species of Compsobuthus from Saudi Arabia is included. 

Abstract:
A new species of scorpion belonging to the genus Compsobuthus is described based on a single male specimen collected from Ain El-Hamah, Khaybar, Saudi Arabia. The new species, Compsobuthus khaybari sp. n., belongs to the werneri group of Compsobuthus and is closely related with C. longipalpis and C. fuscatus. A key for species of the genus Compsobuthus known from Saudi Arabia is given. With this new species, the number of Compsobuthus species increases to six.

Reference:
Afifeh BA, Aloufi A, Al-Saraireh M, Amr Z. A new species of Compsobuthus from Saudi Arabia (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Zoology in the Middle East. 2021;Published online: 21 Sep 2021. [Open Access]

Thanks to Luis A. Roque for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

Genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East

 

 Abdulaziz Alqahtani and Ahmed Badry published this Fall an article on the genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. They conclude that there is a clear genetic splitting between Leirus from Egypt and those from Arabia and Turkey. In addition, the results support the taxonomic status of Arabian Leiurus species.

Abstract:
The molecular phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Leiurus, from Saudi Arabia with additional comparative sequence data available from Egypt, Oman and Turkey is presented. The molecular phylogeny was performed using maximum parsimony, neighbor joining and bayesian inference. Our results indicate a clear deep splitting between the Western clade, which represented by L. quinuestriatus sequences from Egypt and those from the Eastern clade which encompassing different Leiurus species from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey was shown. Also, the phylogenetic relationship represents additional support for the taxonomic status of Arabian Leiurus species.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Badry A. Genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020;27(12):3348-53.[Open Access]

Thanks to Dr. Badry for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

Molecular phylogeny of three species of the genus Buthacus from Saudi Arabia and Egypt

The genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) is a widespread genus with a complex taxonmy with several unresolved taxa. Abdulaziz Alqahtania and Ahmed Badry have recently published a study investigating the molecular phylogeny of three species of the genus from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. One main result is a support for a monophyletic status of the genus Buthacus. See abstract and article for more details and results.

Abstract:
The molecular phylogeny of three species of genus Buthacus, based on 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA gene from Egypt and Saudi Arabia is presented. The inferred phylogeny based on maximum-parsimony, neighbor-joining and bayesian inference, indicates the monophyletic status of the genus Buthacus. A clear deep splitting between the “Egyptian clade” consisting of B. arenicola and B. leptochyles and the “Arabian clade” consisting of B. nigroaculatus was shown.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Badry A. Interspecific phylogenetic relationship among different species of the genus Buthacus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) inferred from 16S rRNA in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Zoology in the Middle East. 2020. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Badry for sending me information about their article!

Family Buthidae

Two new species of Compsobuthus from North Africa

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have recently publish a paper on species in the genus Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Arabia and North Africa. Two new species are described.

Compsobuthus turieli Kovarik, Lowe, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2020 (Western Sahara and Morocco)

Compsobuthus ullrichi Kovarik, Lowe, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2020 (Egypt)

The article has also a redescription of Compsobuthus arabicus Levy, Amitai & Shulov, 1973.

Abstract:
Two new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949, are described: C. turieli sp. n. from Western Sahara and Morocco, and C. ullrichi sp. n. from Egypt. The species C. arabicus Levy et al., 1973 is redescribed based on analysis of the holotype plus extensive material from Oman and the United Arab Emirates. These species are compared to others from their respective regions: C. kabateki Kovařík, 2003, C. levyi Kovařík, 2012, and C. polisi Lowe, 2001, for which new illustrations and biometrics are provided based on types and topotypic material. The hemispermatophores of C. arabicus, C. turieli sp. n. and C. ullrichi sp. n. are illustrated and described. We also record the karyotypes of C. acutecarinatus, C. arabicus, C. maindroni and C. ullrichi sp. n. All examined specimens possess 2n=22 and chromosomes gradually decreasing in length.

References:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stockmann M, Stahlavsky F. Notes on Compsobuthus: redescription of C. arabicus Levy et al., 1973 from Arabia, and description of two new species from North Africa (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2020(298):1-40.

Congratulations on your "own" species, Carlos and Alex! :)

Family Buthidae

A new genus of burrowing scorpion from the Arabian Peninsula

Graeme Lowe and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new genus and and a new species i the family Buthidae from the Arabian Peninsula. A second species is transferred to the new genus.

Trypanothacus Lowe, Kovarik, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2019 - New genus from Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Trypanothacus barnesi Lowe, Kovarik, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2019 - New species from Oman.

Trypanothacus buettikeri (Hendrixson, 2006) - New combination. Previously name Buthacus buettikeri Hendrixson, 2006.

Abstract:
We define a new fossorial buthid genus Trypanothacus gen. n., similar to Buthacus Birula, 1908, differing primarily in telson shape, with a bulbous vesicle and aculeus shorter than the vesicle, and in heavier dentition on metasomal segments II–III and IV. The new genus includes two species: T. barnesi sp. n. from Oman and T. buettikeri (Hendrixson, 2006) comb. n. from Saudi Arabia, the latter transferred from Buthacus. We provide detailed illustrations of both species from preserved materials, and in vivo habitus and natural habitat are shown for T. barnesi sp. n.. Information is also provided on ecology and captive rearing of T. barnesi sp. n., and on its karyotype (2n=26). The new genus is compared to genera Buthacus and Vachoniolus Levy et al., 1973. Telson morphology of these genera is analyzed and compared with other psammophilous and pelophilous buthids. In certain subgroups of scorpions, we find that aculeus length can be related to psammophily and body size. As a highly diverse multifunctional organ, the telson is shaped by complex environmental and genetic factors. We propose that telson morphology can nevertheless be useful for taxonomy if it is carefully applied.

Reference:
Lowe G, Kovarik F, Stockmann M, Stahlavsky F. Trypanothacus gen. n., a new genus of burrowing scorpion from the Arabian Peninsula (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2019(277):1-29. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A revision of the genus Butheolus with a new genus and species

Graeme Lowe has recently published a revision of the genus Butheolus Simon, 1882 (Buthidae) mainly based on materials from Oman. The main conclusions are:

Xenobuthus Lowe, 2018 (new genus distributed in Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen).
Xenobuthus anthracinus (Pocock, 1895) (redescribed and moved from Butheolus).
Xenobuthus arabicus ((Lourenço & Qi, 2006) (moved from Butheolus).
Xenobuthus xanthus Lowe, 2018 (new species from Oman).

Butheolus harrisoni Lowe, 2018 (new species from Oman).

The article has has an identification guide for the genera Butheolus and Xenobuthus.

Abstract:
The genus Butheolus Simon, 1882 is revised based on new material from Dhofar Province in Oman. B. gallagheri Vachon, 1980 is redescribed, and a related new species, B. harrisoni sp. n., is also described. The species B. anthracinus (Pocock, 1895) is redescribed and moved to a new genus Xenobuthus gen. n., that is differentiated from Butheolus by size, pedipalp finger dentition, setation, granulation and hemispermatophore structure, and a related new species, X. xanthus sp. n., is also described. Revised diagnoses are provided for the genus Butheolus, and for the species B. thalassinus Simon, 1882, and B. villosus Hendrixson, 2006, a key is given for the species examined in this study, and the status of other related species discussed.

Reference:
Lowe G. The genera Butheolus Simon, 1882 and Xenobuthus gen. nov. (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Oman. Euscorpius. 2018(261):1-73. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A review of the genus Leiurus with several new species

The medical important genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) is widespread across North Africa, the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula. For many years only one species was known in the genus, but in the last decade a couple of new species have been described.

Graeme Lowe, Ersen Yagmur and Frantisek Kovarik have now published a major review of Leiurus. Existing species are redescribed and the following taxonomical changes have been made.

Leiurus arabicus Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 (New species from Saudi Arabia).

Leiurus brachycentrus (Ehrenberg, 1829) (New status, restored from synonymy).

Leiurus haenggii Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 (New species from Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen).

Leiurus heberti Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 (New species from Oman).

Leiurus hebraeus (Birula, 1908) (New status, elevated from subspecies status. Previous name Leirurus quinquestriatus hebraeus (Birula, 1908).

Leiurus macroctenus Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 (New species from Oman).

Leiurus nasheri Kovarik, 2007 (Synonymized with L. brachycentrus).

An updated identification key for the genus is provided. Biogeography of the genus is also discussed.

Abstract:
The taxonomy of buthid scorpions belonging to the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 is reviewed. Four new species are described from the Arabian Peninsula: L. macroctenus sp. n. from coastal fog deserts in Oman; L. haenggii sp. n. from mountains of the Red Sea coast, Hadramaut and Dhofar, in Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman; L. arabicus sp. n. from the central Najd Plateau and eastern plains in Saudi Arabia; and L. heberti sp. n. from Jabal Samhan in Oman. L. brachycentrus (Ehrenberg, 1829) stat. n. from the Tihamah plain of the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia and Yemen is restored from synonymy and redescribed. Leiurus nasheri Kovařík, 2007 was found to be a junior synonym of L. brachycentrus stat. n. L. quinquestriatus hebraeus (Birula, 1908) is elevated to species level as L. hebraeus (Birula, 1908) stat. n. Revised diagnoses are given for L. quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828), L. abdullahbayrami Yağmur, Koç et Kunt, 2009, L. jordanensis Lourenço, Modrý et Amr, 2002, and L. hebraeus (Birula, 1908). Key characters used to diagnose and separate species include morphometrics, granulation, tricho-bothriotaxy, tarsal setation, dentition of metasomal carinae and color pattern. Detailed illustrations are provided and the affinities and biogeography of the genus are discussed.

Reference:
Lowe G, Yagmur EA, Kovarik F. A Review of the Genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) with Description of Four New Species from the Arabian Peninsula. Euscorpius. 2014 (191):1-129. [Free full text]

Family Buthidae