A new species of Androctonus from Jordan

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Jordan.

Androctonus ammoneus Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Abu fifeh, 2025

The new species seems to prefer to inhabit human-modified habitats and may therefor represent a potential health hazard in the areas of distribution.

This article has been in press for quite a long time and because this do not cite recent papers on Androctonus this fall. 

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Androctonus ammoneus sp. n., is described and illustrated from Zarqa Province, Jordan. Previous reports classified several Androctonus populations in Jordan as A. crassicauda. However, a comparative analysis with the neotype of A. crassicauda and other related species from Turkey and the Middle East reveals that A. ammoneus sp. n. is widely distributed in Jordan and represents a distinct species. The key distinguishing features include the chela structure and slenderness, metasomal carination, telson structure and general coloration. This study provides a comprehensive description and detailed illustrations of the new species, contributing to the taxonomic understanding of the genus Androctonus in the region.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Al-Saraireh M, Abu Afifeh B. Description of a New Species of Androctonus (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Jordan. Zoodiversity. 2025;59(5):383–98. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their new article!

Family Buthidae