A new species of Urophonius from Chile

 

Urophonius Pocock, 1893 in the family Bothriuridae consists of small burrowing scorpions from southern South America. One special feature with this genus is that some of the species are active in winter. Andrés Ojanguren-Affilastro and co-workers have recently described a new species from Andean Mauline Chilean forests.

Urophonius trewanke Ojanguren-Affilastro, Alfaro, Ramirez, Camousseigt-Montolivo & Pizarro-Araya, 2024

The authors have also included a phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on morphological characters.

Abstract:
Urophonius trewanke sp. nov. is described from the Mauline Andean woods of northern Chilean Patagonia. This species belongs to the granulatus species group, which includes the most basal species within the genus. This species is only active in summer as in all species of its group. We performed a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Urophonius based on morphological characters to establish the position and relationships of the new species in the genus.

Reference:
Ojanguren-Affilastro AA, Alfaro FM, Ramírez MJ, Camousseigt-Montolivo B, Pizarro-Araya J. A new species of genus Urophonius Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), from Andean Mauline Chilean forests, with a phylogenetic re-analysis of the genus. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 2024;100(2):469-82. [Full text supplied by authors]

Thanks to Victora Tang for informing me about this article!

Family Bothriruidae

New records of the buthid Mesobuthus rakhshanii in Iran

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article with new data on the distribution of  Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 (Buthidae) in Iran.

Abstract:
Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) was so far known only from the type locality in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. We give a list of numerous new records of this species from the same province. A map and detailed illustrations are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Baghernavesi Z, Taherkhani Z, Akbari P, Moradi M. New records of Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 in Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024(389):1-9. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Pushy scorpion boys get more scorpion girls

 

Sorry for the tabloid headline. ;)

Scorpion females have a greater investment in the offspring than males and because of this are selected to be more picky when it comes to allowing males to mate. And an unwilling scorpion female is no joke, she can both push and sting an unwanted male. 

Milena Moreira and co-workers recently published a study on the sexual receptivity of female Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Buthidae) from Brazil in respone to eager males' courtship attempts. As expected, the females generally behaved aggressive towards flirting males, but in spite of this, the persistence of the male had a positive effect in courtship probability. So "pushy" and males actually had a greater chances of successful mating. One theory that might explain the female behavior is that the ability to overcome the aggressive behavior of females can be an indication of the quality of males.

It has to be added that the willingness of the females also was linked to the reproductive season indicating that also environmental factors may play a significant role in the males' success. 

Abstract:
Due to the high reproductive investment, females are the decisive sex when making decisions about whether or not to reproduce. Generally, female scorpions display aggressive sexual behavior in response to male reproductive advances when they are not receptive. However, female receptivity can vary over time, depending on environmental factors favorable to reproduction Thus, the current study aimed to examine the correlation between the number of reproductive attempts by male Tityus pusillus scorpion and mating success over time, considering the female's behavioral response. Behavioral analyses were monthly conducted on 150 T. pusillus field-caught pairs over a five-month period. Our results indicate that despite females reacting aggressively to male advances, the persistence of the male has a positive effect in courtship probability. Furthermore, we observed variations in female behavior throughout the studied period, suggesting that female receptivity might be linked to the reproductive season. Therefore, environmental factors may play a significant role in regulating scorpion reproduction in Neotropical forests.

Reference:
Moreira MOM, Moura GJB, Lira AFA. Sexual receptivity of females on Neotropical scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 in response to male reproductive advances. Biologia. 2024; Published Online 30.04.24. [Open Access]

Genetic and morphometric analysis of Hottentotta saulcyi in Iran reveal new cryptic species

 

The medical important scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Buthidae) is widespread in Iran. Masoumeh Amiri and co-workers have studied the different populations and genetic and morphometric analyses revealed a new cryptic species.

Hottentotta hatamtiorum Amiri, Prendini, Hussen, Aliabadian, Siahsarvie & Mirshamsi, 2024

Abstract:
Morphological and genetic variation among populations of the widespread buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), occurring in western and southwestern Iran was explored using morphometric variables, one nuclear marker (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial markers (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I). Genetic and morphometric statistical analyses revealed extensive cryptic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood uncovered two divergent clades, one of which is described as a new species, Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov., from Ilam and Khuzestan Provinces, southwestern Iran. The description of the new species raises the total count of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 species to 61, twelve of which are endemic or subendemic to the Iranian Plateau.

Reference:
Amiri M, Prendini L, Hussen FS, Aliabadian M, Siahsarvie R, Mirshamsi O. Integrative systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals a new species in Iran. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 2024;82:323-41. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victoria Tang for sending me this article!

 Family Buthidae

The distribution of Androctonus amoreuxi in Morocco

 

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!

Family Buthidae

Ananteridae is raised to family status

 

In a recent article, Eric Ythier has raised the subfamily Ananterinae Pocock, 1900 (in family Buthidae) to family status. Seven extant genera with associated species are transferred to the new family (see family page for more details).

Ananteridae Pocock, 1900

        Ananteris Thorell, 1891

        Ananteroides Borelli, 1911 

        Himalayotityobuthus Lourenço, 1997

        Lychasioides Vachon, 1974

        Microananteris Lourenço, 2003

        Tityobuthus Pocock, 1893

        Troglotityobuthus Lourenço, 2000 

Three extinct genera are also included in this family.

        Palaeotityobuthus Lourenço & Weitschat, 2000

        Palaeoananteris Lourenço & Weitschat, 2001

        Archaeoananteroides Lourenço, 2016

A new species of Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Ananteridae) from Brazil is described in the article.

        Ananteris lourencoi Ythier, 2024

Abstract:
A new species belonging to the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (family Ananteridae Pocock, 1900, stat. n.) is described on the basis of one male specimen collected at the Pico da Neblina, Brazil. Ananteris lourencoi sp. n. was collected between 2000-2300 m altitude, representing to our knowledge the highest altitude record for the genus Ananteris. The description of this new species brings further evidence about the biogeographic patterns of distribution presented by most species of the genus Ananteris, which are highly endemic in most natural formations of South America. This new scorpion taxon represents the 97th described species among the currently recognized species for the genus Ananteris (the 31st described from Brazil) and the 128th species described for the family Ananteridae stat. n. which is hereby confirmed as a valid family. The composition, distribution and altitude for the members of this family are discussed.

Reference:
Ythier E. A new high-altitude scorpion species of the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Scorpiones: Ananteridae) from the Pico da Neblina, Brazil. Faunitaxys. 2024;12(19):1-9. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me this article!

Family Ananteridae

Family Buthidae

A new species of Mesobuthus from southeastern Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a new species of Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from southeastern Turkey. This population has previously been classified as M. mesopotamicus Penther, 1912.

Mesobuthus faiki Yagmur, Kovarik & Fet, 2024

Abstract:
New locality records for Mesobuthus mesopotamicus (Penther, 1912) are given from Iraq. The populations from southeastern Turkey, earlier identified as M. mesopotamicus by Kovařík et al. (2022) are examined and compared with the specimens from type locality of M. mesopotamicus. These populations are described as a new species, Mesobuthus faiki sp. n. Detailed illustrations of both species and a map are given.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Kovarik F, Fet V, Hussen FS, Kurt R, Al-Khazali AM, et al. New records of Mesobuthus mesopotamicus (Penther, 1912) in Iraq and Mesobuthus faiki sp. n. from Turkey (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024(388):1-22. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A new species of Leiurus from Mali

 

The number of African members of the medical important genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) is still growing. A new species was recently described from the mountain system of Adrar des Iforas, Cercle of Kidal, in Mali by Wilson Lourenco and Eric Ythier.

Leiurus tamajeq Lourenco & Ythier, 2024

Abstract:
A new species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 is described on the basis of one male specimen collected in the mountain system of Adrar des Iforas, Cercle of Kidal, in Mali. The new species, Leiurus tamajeq sp. n. is most certainly associated to Leiurus hoggarensis, described from the Hoggar mountain system in Algeria, both species presenting an almost parapatric geographic distribution. Nevertheless, these closed related mountain systems have been isolated during past palaeoclimatic vicissitudes leading to possible differentiation processes. The two species can be distinguished by a number of morphological characters which clearly suggest that the new species population is distinct from the one found in the Hoggar mountain system. Differences are noticeable notably for morphometric values as well as the relative position of several trichobothria. As for L. hoggarensis, the new species seems to inhabit a more mesic zone when compared to the central compartment of the Saharan desert and, apparently, do not present characteristics of a psamophilic species and may be considered as a lithophilic species.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Ythier E. A new African species of the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Mali (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2024;20(2):58-67. [Open Access article will be available later]

Thanks to Eric for sending me the new article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Barbaracurus from Djibouti

 

The Horn of Africa is a treasure chest filled with undescribed species. In the latest issue of Euscorpius, Frantisek Kovarik describes a new species in the genus Barbaracurus Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky, 2018 (Buthidae) from Djibouti.

 Barbaracurus hofereki Kovarik, 2024

Abstract:
Barbaracurus hofereki sp. n. from Djibouti is described and compared with other species of the genus. B. hofereki sp. n. is the only species of the genus with pedipalp movable finger with 8 rows of granules and pectinal tooth count 27–28 in female. Also, its pedipalp chela with very narrow manus (chela length/width ratio 6.07 in female), narrower than in all other African species of the genus. A map of the distribution of the genus in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is provided.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part XXXII. Barbaracurus hofereki sp. n. from Djibouti. Euscorpius. 2024(387):1-12. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A new micro-scorpion in the genus Microtityus from Brazil

 

 Even though large and dangerous scorpions often get the main focus, there are a lot of small and sometimes cryptic scorpions around. Many of these are unnoticed and undescribed. Jairo Moreno-Gonzalez and co-workers have now described a new micro-species in the genus Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 (Buthidae) from northern Brazil.

Microtityus adriki Moreno-Gonzalez, Bertani & Carvalho, 2024

The new species is only 12.39-19.47 mm long and is probably one of the smallest scorpions in the Amazonian region.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Microtityus adriki n. sp., is described based on adult specimens collected in Cantá, state of Roraima (RR), northern Brazil. Microtityus adriki n. sp. is the second species of Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 known from Brazil and is one of the smallest scorpion species (12.39-19.47 mm) in the Amazonian region. In this study, we propose an amended generic diagnosis and a specific diagnosis, describe the male hemispermatophore of Microtityus, give the sequence of COI barcode, and present a potential distribution analysis for the genus. The morphology of the male hemispermatophore of Microtityus differs from that of other Neotropical buthid genera, except for the number of lobes (three lobes), which is a character state shared with several genera. The potential distribution model generated by MaxEnt suggests high environmental suitability for the genus in the Antilles and northern South America, with scattered high suitability in several regions of Central America. However, the model did not indicate high suitability in areas where Brazilian species occur (i.e., Microtityus adriki n. sp. and Microtityus vanzolinii Lourenço & Eickstedt, 1983), and this could be explained by a sampling bias. Therefore, future studies, including extensive sampling, are required to better understand the biogeographic processes behind the distribution of this genus.

Reference:
Moreno-González JA, Bertani R, Carvahlo LS. On one of the smallest Amazonian scorpions: a new species of Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Brazil, with amended diagnosis and potential distribution analysis for the genus. Zoosystema. 2024;46(10):245-68. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Two new buthid genera from Somaliland

 

Frantisek Kovarik has recently described two new genera in the Buthidae family from Somaliland.

Sahil Kovarik, 2024 (new genus)

Sahil elmi Kovarik, 2024 (new species)

Sanaag Kovarik, 2024 (new genus)

Sanaag maidensis (Kovarik, Lowe, Just, Awale, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2018) (new combination - previously in the genus Gint Kovarik, Lowe, Pliskova & Stahlavsky, 2013)

Abstract:
Two new monotypic buthid genera are described: Sanaag gen. n. and Sahil gen. n. from Somaliland, both belonging to the ‘Buthus’ group. Sanaag gen. n. (type species Gint maidensis Kovařík et al., 2018) differs from Gint Kovařík et al., 2013 in the structure of its hemispermatophore, which has a large, tall, subtriangular hook-like basal lobe, and in the shape of its telson which is rather bulbous. Sahil gen. n. (type species Sahil elmii sp. n.) differs from all morphologically similar small-sized genera of the Horn of Africa in having the ventral aspect of cheliceral fixed finger with two denticles, and the movable finger of the pedipalp with 7 subrows of denticles.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones) Part XXXI. Two new genera from Somaliland: Sanaag gen. n. and Sahil gen. n. (Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024(386):1-11. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Mexican Scorpions Described between 2000 - 2023

 

Gerardo Contreras-Félix and José Navarrete-Heredia have recently published an article where they sum up all Mexican Scorpions Described between 2000 - 2023. In addition to listing up the species and their associated genera and family, the article also presents an overview of the journals that these articles appear in.

Abstract:
Patterns of descriptions of new species of Mexican scorpions between 2000-2023 were analyzed. We based our study on the Zoological Record of Web of ScienceTM. We found 111 species in seven families described in 83 papers published in scientific journals from all over the world. Families with the most species described were Vaejovidae (52), Buthidae (26), Diplocentridae (23), Euscorpiidae (4), and Typhlochactas (3). The species of Mexican scorpions were described in Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, Zootaxa, Revista Ibérica de Aracnología, and 19 other publications. We also comment on issues to consider when Zoological Record was used for analysis in this study.

Reference:
Contreras-Félix GA, Navarrete-Heredia JL. Mexican Scorpions Described between 2000 - 2023: Analysis from Zoological Records of Patterns, Trends, and Effects of Lockdown Over Descriptions. Southwestern Entomologist. 2024;49(1):100-19. [Subscription required for full text]

A new troglomorphic, leaf-dwelling species in the enigmatic genus Troglotayosicus from Colombia

 

The enigmatic and rare genus Troglotayosicus Lourenço, 1981 (Troglotayosicidae) is know from a a few locations in Colombia and Ecuador where they inhabit the leaf-litter on the ground. All species show troglomorphic characters. Little is known about the phylogeny and the biogeography of this fascinating genus.

Jairo Moreno-Gonzalez and co-workers have recently published an interesting article on the phylogeny of Troglotayosicus, and a new species from Colombia is described.

Troglotayosicus akaido Moreno-Gonzalez, Luna-Sarmiento & Prendini, 2024

The article has an identification key for the seven known species and a map of their known distribution.

Interestingly, one of the authors was stung by this species while collecting. The sting cause intense, local pain for 30 minutes, but no other serious symptoms. This is probably the first sting report for this family.

Abstract:
The troglomorphic scorpion genus Troglotayosicus Lourenço, 1981, occurs in hypogean and epigean habitats in the Andean and Amazonian rainforests of Colombia and Ecuador. The phylogenetic relationships among the species of Troglotayosicus are currently unknown. In the present contribution, a new species, Troglotayosicus akaido, sp. nov., is described from specimens collected in the leaf litter of a primary rainforest in the Colombian Amazon, near the border with Peru, raising the number of species in the genus to seven. The new species represents the easternmost record of the genus and further extends its distribution into the Amazon. Its phylogenetic position was tested in an analysis of all species of the genus and two outgroup taxa, scored for 131 morphological characters (16 new and 115 legacy; 104 binary and 27 multistate) analyzed with maximum likelihood under the MK model. Troglotayosicus was recovered as monophyletic and composed of two main clades. The morphological survey revealed that the ventral macrosetae of the leg telotarsi of the type species, Troglotayosicus vachoni Lourenço, 1981, are simple, subspiniform macrosetae, irregularly distributed, but not arranged into clusters nor forming elongated clusters of setae/spinules, as previously suggested. A distribution map and key to the identification of the species of Troglotayosicus are provided. Further research, incorporating molecular data, is needed to understand the evolution and biogeographical history of this enigmatic scorpion genus.

Reference:
Moreno-González JA, Luna-Sarmiento DA, Prendini L. Phylogeny of the Troglomorphic Scorpion Genus Troglotayosicus (Scorpiones: Troglotayosicidae) with Description of a New Species from Colombia. American Museum Novitates. 2024;2024(4011):1-39. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre for sending me this article!

Family Troglotayosicidae

What's on the menu for a group of Brazilian scorpions?

 

It is generally stated that most scorpions are generalist prey on a wide diversity of animals (including other scorpions). In spite of this generalization and "common knowledge", there are few systematic studies on the diet composition of many scorpion species.

Dionisio-da-Silva and co-workers have recently published a study of the prey composition of scorpions from different environments in Brazil. A generalist diet and cases of cannibalism are reported.

Abstract:
The overall assumption that scorpions are generalist predators is often based on conspicuous information from the literature. Here, we compiled a list of prey consumption by scorpions from different environments in Brazil to produce a documentation of predations by this taxon. This list is based on observations made under natural conditions in Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, and Cerrado formations. We compiled 135 predation instances including 11 scorpion species from field work through 14 years. The observed diet composition of the scorpions was mainly based on cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and other scorpions. Such data highlights the generalist diet and cannibalism of scorpions with many cannibalistic events among the records of intraguild predation. Overall, this study broadens the knowledge of the diet composition of Brazilian scorpions under natural conditions.

Reference:
Dionisio-da-Silva W, Foerster SIA, Gallao JE, Lira AFA. What's for dinner? Prey consumption by Neotropical scorpions across contrasting environments. J Arachnol. 2024;52:26-30. [Sunscription required for full text]

Three new species of Parabuthus from Somaliland

 

In part 30 of their ongoing series "Scorpions of the Horn of Africa", Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers describe three new species of Parabuthus Pocock, 1890 (Buthidae) from Somaliland. 

Parabuthus dorisae Kovarik, Lowe, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

Parabuthus evae Kovarik, Lowe, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

Parabuthus quincyae Kovarik, Lowe, Elmi & Stahlavsky, 2024

The true distribution of Parabuthus eritreaensis Kovarik, 2003 is discussed and a distribution map for all species in the Horn of Africa is included. 

Abstract:
A new record of an adult female of Parabuthus eritreaensis Kovařík, 2003 in Somaliland confirms true distribution of this species, already discussed in Kovařík et al. (2016: 19–21). Three new species are described from Somaliland, P. dorisae sp. n., P. evae sp. n., and P. quincyae sp. n.. The hemispermatophore of P. dorisae sp. n. is illustrated and described. In addition to the analyses of external morphology and hemispermatophore, we have provided descriptions of the karyotypes of P. dorisae sp. n. and P. quincyae sp. n. Despite the presence of multivalents (CVIII and CXIV), both species exhibit karyotypes with 2n=16 and chromosomes that gradually decrease in length, with the exception of the first chromosome, which is longer than the following chromosomes. A map of distribution of Parabuthus species in the Horn of Africa is included.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Elmi HSA, Stahlavsky F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXX. Parabuthus (Buthidae) (Part III), with description of three new species from Somaliland and occurrence of Parabuthus eritreaensis Kovařík, 2003. Euscorpius. 2024(385):1-27. [Open access]

Family Buthidae

Cannibalism in the Brazilian scorpion Tityus metuendus

 

Scorpions are predators that catch a wide diversity of prey, including members of their own species. Jonas martins and co-workers have recently published an article describing several cases of cannibalism in the Brazilian species Tityus metuendus Pocock, 1987 (Buthidae).

Abstract:
Scorpions are an important predator group in the habitats where they live, due to their voracity. However, their predatory habits are not well recorded, particularly in Amazonian species. Here we report four intraspecific predation events involving Tityus metuendus Pocock, 1987. In all cases, larger individuals acted as predators of smaller ones. These are the first reports of cannibalism involving scorpions in the Brazilian Amazon. Our findings are important to allow a better understanding of  intraspecific interactions in tropical scorpion assemblages.

Reference:
Martins JG, Almeida MR, Procópio RE, Lira AF. Cannibalism in Tityus metuendus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the Brazilian Amazon. Revista Chilena de Entomología. 2024;50(1):57-61. [Open Access]