A new species of Buthus from Somaliland

 

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have published a new species from The Horn of Africa. This time a new species of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) has been discovered in Somaliland. The name of the new species is given because this is now the smallest species in the genus.

Buthus pygmaeus Kovarik, Lowe, Stahlavsky & Elmi, 2025

The article has an identification key for the Buthus species in The Horn of African.

Abstract:
New data are presented on the distribution of the genus Buthus Leach, 1815 in the Horn of Africa, mainly in Somaliland. B. pygmaeus sp. n. is described, fully complemented with color photographs of live and preserved specimens, as well as their habitats. In addition to the analysis of external morphology and hemispermatophore, we provide a description of the karyotype of B. pygmaeus sp. n. (2n=22). A key and distribution map of Buthus in the Horn of Africa (six species) are included.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stahlavsky F, Elmi HSA. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXXIX. Buthus pygmaeus sp. n. from Somaliland (Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(415):1–14. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A new species of Chaerilus from Pakistan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eric Ythier & Wilson Lourenco have recently described a new species of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 (Chaerilidae) from northern Pakistan.

Chaerilus pakistanus Ythier & Lourenco, 2025

Abstract:
A new species belonging to the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 is described from northern Pakistan. The new species is morphologically compared with the geographically closest species occurring in northern Pakistan, northern India and Nepal. This new taxon represents the 60th decribed species among the currently recognized species for the genus Chaerilus.

Reference:
Ythier E, Lourenco WR. A new species of Chaerilus Simon, 1877 from Pakistan (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae). Faunitaxys. 2025;13(27):1–6. [Open Access]

Family Chaerilidae

A new species of Mesomexovis from Mexico

 

André Felipe de Araujo Lira and González-Santillán recently identified a new species of Mesomexovis Gonzalez-Santillan & Prendini, 2013 (Vaejovidae) from Estación de Biología Chamela, Jalisco in Mexico  while studying the scorpion fauna in this area.

Mesomexovis caxcan Lira & Gonzalez-Santillan, 2025

The article also has an identification key for the scorpions in this area.

Abstract:
Mesomexovis Gonzalez-Santillan & Prendini, 2013 is a scorpion genus of the Vaejovidae family that comprises seven species, all endemic to Mexico. The present study describes a new species from Estación de Biología Chamela, Jalisco, related to M. occidentalis (Hoffmann, 1931), M. atenango (Francke & Gonzalez-Santillan, 2006), and M. subcristatus (Pocock, 1898). Mesomexovis caxcan sp. nov. differs from these species in several respects. Firstly, the carinae of the pedipalp chelae are vestigial. Secondly, the ventral lateral carinae of metasomal segments I–IV are granular, and the ventral submedian carinae of segments I–IV are costate to granular. A microstructural separation between the subex and the basal carina of the capsular area of the hemispermatophore is described for the first time. Mesomexovis caxcan sp. nov. represents the eighth species of the genus and the fifth reported in the Estación de Biología Chamela. The other scorpions identified in this location are Centruroides chamela Ponce Saavedra & Francke, 2011, C. elegans (Thorell, 1876) (Buthidae), Konetontli chamelaensis (Williams, 1986), and Thorellius intrepidus (Thorell, 1876) (Vaejovidae).

Reference:
Lira AFdA, Gonzalez-Santillan E. The scorpions of the Estación de Biología Chamela, Jalisco, Mexico with the description of a new species of Mesomexovis (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae) and an identification key. ZooKeys. 2025(1243):241–67. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre and Matt Simon for informing me about this new species!

Family Vaejovidae

First report of the medically significant scorpion Tityus carrilloi in Paraguay

 

As stated in earlier posts, medical important scorpions are expanding their distribution in many parts of South America. Adolfo Borges and co-workers have recently reported the findings of the medical important species Tityus carrilloi Ojanguren-Affilastro, 2021 (Buthidae) in Paraguay. This species has previously only been known from Argentina where it has been involved in severe and fatal envenomations.

Abstract:
We report the first record of the medically important scorpion Tityus carrilloi in Paraguay, from the metropolitan area of Encarnac ´on, Itapúa Department, near the Argentine border. Known for causing severe and fatal envenomings across northern Argentina, the presence of this species in southeastern Paraguay highlights the risk of cross-border dispersion. Along with the regional spread of the Brazilian Tityus serrulatus, this finding has significant epidemiological implications and underscores the urgent need for improved surveillance, diagnostics, and coordinated public health responses in Paraguay and neighboring countries, within the evolving landscape of scorpionism in southern South America.

Reference:
Borges A, Caballero C, Rojas de Arias A, Smith P, Owen M, Nishi A, et al. First report of the medically significant Argentine scorpion Tityus carrilloi (Buthidae) in Paraguay: Epidemiological implications amid rising regional scorpionism. Toxicon. 2025;264:108456. [Subscription required for full text]

Can light with certain colors/wavelengths be used in scorpion control?

 

Scorpions are a health problem in many areas, and especially in Brazil. As mentioned in a previous post, this problem is increasing due to medical important species' expansion into urban habitats. In a recent study, Marina Costa Rodrigues and co-workers tested behavioral reactions in the medical important scorpion Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (Buthidae) to light with different colors and wavelengths. 

The authors tested which colors or wavelengths that either attracted or repulsed the scorpions in a test arena. One main finding of the experiments was that the scorpions showed an avoidance to green light and violet light. More studies is necessary to see if lights with these colors can be used in scorpion control to either repel scorpions or attract them into traps.

Abstract:
Scorpions cause 150k+ accidents per year in Brazil. Control of their populations involves manual collection and pesticides. Here we tested if light could be used to attract or repel the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the main responsible for accidents in the country. Based on previous studies on scorpion´s physiological and behavioral reactions to light, we tested wavelengths that correspond to red, green and violet, controlling temperature, absolute irradiance and electromagnetic stimuli. We built a ring arena divided into 5 parts and had the individuals freely walking in the presence of a light/control. We released the scorpions either away from the LED to test attraction or close to the LED to test repellency. Results showed avoidance to green light, and violet light on a smaller portion, that could be due to wavelengths, since those correspond to primary and secondary response peaks of the animal photoreceptors, due to the absolute irradiance of lights or both. These two wavelengths, therefore, have potential for scorpion control and deserve further investigations.

Reference:
Rodrigues MC, Murayama GP, Moriyama LT, Ximenes N, de Souza L, Willemart RH. Light, camera, action: Behavioral responses of the yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus to different lights. Behavioural processes. 2025;228:105207. [Subscription required for full text]

Cannibalism in two buthid species from Brazil

 

It is well known that scorpions catch and eat other scorpions (either the same species or other species). Guilherme Melo-dos-Santos and co-workers recently published a study documenting cannibalistic events in the species Rhopalurus laticauda Thorell, 1876 and Tityus silvestris Pocock, 1987 (Buthidae) from Brazil.

Scorpions will eat other scorpions as prey (to get food), but the study also suggests that cannibalism can be part of an intraspecific competition (e.g. competition for territories (microhabitats) or food), that may have a regulatory effect on the populations.

The study was done under controlled captive conditions, but the researchers observed similar behaviors in the scorpions' natural environment. 

Abstract:
Scorpions are predators, with diets ranging from insects to other arachnids. Despite this, their predatory habits, especially in the Brazilian Amazon, are still poorly understood. This study documents, for the first time, cannibalistic events in the species Rhopalurus laticauda Thorell, 1876 and Tityus silvestris Pocock, 1987, both species found in Roraima. The first species is more common in open areas known as lavrado, while the second inhabits humid forests. During the study, we observed that, in most cases, the individuals involved in cannibalistic acts were of similar sizes. Only in one case, an adult preyed on a juvenile. These interactions, frequently associated with territorial disputes and for food, culminated in confrontations in which the weaker individual was subjugated. Our data, obtained under controlled captive conditions, revealed an aggressive and competitive behavior among scorpions of these species. It is important to highlight that similar behaviors were recorded in videos collected during field expeditions, suggesting that cannibalism also occurs in natural environments. The subjugated animals are consumed entirely in many cases, and in others, only parts of the consumed animals were found. These results contribute significantly to the understanding of the population dynamics of scorpions in the Amazon, indicating that intraspecific competition may be an important factor in the regulation of these populations.

Reference:
Melo-dos-Santos G, Melo-dos-Santos G, Leite TM, Rocha AM, Jati SR, Frezarin-da-Silva E, et al. Cannibalistic behavior in Rhopalurus laticauda Thorell, 1876 and Tityus silvestris Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) under captivity in the extreme north of the Brazilian Amazon. Revista Chilena de Entomología. 2025;51(2):169–75. [Open Access]

A revision of the expansion of medical important scorpions in human areas in South America

 

South America has several medical important species of Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae). Interestingly, scorpionism in South America is an urban problem that has been growing in the last decade as the medical species have had expansion of their distribution.

Alexis Emanuel Barrios-Montivero and coworkers have recently published a study presenting an updated overview of the current distribution of six medical important Tityus species. The study have looked at the original distribution of these species and their posterior expansion of synanthropic populations. In addition, the authors have tried to predict the future expansion of these medical important species.

The study shows that there have been a greatly accelerated expansion of medical important species in most cities of Southern South America in recent decades. In addition, they predict that there will be an even greater expansion of several of these species, and more important, they will reach countries and areas where scorpionism is not a problem today.

Abstract:
We revise the expansion of synanthropic medically important species of Scorpions of genus Tityus in southern South America: Tityus bahiensis (Perty 1833), Tityus carrilloi Ojanguren-Affilastro 2021, Tityus confluens Borelli 1899, Tityus costatus (Karsch, 1879), Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922, and Tityus trivittatus Kraepelin 1898, which due to their synanthropic capabilities we regard as invasive species. We also build species distribution models (SMDs) from bioclimatic variables using Maxent. We also included the human density variable in the model, because medically important species in the area are synanthropic, being more common in urban areas than in natural environments. We present their current suitable areas and the potential future distribution up to 2070. According to our analyses most species will expand in the close future, reaching countries without Scorpionism problems, such as Chile and Uruguay. We conclude that, besides synanthropic capabilities, parthenogenesis is the main factor favoring the expansion of some of these species. We also conclude that interactions between invasive Tityus species may hinder their expansion process due to potential competition or exclusion mechanisms.

Reference:
Barrios-Montivero AE, Martínez PA, Ojanguren-Affilastro AA. The Ongoing Expansion of the Medically Important Scorpions in Southern South America. Ecohealth. 2025. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Andres Ojanguren for sending me this article!

Six cases of cannibalism from Turkey

 

Cannibalism has been reported in scorpions on several occasions. Predatory cannibalism is probably most common, but sexual cannibalism has also known to occur. Generally, a larger scorpion eats a smaller scorpion.

Recently, Ersen Yagmur and co-workers published a study of six cases of cannibalism in five buthid species in Turkey. The cases and cannibalism in scorpions in general are discussed in the article.

Abstract:
No abstract.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Lira AFdA, Kurt R, Tezcan E, Kartal I, Sipahioglu Ö. Does size matter? Reports of cannibalism in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey. North-Western Journal of Zoology. 2025;21(1):90–2. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

A new species of Scorpiops from Thailand

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from the Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province in Thailand.

Scorpiops doiphukha Ythier, Kosulic, Nawanetiwong & Lourenco, 2025

The new species inhabits high-altitude evergreen forests (appr. 1500 m a.s.l.).

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., belonging to the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905, is described based on 12 specimens of both sexes (three adults and nine immatures) collected in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand. The new species presents key features exhibited by scorpions of the subgenus Euscorpiops and can be characterized notably by a large size, a sexual dimorphism strongly marked with male pedipalps elongated, a distinct trichobothrial pattern and other morphological features. This new taxon represents the 115th species among the currently recognized species for the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, and the 44th species described for the subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980. It is likely an endemic element of Thailand’s scorpion fauna, raising the number of known Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) species in the country to 13. Ecological and distributional aspects of the new species are discussed and compared with closely related Scorpiops species, highlighting its distinctiveness within the genus.

Reference:
Ythier E, Kosulic O, Nawanetiwong W, Lourenco WR. A newly discovered species of the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae). ZooKeys. 2025(1241):171–84. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me their article!

Family Scorpiopidae

Sting use in Centruroides sculpturatus in a defensive context

 

Several studies shows that scorpions are selective when it comes to sting and venom use i defense and prey capture. The basis for this is that venom is costly to replace and this cause the scorpions to be restrictive in using venom.

Lindsay Marston and co-workers recently published a study where they tested antipredator behaviors of Centruroides sculpturatus Ewing, 1928 (Buthidae) exposed to two different "threats" in their natural environment. 

Interestingly, the results of the different experiments contrasted with those of previous studies.The article discuss possible reasons for this.

Abstract:
Scorpion antipredator behavior incorporates risk assessment that informs decision-making and venom usage. We quantified antipredator behaviors of the clinically significant Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) in their natural environment using exposure to two stimuli: a freshly thawed laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a membrane-covered glass beaker. We videotaped and compared envenomation behaviors between sexes (females, gravid females, and males), across sizes, and between animal orientations (on vertical or horizontal substrates). Results failed to show consistent support for any of our four hypotheses. Females (especially gravid females) were no more likely than males to exhibit higher levels of stinging and venom expenditure. Scorpions on horizontal surfaces compared to those on vertical surfaces, and larger scorpions compared to smaller ones, were likewise no more likely to exhibit higher levels of responsiveness. Mice were more likely to be stung than the membrane-covered beaker, but with fewer and briefer stings, suggesting the scorpions did not attempt to deliver more venom into the mice. Thus, we discerned no clear patterns in risk assessment, stinging, and venom use associated with sex, substrate orientation, body size, or threat stimuli. These findings contrasted with those of several prior laboratory studies. Variation from unaccounted environmental variables may have obfuscated divergent behavioral tactics. Nevertheless, the behaviors we document here provide insights on the range of defensive behaviors exhibited by C. sculpturatus under natural environmental conditions, including the frequency of dry stings (11.8%) to the membrane-covered beakers.

Reference:
Marston LA, Fox GA, Hung KY, Delo SJ, Hayes WK. A Sting Operation: Risk Assessment and Venom Expenditure by Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) in a Defensive Context. Toxins. 2025;17(4):198. [Open Access]

A redescription of the endemic Buthus kunti from Cyprus and information about its habitat and ecology

 

Cyprus is very special because it is the only place where you can find members of both Buthus Leach, 1815 and Aegaeobuthus Kovarik, 2019 (previously Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950) (Buthidae). For many years only A. cyprius (Gantenbein & Kropf, 2000) was known from the island, but in 2011 surprisingly a second species was described, B. kunti Yagmur, Koc & Lourenço, 2011.

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of  Buthus kunti based on new materials. The article has updated information about the species' distribution and habita. It seems that this species has other habitat preferences than Aegaeobuthus cyprius and that the two species are not sympatric. More studies may change this assumption.

Abstract:
Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço was described based on a female holotype specimen from Cyprus. This species is redescribed based on the holotype and additional specimens collected from Cyprus, with the male description and variational information presented for the first time. Detailed illustrations and UV light images of the female holotype and male specimen are provided. The first ecological observations of B. kunti are presented here. We observed that B. kunti prefers sandy soil and is a burrowing species. Additionally, we observed that B. kunti is associated with the bushes of Cistus salviifolius. According to our observations, specimens sit under the branches of these bushes or climb them. Adults were observed under the bushes, whereas subadult specimens were observed on the branches. We also report the first recorded case of cannibalism in this species, documenting two instances.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Boğaç KK, Michael H, Hasan B, Gücel S. The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations. Journal of Natural History. 2025;59(25-28):1775–805. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen and Michael for sending me their article!

A new species of Androctonus from Iraq

 

 Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Iraq. The new species has previously been misidentified as A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807).

Androctonus ishtar Yagmur, Kachel, Al-Khazali, Al-Jubouri & Ali 2025

Abstract:
A new species, Androctonus ishtar sp. n., is described and illustrated from the Dohuk and Nineveh provinces of Iraq. This new species was previously misidentified as A. crassicauda Olivier. Androctonus sumericus Al-Khazali and Yağmur, and A. turkiyensis Yağmur, are distributed in territories close to those of A. ishtar sp. n. The new species differs from A. crassicauda in the morphology of the fifth metasomal segment, from A. sumericus in its elongate chela, and from A. turkiyensis in the trichobothrial arrangement on the fixed fingers of the chela.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Saeid KH, Mohammed A-KA, Karim A-JMA, and Ali FR. Androctonus ishtar sp. n. from Dohuk and Nineveh provinces, Iraq (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 2025;59(25-28):1757–73. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their new article!

Family Buthidae

An updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi from Egypt

 

Ersen Yagmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published an article with an updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 from Egypt. A few ecological observations are also provided.

Abstract:
The scorpion Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 is redescribed based on specimens collected from its type locality, Cairo, Egypt. Detailed colour illustrations and UV-light-illuminated photographs are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. On the morphology of Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) with some ecological observations. Serket. 2025;20(4):393–403. [Open Access]

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

A new species of Brachistosternus from Chile

 

 The unique geography of Chile is the origin of pockets of endemic species. Andres Ojanguren-Affilastro and co-workers have recently described a new species of Brachistosternus Pocock, 1893 (Bothriuridae) from the upper basin of the Maule Valley, located in the Maule Region of central Chile.

Brachistosternus pehuenche Ojanguren Affilastro, Alfaro, Iuri, Camousseigt-Montolivo & Pizarro-Araya, 2025

Abstract:
Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae) is described from the Mauline Andean forests of the northern Chilean Patagonia, located within the upper basin of the Maule Valley. Its unique geography and the discovery of this partial isolation, as a result of the surrounding higher altitudes, support the role of this valley as a biodiversity hotspot, fostering a variety of endemic epigean arthropods. The discovery of this third endemic scorpion species highlights the area’s ecological uniqueness. The species is most similar to Brachistosternus negrei, a species found in the southern Chilean forests, but distinct morphological traits, such as pigmentation patterns and metasomal structures, clearly separate the two. This study underscores the ecological value of the Maule Valley, which, despite its high endemism, remains unprotected and is subject to significant anthropogenic pressures, including agriculture, hydropower projects, and international transit routes. The need for conservation initiatives in this region is critical to preserve its exceptional biodiversity. This work not only adds to the taxonomy of Brachistosternus but also raises fundamental questions about the processes driving endemism in the Andes and the broader implications for the conservation of montane ecosystems.

Reference:
Ojanguren-Affilastro AA, Alfaro FM, Iuri HA, Camousseigt-Montolivo B, Pizarro-Araya J. Description of Brachistosternus pehuenche sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae), a new scorpion species from the upper Maule Valley, in the southern Chilean Andes. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 2025;101(3):969–81. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard, Matt and Victoria for informing me about this article!

Family Bothriuridae

A revision of the enigmatic genus Charmus from India and Sri Lanka with a couple of taxonomic updates

 

Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Buthidae) is a genus that is rarely encountered in the field and in collections. The few species in the genus are also very similar. Mihir Joshi and several co-workers have recently published a systematic review of this genus and have made a couple of taxonomic decisions.

Charmus dakshini Joshi, Deshpande, Ukale, Gowande, Bilat, Kovarik, Mottaz, Stahlavsky, Bastawade, Monod & Sulakhe, 2025 New species from southern India.

Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879.

Abstract:
India and Sri Lanka are known to exhibit high levels of biological diversity with many endemic taxa, such as the enigmatic scorpion genus Charmus Karsch, 1879. Members of this genus are rarely encountered in the field and are also known to be morphologically very similar, which impedes their systematic assessment. Our dedicated efforts towards sampling the members of the genus resulted in the collection of important material, which allowed us to carry out a thorough systematic revision of the genus using an integrated taxonomic approach. We propose several taxonomic changes based on the results of a detailed morphological study supported by molecular data. Charmus indicus Hirst, 1915 is synonymized with Charmus laneus Karsch, 1879, owing to the lack of morphological differences and low genetic divergence between the two taxa. We designate a neotype for Charmus sinhagadensis Tikader and Bastawade, 1983, and describe a new species from Sirumalai (Tamil Nadu, India). Moreover, we provide the first molecular phylogeny of Charmus based on Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COI), 16S rRNA (16S) and 28S rRNA (28S) genes. The phylogenetic position of the genus within the family Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837 is also tested using an independent genome-wide dataset (Ultraconserved Elements). Topological congruence and discrepancies between the phylogenies generated with Sanger sequences and the Ultraconserved Elements are commented on, and the reliability of these datasets when evaluating phylogenetic relationships at different hierarchical levels is further discussed.

Reference:
Joshi M, Deshpande S, Ukale S, Gowande G, Bilat J, Kovařík F, et al. Systematic Revision of the Genus Charmus Karsch, 1879 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), and Assessment of Its Phylogenetic Position Within Buthidae CL Koch, 1837 Using Ultraconserved Elements. Diversity. 2025;17:354. [Open Acces]

Thanks to Gerard and Frantisek for both sending me this article!

Family Buthidae