A new species of Scorpio from Iraq

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently described a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from southern Iraq.

Scorpio basraensis Yagmur, Makki & Najim, 2026

The genus Jordanius Afifeh, Yagmur, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2024 (Scorpionidae) was synonymized with Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 by Prendini, 2026. The authors of the current article reverse this decision and revalidate this taxa to genus status again. Please note that this only apply to the Prendini 2026 version of Scorpionidae in The Scorpion Files.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Scorpio basraensis sp. n., is described and illustrated from Basra Province, southern Iraq. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. is compared with all known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 occurring in countries surrounding Iraq. The new species can be distinguished by the circular genital operculum in males and the cordiform genital operculum in females (not posteriorly elongated), a densely hirsute body, appendages and metasoma, a distinctly elongated telson vesicle, discrete granules on the external surface of the chela manus that are not flattened, and pectinal tooth counts of 11–13 in males and 9–11 in females. With the description of this species, the number of scorpion species known from Iraq increases to 22, whereas the number of recognized species in the genus Scorpio reaches 33 [According to Prendini, 2026 - Editor's addition].

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Makki JA, Najim SA. Scorpio basraensis sp. n. from southern Iraq (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2026(442):1–18. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae 

Maintaining Sand Scorpions in the laboratory

 

Douglas Gaffin is a very experienced scorpion researcher who has studied sense organs and sense physiology in scorpions for more than three decades. His main study animals have been the American Sand Scorpions Smeringurus mesaensis (Stahnke, 1957) and Paruroctonus utahensis (Williams, 1968) (Vaejovidae).

Douglas has now published an article where he shares his extensive experiences with keeping Paruroctonus utahensis in the laboratory. This will be very helpful for others who wants to keep this species under optimal conditions for research or hobby.

Abstract:
For over three decades, I have collected and maintained sand scorpions in my research laboratory. I have learned that these animals are not only easy to collect but also accepting of laboratory conditions. In this note, I followed a population of 34 sand scorpions collected from a sand field near Monahans, Texas, and housed under stable conditions in jars in my lab at the University of Oklahoma. I kept track of their feeding and watering schedules and noted their date of death. In the end, I generated a descriptive post-collection survivorship curve for this population. I hope that this account can help guide those interested in working with these exquisite animals and provide a baseline for comparing with other populations of collected animals held under laboratory conditions.

Reference:
Gaffin D. Lessons from Three Decades of Maintaining Sand Scorpions in the Laboratory: Husbandry and Survivorship of Paruroctonus utahensis. Arthropoda. 2026;4(3):15. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon for informing me about this article!

An update on the little known scorpion fauna of El Salvador

 

Luis F. de Armas and Enrique Maldonado have recently published an article with an update on the  little known scorpion fauna of El Salvador. At least six species from two families occur in this country. An identification key is included in the article.

Abstract:
The scorpions from Republic of El Salvador, Central America, have been poorly studied. The present work confirms the presence of at least six species in this country: Didymocentrus krausi Francke, 1978 (Diplocentridae), and five species belonging to the genus Centruroides Marx, 1899 (Buthidae), including the first records for Centruroides koesteri Kraepelin, 1911, Centruroides tapachulaensis Hoffmann, 1932, and an unidentified species of the thorellii species-group. Centruroides tapachulaensis had been confused with Centruroides edwardsii (Gervais, 1843), Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) and Centruroides margaritatus (Gervais, 1841). None of five nominal identified species are Salvadoran endemism. A taxonomical key is included for the identification of these six scorpion species. Most of the new records were made based on available data on the iNaturalist citizen science website.

Reference:
de Armas LF, Maldonado E. La casi desconocida escorpiofauna (Arachnida: Scorpiones) de El Salvador, América Central. Revista Nicaraguense de Entomologia. 2026(433):1–33. [Full text supplied by author]

Thanks to Victoria for informing me about this article! 

 

New locality records and potential distribution in the future of Sassanidotus gracilis in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt

 

 Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published an article with new new locality records for Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Buthidae) in Iran. There is very little information about the potential distribution of this species in Iran and neighboring countries. The author present a potential distribution of this species in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt based on analysis of the future habitat suitability for this species.

Abstract:
This study reports new locality records from Iran and a climate-based habitat suitability assessment for Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt. We document new specimens from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, with an updated distribution map and illustrations, and we model the species’ potential distribution across south-eastern Iran and adjacent parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Habitat suitability was associated mainly with precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, and slope. In an arid setting these rainfall variables are unlikely to indicate a need for moist habitat; they more plausibly track seasonal productivity and the terrain features that provide shelter. Present-day suitable areas were concentrated in south-eastern Iran, particularly Sistan and Baluchestan, and extended into south-western Afghanistan and western Pakistan.
Projections under SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 indicated that suitable habitat persists across most core areas but is redistributed over time. Net change was small and negative under every scenario, from about −0.4% to −7.0% of the present suitable area, with the largest reduction under SSP5-8.5 for 2071–2100. These net values were accompanied by high spatial turnover: even in the near-future period about 44% of the present suitable area was reclassified as unsuitable while a comparable area became newly suitable. Disagreement among climate models was large and grew with time and emission level (mean coefficient of variation 28–75%), so the net changes are of similar or smaller magnitude than the projection uncertainty and should be read as evidence of spatial reorganization rather than precise area loss.

The species therefore seems likely to keep much of its suitable habitat, although the high-emission scenario points to more fragmentation late in the century. Because a dispersal-limited scorpion may have limited ability to rapidly reach newly suitable areas, the predicted areas are best treated as hypotheses for survey rather than forecasts of occupancy. They identify priority targets in poorly sampled parts of south-eastern Iran, western Pakistan and adjacent Afghanistan.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Çiçek K, Barati H, Moradi M. New locality records and future habitat suitability of Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900)(Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt. Euscorpius. 2026(440):1–19. [Open Access]

Trends in species richness and abundance in Central Algerian Sahara during a 10 year period

 

Getting data on changes in biodiversity of scorpions and other arthropods in a region over time is important. These data can be related to factors like climate and human impact. Salah Eddine Sadine and co-workers have recently published a study of the trends in scorpion richness, abundance and community structure in Central Algerian Sahara during 10 years.

Interestingly, the scorpion richness increased significantly during the observation period. The authors do not believe that this is a result of increased biodiversity, but rather reflects the increased and improved taxonomical research in the last decades that has revealed several new, but already existing taxa. 

Total abundance showed strong variability between the years in the study period, but without a clear temporal trend. The authors concludes that this may indicate  indicating a decoupling between richness and overall population size. See abstract and article for more information and details.

Abstract:
Understanding long-term temporal dynamics of desert arthropod communities is essential for evaluating ecosystem responses to environmental variability. This study investigates decadal changes (2014–2024) in species richness, abundance, diversity, and assemblage composition of scorpions in the central Algerian Sahara. Annual species abundance data were analyzed using diversity indices and multivariate approaches. Temporal turnover in species composition was assessed using Bray–Curtis dissimilarity, linear regression, and SIMPER analysis to identify species contributing to assemblage change. Species richness increased substantially over the study period, rising from four species in 2014 to eleven species in 2024, but this rise likely reflects improved taxonomic knowledge and more complete inventories rather than a recent ecological colonization. In contrast, total abundance showed strong interannual variability without a clear temporal trend, indicating a decoupling between richness and overall population size. Diversity indices increased progressively, with higher Shannon and Simpson values in later years, reflecting reduced dominance and greater evenness, although both indices reached minimum values in 2019. Temporal β-diversity revealed moderate interannual turnover (mean dissimilarity = 0.22) and a non-significant decline through time, suggesting gradual assemblage reorganization. SIMPER analysis indicated that temporal change was mainly driven by shifts in dominance, particularly the decline of Androctonus amoreuxi and changes in secondary species such as Buthacus samiae and Lissothus chaambi. Overall, scorpion assemblages exhibited increasing richness and diversity with moderate turnover, driven primarily by changes in species dominance rather than widespread species replacement.

Reference:
Sadine SE, Zebsa R, Bensakhri Z, Souilem Z, Rouari L, Houhamdi M, et al. A Decade of Change: Trends in Scorpion Richness, Abundance, and Community Structure in Central Algerian Sahara. Diversity. 2026;18(7). [Open Access]

Thanks to André for informing me about their study.  

New location and DNA barcoding of Euscorpius vailatii from Trizonia Island in Greece)

 

 Konstantinos Kalaentzis and co-workers recently published a new, insular location of Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 (Euscorpiidae) from Trizonia Island in Greece. Molcular data was also collect from the species and a phylogenetic analysis is presented.

Abstract:
Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), originally described from Aitoloakarnania and Fokida (Greece), is herein reported from Trizonia Island in the Gulf of Corinth, representing the first insular record for the species. The examined specimens are consistent with the diagnostic morphology of E. vailatii. The first molecular data for the species are provided, based on both mainland and insular populations. Comparative analyses further highlight the distinctiveness of E. vailatii from geographically close congeners, while phylogenetic results indicate a sister-taxon relationship with E. erymanthius, supporting a Quaternary biogeographic history shaped by the evolution of the Gulf of Corinth system.

Reference:
Kalaentzis K, Frigioni F, Panagiotopoulos A, Tzoras E, Minoudi S, Triantafyllidis A. First insular record and DNA barcoding of Euscorpius vailatii Tropea & Fet, 2015 from Trizonia Island (Fokida, Greece). Euscorpius. 2026;2026(439):1–6. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae 

Delayed Cannibalism in the Brazilian Scorpion Mesotityus pusillus

 

The life as young scorpions are risky and the death rate of young scorpions are quite high. Cannibalism is common in scorpions and it seems that also mother scorpion will prey on their own offspring.  

Lizbeth Sarai Rodríguez‑Medina and co-workers have recently published a study on female cannibalism in the litter-dwelling scorpion  Mesotityus pusillus (Pocock, 1893) (Buthidae) from Brazil. [The genus name for the species is based on Prendini (2026), and the current use name of this taxa in The Scorpion Files is Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893.]

The study tested if there were differences in offspring discrimination in females (own offspring vs. non-related offspring). Interestingly, there were no differences in predation occurrence and the proportion
of juveniles consumed in the two groups. 

One interesting difference was observed. When females were together with their own offspring, it took longer time for any cannibalism occurred. Even though this difference was quite small, the authors suggest that kin recognition could be one of the explanations for the observed delay.

Abstract:
The small size and limited defensive capacity are factors responsible for the high mortality  of juveniles. Thus, offspring recognition is an important trait for juvenile survival, especially in generalist predators. In this study, we investigated aspects
related to offspring discrimination in females of the scorpion Mesotityus pusillus. A total of 172 juveniles from 32 females were divided into two groups: females with their own offspring and females with unrelated juveniles. Predation events were recorded
daily for 20 days. Predation occurrence and the proportion of juveniles consumed did not differ significantly between groups. Females with their own offspring tended to take longer to initiate predation than females exposed to unrelated juveniles, although this difference was not statistically significant. Our results reveal differences in the timing of cannibalistic behavior without providing clear evidence for consistent

Reference:
Rodríguez-Medina LS, de Araujo Lira AF, Pordeus LM. Delayed Cannibalism in the Litter-Dwelling Scorpion Mesotityus pusillus (Pocock, 1893)(Scorpiones, Buthidae): Evaluating Kin Recognition as a Possible Explanation. Journal of Insect Behavior. 2026;39(2):20. [Open Access]

A new species of Alpiscorpius from from Denizli Province in Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur has described a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from from Denizli Province in Turkey.

Alpiscorpius kaleensis Yagmur, 2026 

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov., is described from Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius, based on the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from all congeners by its orange-yellow males and brownish-orange females, the presence of distinct ventrolateral carinae on metasomal segment V, six trichobothria in the Pv series, and five trichobothria in the et series. The new species is compared with Alpiscorpius akkayai, A. hakani, and A. honazicus, all of which occur in Denizli Province, as well as with A. huyukensis from Konya Province, its most similar congener. With the description of this new species, the number of recognised species of Euscorpiidae in Turkey increases to 27, and the genus Alpiscorpius is now represented by 14 species in the country.

Reference:
Yağmur EA. Alpiscorpius kaleensis sp. nov., a new scorpion species from Denizli Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Zoology in the Middle East. 2026:1–18. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me his new article!

Family Euscorpiidae 

A new species of Androctonus from Syria

 

Ersen Yagmur and Ahmad Aidek have recently published an article with a description of a new species in the medical important genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from The Deir ez-Zor Province in Syria.

Androctonus auzaricus Yagmur & Aidek, 2026

The article has an identification key for the genus Androctonus in Syria.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Androctonus auzaricus sp. n., is described and illustrated from Deir ez-Zor Province, Syria. This species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from Deir ez-Zor Province and the first formally described species of the genus from Syria. The new species is compared with congeners from Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, particularly A. turkiyensis, which was recently described from nearby areas in Turkey.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Aidek AE. Androctonus auzaricus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) a new scorpion species from Deir ez-Zor Province, Syria. Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(29-32):1663–80. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Buthidae 

Taxonomic comments on some species of Bothriurus from Brazil and one new species

 

Wilson Lourenco and co-workers have recently published an article with considerations of some species in Bothriurus Peters, 1861 (Bothriuridae) from the state of Paranà in Brazil. Main findings:

Bothriurus trifinium Lourenço, Wilme & Ythier, 2026 [New species from the Northwest of the state of Paraná in Brazil.]

Bothriurus semiellipticus Prado, 1934 [Raised to species status from synonymy with B. bonariensis (C.L. Koch, 1842).]

Abstract:
A new species, Bothriurus trifinium sp. n. is described from an area of Riparian wet-forests in the Northwest of the state of Paraná in Brazil. The new species can be associated with other species previously described from the nearby regions of Paraná but also from Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraguay. The description of this new species attests once again about the existence of micro-endemic populations within different groups of Bothriurus. Comments are also proposed on the taxonomic status of some previously described species, with one species revalidated and some synonymies suggested.

Reference:
Lourenço WR, Wilmé L, Ythier É. New considerations on the species of the genus Bothriurus Peters (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae) described or cited from the state of Paraná, Brazil and description of a new species. Faunitaxys. 2026;14(56):1–10. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about this article!

Family Bothriruidae 

A new species of Janalychas from India

 

Sudheer Kumar Jena and Pratyush Mohapatra have recently published an article describing a new species of Janalychas Kovarik, 2019 (Buthidae) from the Deccan Peninsula in India.

Janalychas fulvus Jena & Mohapatra, 2026

Abstract:
A novel buthid scorpion of the genus Janalychas Kovařík, 2019 is described from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, based on an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular data for South Asian representatives. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to J. farkasi (Kovařík, 1997) from Nepal, but can be distinguished by the presence of a single carina on the mesosomal tergites (vs. three in J. farkasi) and the presence of denticles on sternite V. It can also be readily differentiated from its Indian congeners by a unique combination of morphological traits and its characteristic yellow, patterned coloration.

Reference:
Jena SK, Mohapatra PP. A new species of Janalychas Kovařík, 2019 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the Deccan Peninsula, India. Arthropoda Selecta. 2026;35(1):79–95. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victoria for informing me about the new species. 

Family Buthidae 

A new species of Liocheles from Western Himalays, India

 

Virender K. Bhardwaj and co-workers recently described a new species of Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 (Hormuridae) from Western Himalayas in India.

Liocheles gracilipalpus Bhardwaj, Katal, Lalremsanga & Mirza, 2026

Abstract:
Sampling in the Western Himalayas of India led to the discovery of a population of the genus Liocheles Sundevall, 1833, that differes from all Indian congeners. Molecular and morphological data confirmed the distinctiveness of the population, which is here described as a new species. The new species is morphologically similar to L. longimanus (Werner, 1939), from which it differs in the arrangement of trichobothria on external patella and structure of the hemispermatophore. A preliminary molecular phylogeny of the family Hormuridae based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene is presented.

Reference:
Bhardwaj VK, Katal S, Lalremsanga HT, Mirza ZA. A new species of Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 (Scorpiones: Hormuridae) from the Western Himalayas. Euscorpius. 2026(441):1–13. [Open Access]

Family Hormuridae 

Two cases of non-native scorpion introduction in Bermuda

 

The island of Bermuda has no native scorpions, but as for other countries lacking our favorite animal groups, they do get introduced stowaways. Danniella Sherwood and co-workers recently reported about two cases of introduced scorpions to the island, a Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) (Buthidae) and a unidentified species in the genus Hadruroides Pocock, 1893 (Caraboctonidae).

Even though we love scorpions, it is important that stowaways like this are intercepted to avoid more permanent populations to keep the endemic and native fauna safe.

Abstract:
Hadruroides sp. (Scorpiones: Caraboctonidae) is newly recorded as a successfully intercepted non-native invasive species in Bermuda, based on examination of a desiccated and damaged immature female specimen. A second record of an intercepted Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is reported based on examination of an adult male.

Reference:
Sherwood D, Outerbridge M, Smith SR, Gosling J, Darrell M. Tails from the Isle of Devils: two new records of non-native invasive scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) successfully intercepted in Bermuda, including the first record of Caraboctonidae. Euscorpius. 2026(435):1–3. [Open Access]

Differences in sprinting performance between burrowing and non-burrowing scorpions

 

Scorpions are different. Some move quickly, others more slowly. Some make burrows and stay there most of the time, while others are more active on the surface and hide under suitable objects during daytime. Eran Gefen and co-workers have recently published a study where they tested the endurance of three Israeli buthids and two scorpionids. 

The study showed that buthids are fast runners, but they tire more quickly. The burrowing scorpionids are slower, but show more endurance. The authors discuss the physiology behind these differences. The faster sprinting speed in buthids are probably an adaption to escaping predators, while the endurance seen in scorpionids is probably an adaption for digging deep burrows over a longer time.

Please note that there is a correction published for this article (it is available on the article's main page). 

Abstract:
Aerobic capacity in arachnids is closely linked with considerable structural variation in their respiratory systems. However, although all scorpions are non-tracheated and possess four pairs of book lungs, they vary greatly in their locomotor activity patterns. Many nonburrowing species express short bursts of activity whereas other species dig deep burrows within hours, suggesting more aerobically fueled exercise.We hypothesized that locomotion in surface dwellers is more dependent on anaerobic ATP synthesis, and that this would be reflected in their exercise performance and functional adaptation to potential disturbance of resting-state homeostasis. We used an experimental design consisting of two surface-dwelling Buthidae species (Hottentotta judaicus and Leiurus hebraeus), a burrowing buthid (Buthus israelis) and two burrowing Scorpionidae (Scorpio fuscus and Scorpio palmatus). Maximum running speeds were higher for buthids, which were also more prone to fatigue than scorpionids. Higher respiratory exchange ratios recorded for buthids during activity and subsequent recovery indicated a higher reliance on anaerobically fueled locomotion compared with scorpionids. Our data show that quicker removal of excess CO2 resulting from anaerobic exercise and hemolymph buffering in buthids is associated with significantly higher carbonic anhydrase activity in their hemolymph, compared with that of scorpionids. Efficient CO2 emission may also contribute to the lower respiratory water losses of buthids, and thus assist in facing both biotic and abiotic challenges of surface existence, from which the scorpionid burrows provide refuge.

Reference:
Gefen E, Atiya S, David LM, Talal S. Sprinting performance is linked to surface activity in scorpions. J Exp Biol. 2026;229:jeb251978. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon for informing me about this article and for his comments about it. 

Scorpions are the most scary arthropod in Somaliland

 

It is well known that many animals and especially arthropods cause fear and phobias in humans (e.g. arachnophobia). Hassan Sh Abdirahman Elmi and co-workers have recently published a study investigating which arthropod group elicited most fear in test persons from Somaliland. The study was done by showing pictures of different arthropod groups.

Interestingly, it was scorpions that were perceived as most frightening among the respondents. This is logical, as there are some dangerous species in the Horn of Africa, but I guess this is also the case for centipedes and spiders.

Strangely, they used a picture of the North American buthid Centruroides vittatus (Say, 1821)  in the test, and not a native species like a member of the medical important genus Parabuthus Pocock, 1890.

Abstract:
Spiders and other arachnids evoke fear in humans. This may be interpreted as a consequence of encounters with these venomous invertebrates during our evolutionary past. However, fear of arachnids has been poorly studied in human populations inhabiting the African savannas, where human ancestors evolved. Here, we analyzed patterns of subjective fear elicited by terrestrial invertebrates (47 species) among Somali people (207 respondents). The scorpion emerged as the most frightening of the examined species, with the giant centipede ranking second. These fears were reasonable, as both scorpions and centipedes possess venom with pronounced toxic effects and are abundant in the region. In contrast, spiders were less frequently ranked among the top  positions in reported fear. This finding further supported the view that scorpions, rather than spiders, represent the most fear-relevant arthropods in the ancestral environment of human evolution. Thus, evolutionary explanations of spider fear are further challenged.

Reference:
Elmi HSA, Frýdlová P, Janovcová M, Berti DA, Král D, Kovařík F, et al. Scorpion first: fear of arthropods in the Horn of Africa. Human Dimensions of Wildlife. 2026:1–7. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Frantisek Kovarik for informing me about this article! 

A new species of the little known genus Cicileus from Algeria

 

Lotfi Derradj and co-workers recently published an article describing a new species in the little known genus Cicileus Vachon, 1948 from southern Algeria.

Cicileus derradji Yagmur, Benali & Bikada

The article has an updated identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Cicileus derradji sp. nov., is described from Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province, southern Algeria. The description is based on an adult male holotype, an adult female paratype and a juvenile specimen, and is supported by detailed morphological analyses, including colouration, morphometrics, carination patterns and trichobothrial arrangement. This discovery extends the known distribution of the genus Cicileus approximately 500 km southwestward within Algeria. With the addition of this species, the number of recognised species in the genus increases to six. The new species is compared with all previously known species of Cicileus, and detailed colour photographs, including images taken under ultraviolet illumination, are provided.

Reference:
Derradj L, Aydın Yağmur E, Benali N, Bikada M. Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). African Zoology. 2026:1–11. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen Yagmur and Noureddine Benali for informing me about their new article!

Family Buthidae 

Formalization of a few taxonomcial decisions

 

Victoria Tang has previously published a number of nomenclatural, taxonomic, and faunistic acts in a an article that is formally not valid according to the Code of Zoological Nomenclature. She has now published some of these decisions formally in the journal Euscorpius. Here are some main takeaways;

Scorpiops langxian Qi et al., 2005 and S. pococki Qi et al., 2005 (Scorpiopidae) are declared nomina dubia and junior subjective synonyms of S. tibetanus Hirst, 191.

Reddyanus wenjieae Huang et al., 2025 (Buthidae) is considered  nomen dubium.

Chaerilus tessellatus Qi et al., 2005 (Chaerilidae) is considered  nomen dubium.

Scorpiops hardwickii (Gervais, 1843) and S. petersii Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiopidae) are not distributed in China.

The article has also an discussion about the status of some of the populations of Scorpiops tibetanus Hirst, 1911 in China.

The author encourages readers to also read the original article for a deeper understanding of the arguments for her decisions. Readers are also recommended to read her article "Misapplication of statistics in scorpiology: a case study" for more information about the challenges in scorpion taxonomy that Tang addressees.

The author has asked me to mention an error in the article: The term "ventral pectinal teeth count" should be "patella ventral trichobothrium count", as defined in Abbreviation. 

Abstract:
Several nomenclatural, taxonomic, and faunistic decisions put forth in Tang (2026) are formalized herein: (1) four nomina dubia, Chaerilus tessellatus Qi et al., 2005, Scorpiops langxian Qi et al., 2005, S. pococki Qi et al., 2005, and Isometrus (Reddyanus) wenjieae Huang et al., 2025; (2) two junior subjective synonyms, Scorpiops langxian = S. pococki = S. tibetanus Hirst, 1911 syn. n.; (3) one new “aspidonym”, Scorpiops obluda Tang, 2026 sp. indet. nomen nudum; and (4) removal of Scorpiops hardwickii (Gervais, 1843) and S. petersii Pocock, 1893 from the Chinese scorpiofauna. Reddyanus tibetanus (Lourenço & Zhu, 2008) is maintained as a junior subjective synonym of R. assamensis (Oates, 1888). Alloscorpiops Vachon, 1980, Dasyscorpiops Vachon, 1974, Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980, Neoscorpiops Vachon, 1980, Plethoscorpiops Lourenço, 2017, Vietscorpiops Lourenço & Pham, 2015, and Alloscorpiops ( Laoscorpiops) Lourenço, 2013 are maintained as junior subjective synonyms of Scorpiops Peters, 1861.

Reference:
Tang V. Formalization of nomenclatural acts proposed in Tang (2026) (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Chaerilidae, Scorpiopidae). Euscorpius. 2026(438):1–14. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victoria for sending me her articles and for alle her help and information with The Scorpion Files!

The scorpion fauna and distribution in the Oriental region of Morocco

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers have recently published an article with an update on the scorpion diversity and their distribution in in the Oriental region of Morocco. 12 species from four genera and two families are reported. 

Abstract: 
New faunistic and distributional data are provided on scorpion fauna from the Oriental region of Morocco, a poorly studied area, covering 90,130 km2. Altogether 119 specimens belonging to eight species are recorded, allowing an update on the distribution of these species. A total of 12 scorpion species from four genera are recognized to occur in the Oriental region of Morocco presented here. We also provide new distribution records for newly described and micro-endemic scorpion species which is a key element in promoting their conservation in the country.

Reference:
Ythier E, Mabrouki Y, Taybi FA. Update on the composition and distribution of the scorpion fauna of the Oriental region of Morocco (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Scorpionidae). Natura Croatica: Periodicum Musei Historiae Naturalis Croatici. 2026;35(1):13–62. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about their new paper! 

A new species of Lychas from Thailand

 

Wilson Lourenco and Eric Ythier have recently published a new species of Lychas C.L. Koch, 1845 (Buthidae) from Thailand.

Lychas saiyok Lourenco & Ythier, 2026

The article also restores Lychas kotao Lourenço, 2020 to valid species from synonymy with L. mucronatus (Fabricius, 1798).

Abstract:
A new species, Lychas saiyok sp. n., is described from a cave in the Sai Yok National Park in western Thailand, on the basis of an adult male. The specimen was found in the walls of this karstic cave, approximately 50-60 meters from the entry. The new species is characterized by a moderate to small size with respect to the genus (42.9 mm in total length), a general coloration from yellow to pale yellow marked by a strong pigmentation over the body and appendages, which however shows a distinct pattern from the one commonly observed in L. mucronatus, the most common Lychas species found in Southeast Asia, chelicerae showing a peculiar pigmentation formed by marked blackish spots which do not form any type of reticular structure, and pectines moderately long with 22-21 teeth. This new taxon represents the 35th described species among the currently recognized species for the genus Lychas. The number of known Lychas species in Thailand is increased to six. The species status of L. kotao Lourenço, 2020 stat. n. from Ko Tao island (Thailand) is also revalidated.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Ythier E. A new species of Lychas C. L. Koch, 1845 from a cave in the Sai Yok National Parc in Thailand (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2026(48):55–60. [Full text supplied by author]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about their new article!

Family Buthidae 

New book on the biology of neotropical scorpions

 

André Felipe de Araujo Lira and Edmundo González-Santillán are editors for a brand new book on the biology of neotropical scorpions. This book contains a comprehensive review of all aspects of the scorpions in the important neotropical region, which is known both for its high biodiversity and the high number of medical important species.

About the book [from the publisher]

The Biology of Neotropical Scorpions focuses on comprehensive aspects of scorpions of the Neotropical region, such as public health to biogeographic history. This innovative book is devoted to tackling that lack of knowledge and bringing together a bundle of studies to offer students, researchers, and professionals a comprehensive background to start their research with scorpions as model organisms.

Since 1990 the study of scorpions thrived following the tradition focusing on the Palearctic and Neartic fauna, leaving behind ancient and important scorpion fauna localised in the Neotropics. The Neotropical region encompasses the tropical areas from South America to central Mexico, including the Antilles, comprising different biomes in their extension, such as deserts, dry forests, savannas, mountain ranges, and rainforests. These myriad environments influenced scorpions from their venom composition, morphology, and their human interactions.

Many researchers from different areas and countries have generated a growing piece of information about Neotropical scorpions, but this still is fragmentary. This book innovates in the biology of scorpion fluorescence, chromosomal and molecular genetics, conservation ecology, and ethnobiology of scorpions from the perspective of traditional medicine.

Table of content:

1 What Are the Neotropical Scorpions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
André Felipe de Araujo Lira
2 Allometry and the Evolution of Sexual Size Dimorphism
in Scorpions: Insights from Neotropical Species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Stênio Ítalo Araújo Foerster
3 Mating or Not? Reproductive Aspects of Sexual Reproduction
and Parthenogenesis in Neotropical Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Gracielle de Fátima Braga-Pereira and André Felipe de Araujo Lira
4 Luminescence and Other Optical Characteristics of Scorpion’s
Exoskeleton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Daniel López-Cabrera, Gabriel Ramos-Ortiz,
Montserrat G. Rivera-Ortiz, Edmundo González-Santillán,
and Rafael Espinosa-Luna
5 Diversity, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Neotropical Scorpions . . . 69
Edmundo González-Santillán, José Antonio Ochoa,
and Andrés Alejandro Ojanguren-Afilastro
6 Advances in the Phylogenomic Relationships of Neotropical
Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Carlos E. Santibáñez-López and Prashant P. Sharma
7 Fossil Scorpions, with a Focus on the Neotropical Species . . . . . . . . . 151
Jason A. Dunlop
8 Biogeography of Neotropical Scorpions: An Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Adriano Medeiros DeSouza
and Alessandra Rodrigues Santos de Andrade
9 Subterranean and Troglomorphic Scorpions from the Neotropics . . . 199
Edmundo González-Santillán, Javier Blasco-Aróstegui,
and Jairo A. Moreno-González 
10 Functional Morphology of Predatory and Defensive Behaviour
in Neotropical Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Yuri Simone
11 Sampling Techniques for Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Nancy Lo-Man-Hung and Andria de Paula Santos-da-Silva
12 Cytogenetics of Neotropical Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Bruno Rafael Ribeiro de Almeida, Jonas Gama Martins,
and Renata Coelho Rodrigues Noronha
13 Neotropical Scorpions as Useful Models for Ecological Studies . . . . . 289
André Felipe de Araujo Lira
14 Traditional Treatment of Scorpion Stings in the Neotropics . . . . . . . 307
Jonas Gama Martins, Bruno Rafael Ribeiro de Almeida,
Pedro Pereira de Oliveira Pardal,
and Rudi Emerson de Lima Procópio
15 Neotropical Scorpion Venom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Juana María Jiménez-Vargas, Jimena Isaias Cid-Uribe,
and Rita Restano-Cassulini
16 Scorpionism in Neotropics: Public Health Issues and Prevention . . . 353
Clara Guerra-Duarte and Ana Luiza Bittencourt Paiva
17 Managing Scorpionism: Envenomation, Diagnostics,
and Therapeutic Approaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Manuela B. Pucca, Isabela C. dos Santos, and Felipe A. Cerni
18 Perspectives on Biology and Interactions with Humans
of Neotropical Scorpions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Edmundo González-Santillán
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

Reference:
Lira AFA, Gonzalez-Santillan E, editors. The Biology of Neotropical Scorpions. From Taxonomy and Genetics to Ecology and Ethnobiology: Springer; 2026. [The book is available in an electronic version or in a printed version, but both require payment or subscription]

A study of the distribution of the genus Neogrosphus in Madagascar with one new species

 

Wilson Lourenco and Lucienne Wilme have recently published a study of the distribution of the genus Neogrosphus Lourenço, 1995(Buthidae) in Madagascar. A new species is described from mesic forest formations in Andohahela National Park in southeastern Madagascar.

Neogrosphus andohahela Lourenço & Wilme 2026

Abstract:
Madagascar remains one of the major hotspots of diversity and endemism in the world. Its scorpion fauna provides a striking example, with more than one hundred known species, all endemic, within a territory of only 587,000 km2. These species are associated with entirely endemic genera and, to a large extent, endemic familial lineages. While some groups are diverse and locally abundant, others are inconspicuous and occur at very low densities, as is the case for the genus Neogrosphus Lourenço, 1995. In this contribution, the distribution patterns of Neogrosphus are reassessed in light of new material and a revised eco biogeographical framework. Until recently, this genus comprised three species: Neogrosphus griveaudi (Vachon, 1969), restricted to the dry forest formations in the southern and western portions of Madagascar; Neogrosphus blanci Lourenço, 1996, known from the central region; and Neogrosphus andrafiabe Lourenço, Wilmé & Waeber, 2015, endemic to northern dry formations. A fourth species is described here from mesic forest formations in Andohahela National Park. The current distribution of the genus is shown to be highly fragmented across a broad environmental gradient ranging from subarid to more humid conditions. This pattern is interpreted as the result of historical fragmentation processes linked to limited dispersal capacity and long-term landscape evolution. On this basis, the general framework previously proposed to explain species diversity and vicariance in Malagasy scorpions is revisited and refined.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Wilme L. New Insights on the Geographical Distribution of the Malagasy Genus Neogrosphus Lourenço, 1995 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) with the Description of a New Species from a More Humid Environment. Arthropoda. 2026;4:11. [Open access]

Family Buthidae 

A new species of Scorpiops from Myanmar

 

Frantisek Kovarik has recently described a new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from Myanmar. 

Scorpiops walteri Kovarik, 2026 

It is worth noticing that Kovarik rejects Prendini's (2026) changes for the family Scorpiopidae in this article based on lack of any new evidence and that Prendini ignores previous detailed revisions and DNA results.

Abstract:
A new species Scorpiops walteri sp. n. (Scorpiopidae) is described from Myanmar, fully illustrated with color photos showing its morphology and habitus. S. walteri sp. n. is the only species of the genus with a combination of the following five characters: chelal trichobothrium Eb3 located in middle of manus between trichobothria Dt and Est; patella of pedipalp with 11–12 ventral and 19 external trichobothria; fingers of pedipalps strongly undulate in male; pedipalp movable finger with ca. 47 IAD; and chela length to width ratio 2.8 in male.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpiops walteri sp. n. (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) from Myanmar. Euscorpius. 2026(437):1–13. [Open Access]

Family Scorpiopidae 

A new species of Alpiscorpius from Denizli Province in Turkey

 

Ersen Yagmur has recently described a new species of Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al., 1999 (Euscorpiidae) from near the Çardak District, Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey. In addition, re-examination of two species in the same region have resulted in two new combinations.

New species:

Alpiscorpius akkayai Yagmur, 2026

New combinations:

Alpiscorpius hakani (Tropea & Yagmur, 2016) [Transferred from Euscorpius Thorell, 1876]

Alpiscorpius honazicus (Tropea, Yagmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis & Yesilyurt, 2016) [Transferred from Euscorpius Thorell, 1876]

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n., is described from near Lake Acıgöl, Çardak District, Denizli Province, in the Aegean Region of western Turkey, based on morphological characters. The species is assigned to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al. based on the presence of three trichobothria in the em series on the external surface of the pedipalp patella. Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n. can be readily distinguished from all its congeners by its yellow-orange body and yellow or yellow-orange metasomal colouration; the presence of distinct ventrolateral carinae on metasomal segment V; the presence of seven trichobothria in the Pv series; and five to six trichobothria in the et series. Alpiscorpius akkayai sp. n. was collected from a low-altitude locality geographically close to the known distributions of Euscorpius hakani Tropea and Yağmur and Euscorpius honazicus Tropea, Yağmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis and Yeşilyurt. Therefore, the occurrence of this new species in this locality is unexpected. Both species are herein transferred to the genus Alpiscorpius Gantenbein et al. because they possess three trichobothria in the em series and a reduced number of trichobothria in the Pv series (Pv = 7 and 6, respectively), and the new species is particularly compared to these two species. With the description of this new species and the new combinations Alpiscorpius hakani (Tropea and Yağmur) comb. n. and Alpiscorpius honazicus (Tropea, Yağmur, Karampatsou, Parmakelis and Yeşilyurt) comb. n., the number of recognised species of the family Euscorpiidae increases to 26, and the genus Alpiscorpius is now represented by 13 species in Turkey.

Reference:
Yağmur EA. Alpiscorpius akkayai an unexpected new species from Denizli Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(29-32):1645–61. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen for informing me about the new species!

Family Euscorpiidae 

Three new species of Scorpiops from India

 

Shubhankar Deshpande and co-workers have recently described three new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from India based on morphological and molecular analysis.

 Scorpiops ketkari Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026

 Scorpiops shilavasi Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026

 Scorpiops skorupi Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026 

Abstract:
The scorpion genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861 exhibits significant diversity and high endemism. Our extensive arachnological surveys, species delimitation analyses and an integrative taxonomic approach revealed three new species of Scorpiops in peninsular India. Furthermore, we tested the phylogenetic placement of Scorpiops pachmarhicus Bastawade, 1992 and give the first description of a male specimen of the species. Additionally, we provide a detailed account of the hemispermatophore morphology in Scorpiops species from the maharashtraensis, satarensis, and tenuicauda clades for the first time.

Reference:
Deshpande S, Ukale S, Bapat S, Bastawade D, Tang V, Gowande G, et al. Beyond morphology alone: species delimitation, hemispermatophore comparisons and comments on the systematic status of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) with a description of three new species from peninsular India. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2026. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Deshpande for sending me their article!

Family Scorpiopidae 

A new species of Euscorpius from Montenegro

 

Still enjoying my holiday, but time to start reading all the scorpion articles that have piled up. I'm starting with a recent article by Frantisek Kovarik that describes a new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae) from Montenegro. This is the third Euscorpius species from this country.

Euscorpius emae Kovarik, 2026

Abstract:
A new species Euscorpius emae sp. n. (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) from Montenegro is described, fully complemented with color photographs. E. emae sp. n. is morphologically unique by having yellow to orange color, very narrow metasoma and enlarged chela. Pedipalp patella external trichobothria numbers are 4eb, 4eba, 2esb, 4em, 4est, 5et, and ventral aspect of patella with 9 trichobothria.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Euscorpius emae sp. n. (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae), a new scorpion species from Montenegro. Euscorpius. 2026(436):1–7. [Open Access]

Family Euscorpiidae 

Brazilian scorpions in the international pet trade

 

Scorpions are popular pets in many countries. Especially popular are the large members of the family Scorpionidae from Africa and Asia. There is also an increasing interest in species from other families and from other regions.

Brazil has a strict regulation prohibiting collection and export of wildlife, including scorpions. However,  recent study by Kenay Vinicius Lopes de Andrade and Andre Felipe de Araujo Lira shows that several species from five genera from Brazil are available in the international pet trade. Especially worrying is that several medical important species from the genera Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 and Atreus Gervais, 1843* are represented in the pet trade.

The results are based on surveying social media platforms, and the article discuss the consequences of the illegal import and what can be done to stop it.

*Previous subgenera in Tityus raised to species status by Prendini, 2026 with 61 species previously in Tityus - Buthidae 2026 will soon show the new taxonomy for Buthidae. 

Abstract:
Background and Research Aims: The global wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss, yet invertebrates remain largely overlooked in conservation policy and monitoring. Scorpions are ecologically important tropical arthropods, and Brazil harbors one of the world’s richest and most endemic scorpion faunas. Despite national legislation prohibiting the collection and commercialization of native wildlife, the extent of international online trade in Brazilian scorpions remains undocumented. We aimed to identify Brazilian species involved in the exotic pet trade using publicly accessible online data and to evaluate associated conservation and biosecurity concerns. Methods: We conducted systematic searches of public social media platforms and online marketplaces between January 2020 and December 2024 using Portuguese and English keywords related to scorpion trade. Posts explicitly indicating possession or sale were recorded, including species identity, country, year, and price when available. Results: We compiled 69 records involving nine species across five genera. Most posts originated outside Brazil, particularly in Europe and North America. Medically significant species, including Tityus serrulatus, Tityus stigmurus, and Atreus obscurus, were repeatedly detected. Records spanned more than a decade, indicating persistent international circulation, with only 26% of records including a price, and given prices ranging between US$12 and US$200. Conclusion: Brazilian scorpions are recurrently present in international online trade, representing an overlooked pathway for the circulation of tropical wildlife. Implications for Conservation: Digital trade exposes enforcement gaps and may contribute to unregulated extraction, biosecurity risks, and neglected pressures on tropical invertebrate biodiversity. Integrating invertebrates into wildlife trade monitoring is urgently needed.

Reference:
Lopes de Andrade KV, Lira AFdA. International Online Trade of Brazilian Scorpions: An Overlooked Threat to Tropical Biodiversity. Tropical Conservation Science. 2026;19:1–8. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Andre Lira for keeping me updated on his publications! 

A review of the family Buthidae in Angola with a few taxonomical decisions

 

Frantisek Kovarik has recently publish an overview of the family Buthidae in Angola. In addition to some updates in distribution, several taxonomical decisions are made.

Uroplectes angolensis Kovarik, 2026 [New species]

Uroplectes xavieri Kovarik, 2026 [New species]

Uroplectes monardi Vachon, 1950 [Confirmed species status and raised from subspecies status. This decision cancels the synonymization made by Prendini, 2026]

Uroplectes planimanus kuanyamarus Monard, 1937 [Synonymized with main species]

Uroplectes otjimbinguensis massacarum Monard, 1937  [Synonymized with main species]

Babycurus crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952 [Restored from synonymy with B. ansorgei Roewer, 1952]

The author has a general comment on all the taxonomical changes and synonymies done by Prendini, 2026. 

"Some of the synonymies suggested by Prendini (2026) could be valid (...) However, every individual claim made by Prendini (2026) must be verified by a serious revision rather than accepting his sweeping taxonomic changes. Some of these changes originate from this author‘s "philosophical“" position of "abolishing" categories of subgenus and subspecies in scorpions."

As this is the first published general response to Prendni's major revision, I have include a direct quote of Kovarik's opinion. See also The Scorpion Files latest response to the situation.

Abstract:
All scorpion species of the family Buthidae known from Angola are listed, with color photographs and maps of their distribution. Diagnosis of Babycurus ansorgei Hirst, 1911 is revised; its male is described for the first time. Babycurus crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952, is revalidated (it was erroneously synonymized with B. ansorgei, since the females of both species are morphologically almost identical). Uroplectes angolensis sp. n. and U. xavieri sp. n. are described from Angola. Validity of Uroplectes ngangelarum Monard, 1930 is confirmed as different from U. planimanus (Karsch, 1879); its lectotype is designated. Lectotype is also designated for Uroplectes planimanus kuanyamarus Monard, 1937. Females of Uroplectes ebogo Kovařík et al., 2024 are recorded for the first time; its basal pectines are imaged (Fig. 603). Uroplectes machadoi Lourenço, 2000 is for the first time listed from Congo (Brazzaville).

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of Angola (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part I. Family Buthidae, with descriptions of two new species. Euscorpius. 2026(434):1–86.

Thanks to Frantisek for informing me about his article and for comments regarding the new Prendini revision!

Family Buthidae 

The Scorpion Files is joining the multiverse

 

Most major movie franchises have introduced the concept of multiverse. And now The Scorpion Files follows this trend. 

As previously mentioned, Lorenzo recently published a major revision of the whole scorpion order with a lot of changes. Some changes are fundamental, like removing all subspecies and subgenera and either synonymizing or changing status to the associated taxa. Other changes are based on investigations with justification. 

It is not an exaggeration to say that quite a few scorpion researchers have been negative or skeptical to Prendini's work. But they do not reject all changes, just some of them, and often because of lack of justification and not that the decisions are wrong.

Some researchers have started to publish new articles based on Prendini's scorpion taxonomy and The Scorpion Files has to respond to this. I can't ignore this major work anymore and wait if someone will publish an article rejecting all of Prendini's decisions. This will probably not happen. 

So a temporary solution will be the "multiverse solution". I'm now working on making two versions of every family list in The Scorpion Files. Family pages based on Prendini, 2026 will have "2026" added to the file name (e.g., bothriuridae 2026.php). The "old" family pages will now have a text and a link to the multiverse version:  

The taxonomy of Bothriuridae according to Prendini, 2026 is available here. 

Please not that this is a work in progress and only a few new family pages are finished. I hope that most families will be covered by the end of next week, but the family Buthidae will be finished last because this family have several major changes that will take some time to implement.

Please note that the number of species and genera and some links may not be correct yet in the multiverse pages, but will be fixed during the summer. 

 I wish all of you a nice summer!

Jan Ove Rein
Editor 

PS! The illustration is generated by Chat GPT. 

Reference:Prendini L. All genera of the world: Order Scorpiones (Animalia: Arthropoda: Arachnida). Megataxa. 2026;019(2):270–378. [Open Access]

Offspring growth and development in two buthid scorpions from Azerbaijan

Growth and biological development in scorpions vary between species and their habitat, climate and feeding ecology. Nizami E. Novruzov has recently published a laboratory study of the above in the two buthid species Olivierus caucasicus (Nordmann, 1840) and Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) from Azerbaijan. See abstract and article for details.

Abstract:
The main aspects of offspring growth in two scorpion species – Mesobuthus eupeus and Olivierus caucasicus were studied. The entire reproductive cycle – mating, pregnancy of females, birth of the offspring and their growth until adulthood – took place in laboratory conditions. The duration, rate, and intensity of growth, as well as the dynamics of body weight changes and some metric traits during post-embryonic ontogenesis were studied. The growth of young scorpions was uneven, with growth periods of varying lengths: from larva to third molt – an average of 6.2 months, from the fourth molt to the sixth (imago) – an average of 12.6 months (M. eupeus); and an average of 7.7 and 14.1 months (O. caucasicus). By duration of development, M. eupeus nymphs were ahead of O. caucasicus nymphs: on average by 9.2±2.8 days in early post-larval ontogenesis and by 15.0±3.5 days in late post larval ontogenesis. Of the entire growth cycle, 4/5 occurred during molting, the remaining 1/5 occurred in the periods between molting. Species-specific and sex-specific differences in the dynamics of changes in linear characters and body weight were identified. Sexual dimorphism was also evident in faster development, a greater number of molts, and a longer lifespan in females compared to males. Changes in growth rate and intensity tended to increase at the beginning of development and decrease at the end. Nymphs of both species also showed some decrease in growth rate and weight gain during periods of no feeding activity before molting and during periods chronologically corresponding to their natural diapause in the wild.

Reference:
Novruzov NE. Comparative dynamics of offspring growth in Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) and Olivierus caucasicus (Nordmann, 1840) (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2026;21(2):158–74. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me the article! 

Two articles on prey capture and prey in Leiurus arabicus in Saudi Arabia

 

Mayssara El Bouhissi and co-workers have recently published two articles reporting about prey capture and prey types in Leiurus arabicus Lowe, Yagmur & Kovarik, 2014 (Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. The first article is a case report describing predation on the lizzard Mesalina cryptica. The second article describes an example of intraguild predation involving L. arabicus preying on Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807).

Abstract article 1:
An adult buthid scorpion Leiurus arabicus Lowe, Yağmur & Kovařík, 2014 was observed preying on the lizard Mesalina cryptica (Squamata: Lacertidae) in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR), Saudi Arabia. Predation of Mesalina by a scorpion has not been previously documented. 

Abstract article 2:
Intraguild predation represents an important ecological interaction that influences species composition and trophic relationships in arid ecosystems. During diurnal surveys in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve (KARR), Saudi Arabia, we documented a case of predation involving two buthid scorpions. Specifically, an individual of Leiurus arabicus was observed preying on Androctonus crassicauda on sandy soil with scattered rocks. When disturbed, the predator attempted to retreat into rock crevices while firmly holding its prey, demonstrating strong prey-retention behaviour. This observation highlights predator–predator interactions within Buthidae in Saudi Arabian desert environments and provides insights into trophic dynamics among sympatric scorpion species.

Reference article 1:
El Bouhissi M, Alzahrani AS, Alkhamis HH, Alowaifeer AM, Kehail MA, Alrefaei AF. A case of predation on Mesalina cryptica (Squamata: Lacertidae) by Leiurus arabicus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Saudi Arabia. Serket. 2026;21(2):213–6. [Open Access]

Reference article 2:
El Bouhissi M, Alzahrani AS, Alkhamis HH, Alowaifeer AM, Kehail MA, Alrefaei AF. First record of predation of Leiurus arabicus on Androctonus crassicauda in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, Saudi Arabia. Serket. 2026;21(2):209–12. [Open access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me the articles! 

Sex differences in morphology cause sex differences in stridulation in the buthid Jaguajir rochae

 

It is not that well known that scorpions can produce sound that probably is meant to function defensively as an anti-predator defense. The sound is often called stridulation, and in scorpions it can be produced by morphological structures on the chelicera, legs, cauda or pectines.

Welton Dionisio-da-Silva and co-workers have recently published a study on stridulation Jaguajir rochae (Borelli, 1910) (Buthidae) and any sex-differences in the morphology of the sound producing structures and the acoustic output.

They found that there were several differences in the morphology of the sound producing structures of the pectins between the sexes, and they also found that females produced longer and more intense signals while the males exhibited slightly higher peak frequencies.

Abstract:
Stridulation, acoustic communication produced by friction between specialized body structures, is a poorly studied antipredator mechanism. Scorpions may display multiple defensive responses, yet acoustic signaling in such defensive context remains poorly studied. Given the sexual dimorphism commonly observed in scorpion body size and pectines, the latter, which may be involved in sound production, could vary morphologically and result in acoustic differences. We hypothesized that (1) stridulatory apparatus of the scorpion Jaguajir rochae (Borelli, 1910) is sexually dimorphic, (2) sexual dimorphism in stridulatory structures affects acoustic parameters, and (3) stridulatory responses vary with stress, tested via (2.1) mechanical and (2.2) mechano-chemical stimulation. Sound-producing structures and acoustic parameters were measured and stridulation was tested under high/low mechanical stress and mechano-chemical stress, the latter using chemical cues from a mammalian predator. Females exhibited larger pectinal structures, whereas males showed a higher allometric ratio relative to body size. Stridulatory signals in J. rochae showed sexual differentiation primarily in delta time, dB Sound Pressure Level, and low frequency, as revealed by Principal Component Analysis, what explains 38.7% of acoustic variance. Females produced longer and more intense signals, whereas males exhibited slightly higher peak frequencies. Yet, the occurrence of stridulatory responses was similar across different stress treatments. These findings reveal that sexual dimorphism in stridulatory apparatus influences acoustic parameters and that stridulation in J. rochae can be triggered by mechanical stimulation, supporting its role as a defensive behavior. This study provides the first evidence of sex specific acoustic variation in scorpion stridulation and elucidates its function as an antipredator strategy.

Reference:
Dionisio-da-Silva W, Luna NMC, da Rocha PA, Willemart RH, daSilva MB. She Doesn't Whisper: Female-Prominent Stridulation Shaped by Morphology in a Buthid Scorpion and Insights on Its Function. Ethology. 2026;First published 25.05.26. [Open Access]

A review of the scorpion fauna of Syria and their distribution

 

Ersen Yagmur and Nazir Khalil have recently published a review of the scorpion fauna of Syria. The scorpion fauna of Syria has not been extensively investigated and the article present a historic overview of scientific reports previously published on this topic.

The article reports of 19 valid species and 2 subspecies from 11 genera in the families Buthidae, Diplocentridae, and Scorpionidae. Several previously reported taxa are removed from the list of Syrian scorpions. New locality reports are also listed for several species. 

In his mega-revision, Prendini (2026) raised Aegaeobuthus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) (Buthidae) to species status from sub-species status. This change has not yet been included in The Scorpion Files. Yagmur & Khalil have changed this taxa back to sub-species status as Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) due to lack of justification by Prendini.

Abstract:
This study reviews and lists the scorpion fauna of Syria according to current scorpion systematics. Critical evaluation of published records confirms 19 valid species and 2 subspecies across 11 genera and 3 families (Buthidae, Diplocentridae, and Scorpionidae); erroneous records (21 species) have been excluded. New locality records are reported for Aegaeobuthus nigrocinctus (Ehrenberg, 1828), Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), and Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910.  Additionally, Aegaeobuthus bishri (Lourenço, 2020) is herein treated as a subspecies of A. nigrocinctus.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Khalil N. A Review on Scorpion (Arachnida: Scorpiones) Fauna of Syria with New Locality Records. Commagene Journal of Biology. 2026;10(1):211–25. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!