A new species of Scorpio from Iraq

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently described a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from southern Iraq.

Scorpio basraensis Yagmur, Makki & Najim, 2026

The genus Jordanius Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (Scorpionidae) was synonymized with Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 by Prendini, 2026. The authors of the current article reverse this decision and revalidate this taxa to genus status again. Please note that this only apply to the Prendini 2026 version of Scorpionidae in The Scorpion Files.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Scorpio basraensis sp. n., is described and illustrated from Basra Province, southern Iraq. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. is compared with all known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 occurring in countries surrounding Iraq. The new species can be distinguished by the circular genital operculum in males and the cordiform genital operculum in females (not posteriorly elongated), a densely hirsute body, appendages and metasoma, a distinctly elongated telson vesicle, discrete granules on the external surface of the chela manus that are not flattened, and pectinal tooth counts of 11–13 in males and 9–11 in females. With the description of this species, the number of scorpion species known from Iraq increases to 22, whereas the number of recognized species in the genus Scorpio reaches 33 [According to Prendini, 2026 - Editor's addition].

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Makki JA, Najim SA. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. from southern Iraq (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2026(442):1–18. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae 

Differences in sprinting performance between burrowing and non-burrowing scorpions

 

Scorpions are different. Some move quickly, others more slowly. Some make burrows and stay there most of the time, while others are more active on the surface and hide under suitable objects during daytime. Eran Gefen and co-workers have recently published a study where they tested the endurance of three Israeli buthids and two scorpionids. 

The study showed that buthids are fast runners, but they tire more quickly. The burrowing scorpionids are slower, but show more endurance. The authors discuss the physiology behind these differences. The faster sprinting speed in buthids are probably an adaption to escaping predators, while the endurance seen in scorpionids is probably an adaption for digging deep burrows over a longer time.

Please note that there is a correction published for this article (it is available on the article's main page). 

Abstract:
Aerobic capacity in arachnids is closely linked with considerable structural variation in their respiratory systems. However, although all scorpions are non-tracheated and possess four pairs of book lungs, they vary greatly in their locomotor activity patterns. Many nonburrowing species express short bursts of activity whereas other species dig deep burrows within hours, suggesting more aerobically fueled exercise.We hypothesized that locomotion in surface dwellers is more dependent on anaerobic ATP synthesis, and that this would be reflected in their exercise performance and functional adaptation to potential disturbance of resting-state homeostasis. We used an experimental design consisting of two surface-dwelling Buthidae species (Hottentotta judaicus and Leiurus hebraeus), a burrowing buthid (Buthus israelis) and two burrowing Scorpionidae (Scorpio fuscus and Scorpio palmatus). Maximum running speeds were higher for buthids, which were also more prone to fatigue than scorpionids. Higher respiratory exchange ratios recorded for buthids during activity and subsequent recovery indicated a higher reliance on anaerobically fueled locomotion compared with scorpionids. Our data show that quicker removal of excess CO2 resulting from anaerobic exercise and hemolymph buffering in buthids is associated with significantly higher carbonic anhydrase activity in their hemolymph, compared with that of scorpionids. Efficient CO2 emission may also contribute to the lower respiratory water losses of buthids, and thus assist in facing both biotic and abiotic challenges of surface existence, from which the scorpionid burrows provide refuge.

Reference:
Gefen E, Atiya S, David LM, Talal S. Sprinting performance is linked to surface activity in scorpions. J Exp Biol. 2026;229:jeb251978. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon for informing me about this article and for his comments about it. 

The scorpion fauna and distribution in the Oriental region of Morocco

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers have recently published an article with an update on the scorpion diversity and their distribution in in the Oriental region of Morocco. 12 species from four genera and two families are reported. 

Abstract: 
New faunistic and distributional data are provided on scorpion fauna from the Oriental region of Morocco, a poorly studied area, covering 90,130 km2. Altogether 119 specimens belonging to eight species are recorded, allowing an update on the distribution of these species. A total of 12 scorpion species from four genera are recognized to occur in the Oriental region of Morocco presented here. We also provide new distribution records for newly described and micro-endemic scorpion species which is a key element in promoting their conservation in the country.

Reference:
Ythier E, Mabrouki Y, Taybi FA. Update on the composition and distribution of the scorpion fauna of the Oriental region of Morocco (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Scorpionidae). Natura Croatica: Periodicum Musei Historiae Naturalis Croatici. 2026;35(1):13–62. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about their new paper! 

A review of the scorpion fauna of Syria and their distribution

 

Ersen Yagmur and Nazir Khalil have recently published a review of the scorpion fauna of Syria. The scorpion fauna of Syria has not been extensively investigated and the article present a historic overview of scientific reports previously published on this topic.

The article reports of 19 valid species and 2 subspecies from 11 genera in the families Buthidae, Diplocentridae, and Scorpionidae. Several previously reported taxa are removed from the list of Syrian scorpions. New locality reports are also listed for several species. 

In his mega-revision, Prendini (2026) raised Aegaeobuthus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) (Buthidae) to species status from sub-species status. This change has not yet been included in The Scorpion Files. Yagmur & Khalil have changed this taxa back to sub-species status as Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) due to lack of justification by Prendini.

Abstract:
This study reviews and lists the scorpion fauna of Syria according to current scorpion systematics. Critical evaluation of published records confirms 19 valid species and 2 subspecies across 11 genera and 3 families (Buthidae, Diplocentridae, and Scorpionidae); erroneous records (21 species) have been excluded. New locality records are reported for Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus (Ehrenberg, 1828), Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), and Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910.  Additionally, Aegaeobuthus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) is herein treated as a subspecies of A. nigrocinctus.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Khalil N. A Review on Scorpion (Arachnida: Scorpiones) Fauna of Syria with New Locality Records. Commagene Journal of Biology. 2026;10(1):211–25. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article! 

A new species of Scorpio from Saudi Arabia

 

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.

Family Scorpionidae 

A new species of Scorpio from northern Iraq

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from northern Iraq.

Scorpio assyriacus Yagmur, Kachel, Hussen, Al-Jubouri & Al-Khazali, 2026 

Abstract:
Scorpio assyriacus sp. n., from northern Iraq is described illustrated and compared with all known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758, occurring in Turkey, the Middle East, and Iran. Aspects of the ecology and distribution of the new species are discussed and compared with those of other closely related Scorpio species from nearby localities in Turkey. The new species can be distinguished by its reduced number of pectinal teeth, the cardial-triangular configuration of the genital operculum (which is not posteriorly elongated in females), a more hirsute body, globular vesicle, flattened and discrete granules on the external surface of the chela manus, and significantly longer chela fingers compared to other species. With this discovery, the total number of documented scorpion species in Iraq has reached 23.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Kachel HS, Hussen FS, Al-Khazali AM, Ali FR, Al-Jubouri MAK, et al. A new Scorpio (Scorpiones, Scorpionidae) species from Northern Iraq. Zoodiversity. 2026;60(1):1–15. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Scorpionidae 

A new species of Pandinops from Somaliland

 

Hot from the press, another new species from The Horn of Africa. This time, Frantisek Kovarik has described a new species of Pandinops Birula, 1913 (Scorpionidae) from Somaliland.

Pandinops sahil Kovarik, 2025

The author also synonymizes Pandinops bambii Rossi, 2017 with Pandinops turieli Kovařík, 2016. Please note that this species was never listed in The Scorpion Files, probably because I never got the article.

An identification key for the genus is provided.

Abstract:
Pandinops sahil sp. n. from Somaliland is described and compared with other species of the genus, fully complemented with color photos of holotype male of the new species, as well as of its habitat. Pandinops bambii Rossi, 2017 is synonymized with Pandinops turieli Kovařík, 2016, syn. n. A key for the species of Pandinops and a map of the distribution of the genus are provided.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XLI. Pandinops sahil sp. n. from Somaliland (Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2025(418):1–11. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae

Scorpion fauna of the major city Delhi in India

 

Scorpions are most known from rural areas, but quite a few species thrive in urban areas and come in close contact with humans and their activities. Most towns in parts of Italy and even major cities like Bologna, Florence and Rome have populations of Euscorpius or Tetratrichobothrius inhabiting cracks and crevices in old stone and brick buildings, city walls and fences. One of my happiest holiday experiences was counting appr. 50 Euscorpius italicus on the walls of our rented holliday villa in the Marche region in Italy.

Urban scorpions can also be a health problem as is the case of many Brazilian towns and cities were urban populations of medical important Tityus species are common. So knowledge of scorpions in urban areas is important.

Gaurav Barhadiya and co-workers recently published a survey of the scorpion fauna of India’s capital, Dehli. They discovered four species from two families. Fortunately, the species found are probably not posing a health danger.

Abstract:
Delhi, one of the world’s most populous cities, hosts a diverse array of urban habitats amidst its limited green cover. Scorpions, distinguished by their venomous stings and ancient lineage, thrive in Delhi’s semi-arid climate. Despite their ecological significance, studies on scorpion diversity in urban environments remain scarce. This study aimed to address this gap by conducting the first systematic assessment of scorpion diversity in Delhi. Field surveys were conducted during both day and night to collect specimens, which were then identified using established taxonomic keys. Four scorpion species from two families were recorded, including Chersonesometrus fulvipes, Isometrus maculatus, Compsobuthus rugosulus, and Lychas cf. biharensis. The semi-arid climate of Delhi, within the Punjab plains biogeographic province, provides a conducive environment for scorpion species to inhabit. This study serves as a preliminary assessment of scorpion diversity in Delhi and underscores the need for further dedicated surveys to comprehensively understand their distribution and ecology in the region.

Reference:
Barhadiya G, Pandey P, Sultana A, Mohapatra PP, Das SK. Scorpion fauna of urban Delhi, India. Rec Zool Surv India. 2025;125(1):57-62. [Open Access]

A review on endemic scorpion species and subspecies in Morocco

 

Scorpions are a health problems in some regions of the world, among them Morocco. Knowledge about the scorpion fauna and the distribution of medical important species is important so that local and regional health providers can be prepared for sting accidents and envenomations. Information like this is also important for measures to prevent sting incidents.

Meriem Es-Saadi and co-workers recently published a review on endemic scorpion species and subspecies in Morocco. Their study identified fifty-five endemic species and subspecies in Morocco. Not surprisingly, the family Buthidae was most widespread. Knowledge about the distribution of the species in this family is important, as the most medical important species are members to this family.

Abstract:
Scorpion fauna is abundant in regions with arid and semi-arid climates, exposing these areas to a risk of envenomation, especially for children. Scorpion envenomations cause thousands of deaths each year, with notable incidences in the MENA region, South America, Latin and Central America, and India. Morocco is one of the countries most affected by this phenomenon; according to statistics from the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center (CAPM), approximately 8565 scorpion stings and envenomations were recorded annually between 2016 and 2022, mainly among children. A literature review was conducted to identify and catalog the endemic scorpion species in Morocco and explore the impact of climate change on their distribution. Sources included scientific journal articles, university theses, and field reports. The collected data were compiled and analyzed to create a distribution map of the endemic species. Our results identified fifty-five endemic species and subspecies in Morocco. The family Buthidae is the most widespread, with seventeen endemic species of the genus Buthus, nine of the genus Androctonus, five of the genus Butheoloides, four of the genus Buthacus, two each of the genera Orthochirus, Compsobuthus, and Hottentota, and one species each of the genera Microbuthus, Cicileiurus, and Saharobuthus. The family Scorpionidae includes nine endemic species, and two subspecies belonging to the genus Scorpio. A high level of endemism is observed in southern Morocco, highlighting a significant concentration of these species in this region. Ongoing climate change is likely to expand the population and distribution of scorpions, as well as the number of envenomations. The results underscore the importance of implementing control and prevention strategies to reduce the risks of envenomation, particularly in the context of climate change. Therefore, to develop management and prevention strategies is based on a thorough understanding

Reference:Es-Saadi M, Hamdi S, Khourcha S, Sadki K, Errafii K, Oukkache N. Endemic Scorpion Species and Subspecies in Morocco: A Comprehensive Overview. Toxicon. 2025;255:108253. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Updated information about the distribution of the genus Scorpio in Northern Algeria and a redescription of Scorpio trarasensis

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers recently published an article with updated information about the Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) fauna in Northern Algeria. The authors also present a redescription of Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy (1962). The article also includes an identification guide for the Scorpio species known from Northern Algeria.

Abstract:
Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy (1962), from the Trara Massif, in the western part of the Tellian Atlas of Algeria, is redescribed on the basis of new material collected and a neotype is designated (original type material is considered lost). The geographical distribution of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in Northern Algeria is updated based on additional material examined, and a key for their identification is proposed.

Reference:
Ythier E, Hammou MA, El Bouhissi  M, Mairif M. Redescription of Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 and update on the distribution of the genus Scorpio linnaeus, 1758 in Northern Algeria (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Arachnides. 2025(120):1-11. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric and Gerard for sharing this article with me!

Family Scorpionidae

Two new species in the genus Scorpio have been described from Southeastern Turkey

 

No Christmas holiday for scorpion news! Happy Seasons Greetings everyone! 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article describing two new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from Southeastern Turkey.

Scorpio karakurti Yagmur, 2024

Scorpio Sirnakensis Yagmur, 2024

Abstract:
Two new species, Scorpio karakurti sp.n. and S. sirnakensis sp.n. are described and illustrated from the Southеastеrn region of Turkey. S. karakurti sp.n. is detected from Batman and Diyarbakır provinces and can be distinguished from all species of the genus Scorpio by its higher pectinal teeth numbers, especially in males (10–11 in females and 11–15 in males). S. sirnakensis sp.n is detected from Şırnak province and can be distinguished by elongated chela and telson shape and genital operculum shape of females. The new species are compared with the known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in the Middle East.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Hussen FS, Karakurt S, Kurt R, Sipahioglu Ö, Kartal I. Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Arthropoda Selecta. 2024;33(4):559-89. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their new article!

Family Scorpionidae

 

Redescription of of Scorpio palmatus

 

Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpionidae) has a wide distribution in parts of northern Africa and The Middle East. Ersen Aydın Yağmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published a redescription of a male (the species' neotype) and female specimen of this species.

Abstract:
Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) is redescribed based on the male neotype and a female specimen from northern Egypt. Illustrations prepared under white and UV lights and measurements are given.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. Description of a neotype of Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Serket. 2024;20(3):215-29. [Open Access]

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

Family Scorpionidae

First record of Scorpio jordanensis from Syria

 

Ersen Yagmur and Ahmed Badry recently reported the discovery of Scorpio jordanensis Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (Scorpionidae) from Syria. This species has previously only been reported from Jordan.

Abstract:
Scorpio jordanensis Abu Afifeh et al., 2024 is recently described from Jordan. Now, it is recorded from Syria. Its illustrations and measurements are given.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. First record of Scorpio jordanensis from Syria (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Serket. 2024;20(3):230-5. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennawy for sending me this article!

Is it possible to use venom molecular mass fingerprint for taxonomical identification of scorpions from Morocco?

 

Correct identification of scorpions is important and especially in regions and countries where there are several species that can cause serious envenomations. Boujemaa Ajdi and co-workers have recently published an article investigating whether venom molecular mass fingerprint can be used to identify scorpions in Morocco. 

I must admit that this paper is a little over my head but the main conclusions seem to be that this method seems to be a reliable tool for the taxonomic identification of scorpions from Morocco. In addition, molecular mass fingerprints of scorpion venoms contain sufficient molecular variations to differentiate scorpion species. The method seems to be promising for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in the future. See paper for more details.

Abstract:
The venom of scorpions has been the subject of numerous studies. However, their taxonomic identification is not a simple task, leading to misidentifications. This study aims to provide a practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprint (MFP). Specimens (251) belonging to fifteen species were collected from different regions in Morocco. Their MFPs were acquired using MALDI-MS. These were used as a training dataset to generate predictive models and a library of mean spectral profiles using software programs based on machine learning. The computational model achieved an overall recognition capability of 99 % comprising 32 molecular signatures. The models and the library were tested using a new dataset for external validation and to evaluate their capability of identification. We recorded an accuracy classification with an average of  97 % and 98 % for the computational models and the library, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to demonstrate the potential of MALDI-MS and MFPs to generate predictive models capable of discriminating scorpions from family to species levels, and to build a library of species-specific spectra. These promising results may represent a proof of concept towards developing a reliable approach for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in Morocco.

Reference:
Ajdi B, El Hidan MA, El Asbahani A, Bocquet M, Hamza MA, M'Barka E, et al. Taxonomic identification of Morocco scorpions using MALDI-MS fingerprints of venom proteomes and computational modeling. J Proteomics. 2024:105321. [Subscription required for full text]

A new genus and three new species in the family Scorpionidae from Jordan

 

Bassam Abu Afifeh and co-workers recently published a revision of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) in Jordan. The widespread genus had only one species for many decades, but were poorly studied. In recent years the genus has been studies by several authors and many new species have been described, conforming previous suspicions that Scorpio maurus Linné, 1758 was a species complex hiding many cryptic species. 

The revision of the Scorpio from Jordan has resulted in a new genus and three new species.

Jordanius Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (new genus)

Jordanius maysaraensis Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (new species)

Scorpio jordanensis Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (new species)

Scorpio wahbehi Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (new species)

Jordanius granulomanus (Al-Saraireh, Yagmur, Afifeh & Amr, 2023) is transferred to the new genus from Scorpio.

In addition, Scorpio propinquus (Simon, 1872) is considered nomen dubium.

The article has an identification key for the Scorpionidae taxa found in Jordan. 

Abstract:
Several new Scorpio populations are studied from various habitats in Jordan, including specimens previously identified as Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910 and S. fuscus (Ehrenberg, 1829). A new scorpionid genus, Jordanius gen. n. is described, mainly differentiated from the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 by the elongation and heavy patterns of granulation of chela manus, and granulated chela fingers. Scorpio granulomanus Al-Saraireh et al., 2023 is transferred to the new genus, and Jordanius maysaraensis gen. et sp. n. is described. Also, Scorpio jordanensis sp. n. and S. wahbehi sp. n. are described. Detailed redescriptions and illustrations of S. palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) and S. fuscus (Ehrenberg, 1829) are given. A neotype of S. palmatus from Alexandria, Egypt and a neotype of S. fuscus from Lebanon are designated. A key to the family Scorpionidae in Jordan and comments on dubious or incorrect records from Jordan are provided. Lastly, S. propinquus is suggested as nomen dubium.

Reference:
Afifeh BA, Yagmur EA, Al-Saraireh M, Amr Z. Revision of the genus Scorpio in Jordan, with a description of a new genus and three new species (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2024(391):1-66. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae

A new paper investigating the phylogeography and evolutionary history of the burrowing scorpion genus Scorpio

 

The genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) was for most of the last century known to have only one species, Scorpio maurus Linnaeus, 1758, which has an impressing distribution ranging from most of North Africa to the eastern parts of the Middle East. 

In the last decades it became clear that Scorpio maurus was a species complex with many hidden species, and today the genus consists of 24 species. However, the taxonomical and phylogentic situation of the genus is challenging, especially because of the lack of reliable morphological characters to distinguish the species and subspecies. Also, several new species have been described without genetic analysis confirming the species status. 

Manel Khammassi and co-workers have recently published a study with the aim of the present study to analyze the phylogenetic relationships and the evolutionary events that promoted diversification within the genus Scorpio. The study revealed twenty distinct lineages forming two geographically separate clades, a Maghrebian clade and a Middle Eastern clade. Most named species were found within the lineages, but additional lineages found are indicating potential new, unnamed species.

Abstract:
The burrowing scorpions of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 were considered to be a single polymorphic species, Scorpio maurus Linnaeus, 1758, distributed from West Africa across the Sahel and the Saharan highlands through the Maghreb and the Middle East, to Iran. After various revisions, the complex was treated as including 18 species and seven subspecies. Five additional new Scorpio species were recently described. However, doubts remain regarding the validity of these taxa due to the lack of reliable characters and the lack of genetic data for many species. The aim of the present study was to analyze the phylogenetic relationships and the evolutionary events that promoted diversification within the genus. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using 633 base pairs of the mitochondrial COI gene from 51 individuals collected in Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt, combined with 74 previously published sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses revealed twenty distinct lineages forming two geographically separate clades, a Maghrebian clade and a Middle Eastern clade. Although most named species formed distinct lineages, various additional lineages were identified, highlighting potential unnamed species. Divergence time estimates indicate that the division within the genus Scorpio began during the Mid-Miocene, a period characterized by tectonic events coupled with climatic oscillations. Further differentiation occurred during the Miocene-Pliocene transition when climatic fluctuations resumed and the Mediterranean became increasingly arid. Speciation within the genus Scorpio may have been driven by the expansion of the savannas and Sahara Desert, the associated reduction of a once widespread rainforest into numerous micro-refugia in the mountains of the Mediterranean region, and by adaptation to these new habitats

Reference:
Khammassi M, Nouira S, Badry A, Sadine SE, Harris DJ. Phylogeography and evolutionary history of the burrowing scorpion genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) in the Mediterranean Basin. Organisms Diversity & Evolution. 2024:1-18. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Family Scorpionidae

Another case of regeneration of body parts in scorpions

 

Morphological anomalies in scorpions are well known. Some are inborne teratologies, others are caused by a failed molting process or due to accidents from predators attacks and similar. Scorpions can survive the loss of or damages to some of the appendages, but loss of the last part of the tail will usually cause death after a certain time as the anal organs are gone and the scorpion will die of constipation. 

Lost or damaged appendages can be regenerated completely or partly in scorpions during future molts. Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a case of regeneration of a part of the pedipalp in Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910.

Abstract:
A new case of pedipalp regeneration is described and illustrated in a subadult female of Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910. A small, regenerated part of chela is observed on the anterior aspect of a normally developed right patella. This is the second published case of pedipalp regeneration.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Kılıç MS, Güneş E. A new case of pedipalp regeneration in Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910 (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2024;2024(390):1-3. [Open Access]

 

A thorough investigation of the anatomy and morphology of the pedipalps the Australian black rock scorpion, Urodacus manicatus

 

The pedipalps in scorpions are important for prey capture, defense and reproduction. Russel Bicknell and co-workers recently published a thorough investigation of the anatomy and morphology of the pedipalps the Australian black rock scorpion, Urodacus manicatus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpionidae) and related these to the behavioral use of them.

Abstract:
Pedipalps – chelate ‘pincers’ as the second pair of prosomal appendages – are a striking feature of scorpions and are employed in varied biological functions. Despite the distinctive morphology and ecological importance of these appendages, their anatomy remains underexplored. To rectify this, we examined the pedipalps of the Australian black rock scorpion, Urodacus manicatus, using a multifaceted approach consisting of microcomputed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and live pinch force measurements. In doing so, we document the following aspects of the pedipalps: (1) the musculature in three dimensions; (2) the cuticular microstructure, focusing on the chelae (tibial and tarsal podomeres); (3) the elemental construction of the chelae teeth; and (4) the chelae pinch force. We recognise 25 muscle groups in U. manicatus pedipalps, substantially more than previously documented in scorpions. The cuticular microstructure – endo-, meso-, and exocuticle – of U. manicatus pedipalps is shown to be similar to other scorpions and that mesocuticle reinforces the chelae for predation and burrowing. Elemental mapping of the chelae teeth highlights enrichment incalcium, chlorine, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vanadium, and zinc, with a marked lackof carbon. These elements reinforce the teeth, increasing robustness to better enable prey capture and incapacitation. Finally, the pinch force data demonstrate that U. manicatus can exert high pinch forces (4.1 N), further highlighting the application of chelae in subduing prey, asopposed to holding prey for envenomation. We demonstrate that U. manicatus has an array of adaptions for functioning

Reference:
Bicknell RD, Edgecombe GD, Goatley CH, Charlton G, Paterson JR. Pedipalp anatomy of the Australian black rock scorpion, Urodacus manicatus, with implications for functional morphology. Aust J Zool. 2024;72(2). [Open Access]

A new species of Scorpio from Algeria

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758(Scorpionidae) from Atakor volcanic field in the Hoggar massif in the south of Algeria.

Scorpio atakor Ythier, Sadine, Bengaid & Lourenço, 2024

The authors also raise Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 to species status after it previously was synonymized with Scorpio maurus maurus Linnaeus, 1758 (it was originally described as a subspecies of S. maurus.

Abstract:
A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 is described from the Atakor volcanic field in the Hoggar massif, located in the South of Algeria. Scorpio atakor sp. nov. most certainly represents a vicariant element of Scorpio tassili Lourenço & Rossi, 2016, species equally described from a massif formation, the Tassili N’Ajjer, in the South of Algeria. Both species are distributed in high altitudes in these massifs. Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 stat. rev., stat. nov. is also restored from its synonymy with Scorpio maurus maurus Linnaeus, 1758 and raised to species level. The number of confirmed species of Scorpio in Algeria is raised to six.

Reference:
Ythier E, Sadine SE, Bengaid Y, Lourenco WR. A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 from Algeria (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) and a new case of vicariance. Arachnides. 2024(113):1-11. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae

Two new species of Urodacus from Western Australia

 

Been awhile since I have seen any taxonomic news from "down under", but now I can report about a recent work by Bruno Buzatto and co-workers where two new species of the genus Urodacus Peters, 1861 (Scorpionidae*) are described from Western Australia.

Urodacus lunatus Buzatoo, Clark, Harvey & Volschenk, 2023

Urodacus uncinus Buzatoo, Clark, Harvey & Volschenk, 2023

The two new species are very similar and can only be separated based on the morphology of their hemispermatophores. I expect that a study of this genus with molecular technology may reveal more hidden species in Australia.

* The placement of the genus Urodacus is unlcear and the current authors have place it in the family Urodacidae, which currently is not used in The Scorpion Files.

Abstract:
Two new species of urodacid scorpion are described from the Pilbara region in Western Australia, where they are both patchily distributed along creek lines in the north-east of the region. Urodacus uncinus sp. nov. and Urodacus lunatus sp. nov. are indistinguishable based on external morphology: adults are medium-sized, yellow burrowing scorpions with remarkable sexual dimorphism in the, telson, in which males have a uniquely swollen vesicle and an aculeus that is more strongly curved than other known species of Urodacus. The species are superficially similar to Urodacus similis L.E. Koch, 1977 and Urodacus yaschenkoi Birula, 1903 in the morphology of the first four metasomal segments, which are extremely short and not much longer than high. The two new species canonly be discerned from each other based on the morphology of their hemispermatophores, which highlights the extremely conserved morphology of species in the genus and suggests that many new species await description with careful examination of their genitalia.

Reference:
Buzatto B, Clark H, Harvey M, Volschenk E. Two new species of burrowing scorpions Urodacus (Scorpiones: Urodacidae) from the Pilbara region of Western Australia with identical external morphology. Aust J Zool. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae