Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1826) (Buthidae) has been known to have a very wide distribution ranging from Africa to Asia. Many of the Asian reports are probably misidentifications, and the real distribution of this species is probably Northern Africa and part of the Middle East.
Mohamed Mousaid and Victoria Tang have recently published an article summing up the distribution of Androctonus amoreuxi in Morocco. The article also discuss suitable habitats for this species and the possibility of some hidden species within this potential species complex.
Abstract:
This is a brief synoptic review of Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1825) in Morocco. A summary of its morphological description is provided. Five new localities of this species in Morocco from Errachidia (1 station) and Tinghir (4 stations) provinces are reported, substantiated by photos of live specimens observed therein. Based on previous ecological study of this species, with its observation records on iNaturalist and geographical references from satellite images, we suggest that A. amoreuxi may spread more widely in the extreme southern Morocco, a Saharan area with vast arid regions of suitable ecological conditions for its dispersal, into the north of Mauritania. An updated distribution map of this species in Morocco is provided as per these new records and previous studies. Finally, after comparing its morphology with its congeners, we urge a more systematic review of this species giving the ambiguity of its true identity and the likelihood of being a species-complex comprising three cryptic lineages.
Reference:
Mousaid M, Tang V. Review of the distribution of Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1825) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Morocco. Serket. 2024;20(2):78-92. [Full text provided bu authors]
Thanks to Victoria for sending me this article!
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