28 June, 2022

Updated information on the distribution of the genus Buthacus in Algeria.

 


Yacine Bengaid and co-workers recently published an article with new information about the distribution of the genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) in Algeria.

Abstract:
The genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Family Buthidae) regroups about 30 species commonly known as sand scorpions. In the Algerian sandy deserts, in particular, this group shows a micro-endemic populations. The present paper summarizes the exhaustive list of Buthacus species in Ghardaïa region (Central Algeria), basing on sampling period of 12 months (2021). As a preliminary result, five species were recorded from the study area: B. arenicola, B. birulai, B. elmenia, B. samiae, and B. spinatus. Of which, two species are original from Algerian Eastern Erg (B. arenicola and B. birulai) while, the other species were recently identified from Ghardaïa region. All these species show a close affinity to Erg or sandy biotopes except B. samiae which presents a wide distribution in study area and in sandy Reg. Also, it has the ability to cohabit with other Buthacus such as B. spinatus in the North and B. elmenia in the south.

Reference:
Bengaid Y, Sadine SE, Oumyma Z, Abidi H, Bissati S, Houhamdi M. Notes and remarks on Buthacus species of Central Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket; 2022. p. 274-81.

Family Buthidae

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