First DNA barcode records for the buthid Parabuthus liosoma in Saudi Arabia.

 

Ahmed Badry and co-workers recently published a study of DNA barcoding and phylogeny of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Buthidae) from Saudi Arabia. This is the first DNA barcode records for this species, and the study gives insight into identification, taxonomy and phylogeny of Parabuthus in Saudia Arabia.

Abstract:
1) Background. Parabuthus liosoma is one of the largest buthid scorpion species and is endemic to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. This study provides the first DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of P. liosoma from Saudi Arabia, contributing to global efforts in arachnid molecular identification and biodiversity documentation. (2) Methods. The whole genome was extracted from nine adult individuals of P. liosoma, collected from Farasan Island, southwest of Saudi Arabia. A portion of the mitochondrial DNA, specifically, the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene (COI) sequences, was amplified and sequenced and subjected to genetic and phylogenetic analyses. (3) Results. The DNA barcoding results revealed a high level of genetic variability within P. liosoma, aiding in species identification and supporting its utility as a molecular tool for scorpion taxonomy. In addition, our results reveal a monophyletic relationship among Parabuthus species, with a clear distinction between Arabian and African lineages. (4) Conclusions. This study highlights the effectiveness of DNA barcoding as a reliable tool for species identification and taxonomy and enhances our knowledge of the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of Parabuthus scorpions. However, further research is required to elucidate the complex phylogenetic relationships within this genus.

Reference:
Badry A, Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Salem AM, Al Balawi MS, Mesfer F, Allahyani WS, et al. DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Relationship of Parabuthus liosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. Biology. 2026;15(4):321. [Open Access]

Thanks to  Luis Roque (Arácnido Taxonomy https://www.aracnidotaxonomy.com) for sending me this article!

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