A new species of Compsobuthus from Iraq

 

Frantisek Kovarik and Frantisek Stahlavsky have recently published the description of a new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Iraq.

Compsobuthus hadeki Kovarik & Stahlavsky, 2026

Abstract:
A new species, Compsobuthus hadeki sp. n. from Iraq is described and fully complemented with color photographs and compared with morphologically the most similar species, C. matthiesseni (Birula, 1905). The two species can be unequivocally separated by the following morphological features: in C. hadeki sp. n., movable finger of pedipalp bears 9 rows of granules; telson with aculeus shorter than vesicle, and metasoma III with 10 carinae. Cytogenetic analysis was performed, revealing a diploid chromosome count of 22 in C. hadeki sp. n.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Stahlavsky F. Compsobuthus hadeki sp. n. from Iraq (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2026(432):1–8. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae 

On the behavior, ecology and distribution of the buthid Buthus apiatus in Algeria

 

Noureddine Benali and co-workers have recently published a study on the behavior, ecology, distribution and habitat preferences of Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 (Buthidae) in Algeria. One main takeaway from this study is that this species has a larger flexibility in habitat preferences and distribution in Algeria than previously known.

Abstract:
Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 is an endemic scorpion species in Algeria, first discovered in the Sidi Bel Abbès region in the northwest of the country. It was previously thought to have a restricted distribution limited to Sidi Bel Abbès, Tissemsilt and Tiaret in western Algeria. However, recent field survey has revealed a wider range than previously assumed, with confirmed occurrence in several additional areas of western Algeria that extend to the central-eastern regions, including Tlemcen, Naama, Mascara, Saïda, Laghouat, Bayadh and M'Sila. These new records suggest a substantial expansion of the species known range, highlighting its broader ecological tolerance and potentially redefining its distribution limits. Furthermore, B. apiatus has been observed across diverse habitats in Algeria, demonstrating considerable ecological flexibility.

Reference:
Benali N, Hammou MA, Dahmani W, El Bouhissi  M, Mohdeb S, Chedad A, et al. Ethology, ecology and distribution of Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 in Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2026;21(2):175–83. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham  El-Hennaway for sharing the full text of this article with me! 

Distribution, hybridisation and morphology of two species of Androctonus from Algeria

 

 Mohammed Ait Hammou and co-workers have recently published an article on the distribution and morphology of Androctonus liouvillei (Pallary, 1924) and A. aeneas C. L. Koch, 1839 (Buthidae) from Algeria. The study also looks into potential hybrid forms of the two species. Habitat differences and biogeography are also discussed.

Abstract:
This study updates the geographic distribution and examines the morphometric differentiation of Androctonus liouvillei, A. aeneas, and their putative hybrids in Algeria. By combining historical records with field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2024, several new localities for A. liouvillei in western Algeria were identified. Morphometric analyses of 12 adult females using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), revealed key morphological differences and as well as intermediate forms. The results indicate that A. liouvillei has a restricted, and fragmented distribution, primarily associated with mid-altitude steppe habitats, whereas A. aeneas occupies a broader ecological range. Putative hybrids were recorded in sympatric zones, particularly in El Bayadh, Naâma, Béchar, and Tiaret, providing new insights into their biogeography and ecological differentiation.

Reference:
Hammou MA, Benali N, Dahmani W, Chedad A, El Bouhissi M, Rebbas K, et al. Geographical distribution, potential hybridisation, and comparative morphometric analysis of Androctonus liouvillei Pallary, 1924 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Algeria. Serket. 2026;21(2):184–208. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham  El-Hennaway for sharing the full text of this article with me!

DNA barcoding and distribution of euscorpiid scorpions from Kosovo

 

Donard Geci and co-workers have recently published a study of the little known scorpion fauna of Kosovo. A DNA barcoding together with morphological characters confirmed for the first time the presence of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco, 1950) (Euscorpiidae) in Kosovo. Illustrations to facilitate the identification of this species is provided. The distribution of Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco, 1950 in Kosovo is expanded.

Abstract:
This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii, previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo).

Reference:
Geci D, Ibrahimi H, Bilalli A, Musliu M, Strohmeier T, Koblmüller S, et al. DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(21-24):1243–58. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Euscorpiidae 

Is “Tityus” tenuimanus Banks, 1910 actually a member of the genus Leiurus?

 

There are quite a few taxa in the scorpion world with unclear or unsolved status. “Tityus” tenuimanus Banks, 1910 (Buthidae) is one of these. Originally, labelled as collected in California, USA, but later this was changed to Morocco, and the species was synonymized with Buthus atlantis Pocock, 1889.

Mohamed Mousaid and co-workers have recently published a redescription of this taxa after examining the holotype. Their conclusion is that this species probably belongs to the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg,
1828. The absence of adult specimens makes it impossible to further conclude abut the status.

The authors remove “Tityus” tenuimanus from synonymy with B. atlantis, and consider it nomen dubium.

Abstract:
This study re-examines the holotype of “Tityus” tenuimanus Banks, 1910, previously synonymized with Buthus atlantis Pocock, 1889 by Lourenço & Francke (1984). Our results indicate that the specimen is a misidentified representative of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828, as it exhibits the diagnostic characters of this genus: the central lateral and posterior median carinae of the carapace fused into a lyre-shaped configuration, and tergites I–II bearing five granular carinae (a character absent in the genus Buthus Leach, 1815). Moreover, the holotype lacks one of the most distinctive characters of the genus Tityus Koch, 1836, namely the presence of a subaculear tubercle. The holotype shares several morphological features with two species described from Egypt (especially trichobothrial configuration on the fixed finger of pedipalp), Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908) and L. aegyptiacus Lourenço & El- Hennawy, 2021, both of which are only known from immature material. The absence of adult specimens for these two species, as well as the lack of a clear assessment of their intraspecific morphological variation, leads us to consider “T.” tenuimanus as a
nomen dubium for the time being, and to remove it from synonymy with B. atlantis.

Reference:
Mousaid M, Yagmur EA, Flores Z, Rivera A, Lansari A, Bouazza A. A reassessment of “Tityus” tenuimanus Banks, 1910, as a misidentified Leiurus sp. (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2026(431):1–7. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae 

Cave and subterranean dwelling scorpions in Brazil

 

As many other invertebrates, som scorpions have adapted to a life in caves and/or in subterrean habitats. A few are true troglobites, adapted to cave life only (often with several troglomorphic adaptions). Others are troglophiles or trogloxenes, living both inside and outside the subterranean realm. 

Jonas Gallao and co-workers have recently published a review summing up the knowledge of cave and subterranean scorpions in Brazil. They found that three families and at least 33 species have been reported from these kinds of habitats. 

Abstract:
Arachnids have successfully colonized subterranean environments. Compared to spiders, harvestmen, and pseudoscorpions, scorpions have a moderate number of subterranean species, including troglophiles and troglobites. Among the four families and 184 species and three subspecies of scorpions found in Brazil, three families and at least 33 species and one subspecies have been documented in subterranean habitats. This study presents a faunistic list of scorpion occurrences in caves and other types of subterranean habitats in Brazil, along with distribution maps and an attempt to classify species based on their use of and dependence on subterranean environments.

Reference:
Gallao JE, Lenhare BD, Oliveira-Neto M, Bichuette ME. Scorpions in Brazilian caves and other subterranean habitats. Euscorpius. 2026(430):1–12. [Open Access] 

A review of the genus Nebo in Oman and the description of three new species

 

Graeme Lowe has published a review of the genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Diplocentridae) in Oman. Three new species were identified.

Nebo feulneri Lowe, 2026 

Nebo masirahensis Lowe, 2026 

Nebo nebulicola Lowe, 2026 

The existence of the three previously reported species in Oman is confirmed, and redescriptions are provided. The article also includes an identification key for the genus in Oman.

Regarding the major Prendini revision of all scorpion taxa that I recently blogged about, I have started mapping all the changes and their justification. There are several hundred changes, and this work will take some time. I also awaits reactions from the scorpion research community about the changes. The first line in the paper uses the work "consensus" about the content, but that is not in accordance with the reactions I have gotten so far. Many of the suggested changes are accepted, but others are refuted. So I will not update The Scorpion Files until I get some real consensus about the results (to avoid using a lot of time changing The Scorpion Files, and then have to change a lot back again after a few months because new papers will change Prendini's suggested changes. So please be patient and check the Prendini paper if you want to learn more about the changes he has suggested.

Abstract:
The taxonomy of the genus Nebo in Oman is revised based on an analysis of 427 samples from 135 localities spanning the length of the country. All three previously known species, N. franckei Vachon, 1980, N. omanensis Francke, 1980, and N. whitei Vachon, 1980, were found and are redescribed. Three new species, N. feulneri sp. n., N. masirahensis sp. n., and N. nebulicola sp. n. from the Arabian Sea coast are described, and a new record of N. henjamicus is reported from the Musandam Peninsula. Species diagnoses are based on coloration, morphometric ratios, multivariate analyses of sclerite dimensions, scalloping of male pedipalp fingers, and granulation of female carapace and pedipalp movable fingers. The populations of Nebo comprise a series of allopatric or sympatric species distributed over four local centers of endemism on coastal regions of Oman: Al Hajar mountains, northern Central Coast, southern Central Coast, and Dhofar mountains.

Reference:
Lowe G. The genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) in Oman. Euscorpius. 2026(429):1–139.

Family Diplocentridae 

 

Discovery of an unknown cave-dwelling scorpion from Australia

 

It is always interesting to read about new, cave dwelling scorpions. Some of these are just troglophiles without any special morphological adaptions, while others are true troglobites with adaptions like lack of pigments and reduced or no eyes.

In a recent article, Michael Curran and co-workers describe a new scorpion discovered in caves the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The taxonomic status of the scorpion will be treated in a future article, but preliminary analysis place it in the family Bothriuridae. The new species has distinct troglomorphic traits. It lacks eyes and pigmentation, and has weakened/diminished appendages.

It will be interesting to read the follow-up study on the taxonomy of this scorpion and another unknown bothriurid fra the same area. These two specimens represent the first reported troglobitic members of the family Bothriuridae.

Abstract:
We report the first troglobitic members of the scorpion family Bothriuridae from Australia, discovered in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, and provide a brief review of Australian troglofaunal scorpions. Scorpions are rare in subterranean ecosystems, with only 28 species recorded globally. Two described and two undescribed subterranean scorpion species were previously known from Australia. The Pilbara specimen documented herein exhibit pronounced troglomorphic traits, including complete loss of ocelli and pigmentation and weakened/diminished appendages, consistent with obligate subterranean adaptation. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses place the specimen within Bothriuridae. Photographs, collection details, and molecular data are provided. Together with a previously collected undescribed bothriurid from the Pilbara, this discovery represents the first documented troglobitic Bothriuridae globally. Formal taxonomic treatment will follow in a subsequent dedicated study.

Reference:
Curran M, Rodman S, Huey J, Floeckner S, Gunawardene N, Lythe M, et al. First record of troglobitic Bothriuridae (Scorpiones) in Australia from the Pilbara. Subterr Biol. 2026;56:85–101. [Open Access]

Thanks to Matt Simon and Francesco Frigioni for sending me this article!

Heavy metal scorpions

 

No, I'm blogging about the heavy metal band Scorpions! :)

Sam Campbell and co-workers have recently published an interesting study looking into how scorpions can harden their weapons. The scorpions main weapons are their powerful claws and their stinger (used to inject venom). The study hypothesizes that the scorpions are using metal enrichment in these structure to make them harder and stronger.

The study shows that metals like Zinc are used in strengthening the claws and the stinger, but not simultaneously. In species where Zinc was richly concentrated in the claws, it was scarce in the stinger, and vice versa. Scorpions with big claws usually crush prey and do not use the stinger, while species with more slender claws depend on the stinger and venom for subduing a prey. Interestingly, it was the latter groups where the metal content of the claws was highest. This has probably evolved as a compensation for the structural fragility of the scorpion withe slender claws.

An interesting study that both looks into the distribution and placing of the metals in the scorpion exoskeleton and discuss this in an evolutionary context.

Abstract:
Scorpions diverged from their closest relatives around the Ordovician Period, and since then, environmental interactions have shaped the evolution of the material properties of their exoskeletons. Hardening of this structure via the incorporation of transition metals has enabled biomechanical advancements in weapon development. Scorpion weapons consist of the stinger (telson) and claws (chelae) and contain diverse metals such as zinc, manganese and iron, though little is known about comparative patterns of incorporation across the wider clade. In this study, we harness X-ray-driven microanalytical techniques to characterize the different elemental enrichment patterns within the weapons of 18 species from a range of scorpion families. We hypothesized that enrichment by metal would be inversely correlated between weapons, tied to their functional roles and morphological diversity. We identified cryptic enrichment strategies, including weapon-selective elemental replacement and an inverse enrichment of Zn between weapons. Chela enrichment by Zn was found to positively correlate with a morphological indicator of chelae pinch strength, wherein Zn enrichment was greater in specimens with reduced crushing power. This study supports a growing body of research into the evolution of metal enrichment among invertebrates and provides a greater understanding of the material properties of the exoskeleton within weapon development.
 

Reference:
Campbell SI, Vicenzi EP, Lam T, Fry BG, Wood HM. Heavy metal predators: diverse elemental enrichment across the weapons of scorpions. J R Soc Interface. 2026;23(237). [Open Access]

A new species of Scorpio from Saudi Arabia

 

Abdulhadi Aloufi and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from Saudi Arabia.

Scorpio furvus Aloufi, Afifeh, Al-Saraireh & Amr, 2026 

Abstract:
A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 is described from Al Ula Governorate, Al Madinah Province, Saudi Arabia. Scorpio furvus sp. nov. is distinguished from closely related congeners, including S. fuscus, S. kruglovi, S. palmatus, S. jordanensis, and S. yemenensis, by a unique combination of morphological characters notably the granulation pattern of the pedipalp chela, metasomal proportions, pectinal structure and length, and overall dark coloration. Morphometric comparisons further support its distinct status. The discovery of this species highlights the underestimated diversity of the genus Scorpio in the Arabian Peninsula and reinforces the view that the Scorpio maurus complex comprises multiple geographically restricted taxa requiring continued integrative taxonomic investigation.

Reference:
Aloufi A, Abu Afifeh B, Al-Saraireh M, Amr ZS. A New Species of Scorpio from Saudi Arabia (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Taxonomy. 2026;6(2):26. [Open Access]

Thanks to Luis A. Roque for informing me about the new species.

Family Scorpionidae 

Ecological and social contexts of scorpion stings in Manaus, Brazil

 

Scorpionism is a well known problem in Brazil and also in many urban areas. In a recent article, Zehev Benzaken and co-workers have a more original focus on the occurrence and impact of scorpion stings in Brazil. 

They present the results from 30 interviews with sting victims and field observations of where the sting accidents happened. It is very interesting to read how the sting victims experienced the scorpion sting and how they reacted afterward. Also, the study shows that the structural conditions of households and the unplanned expansion of urban areas over natural environments are key factors in understanding the occurrence of scorpion stings.  

The study is an important contribution to finding ways to prevent scorpion accidents in areas where humans have moved into scorpion habitats. 

Abstract:
Scorpion stings remain a significant public health problem in tropical regions, particularly in Brazil, where an estimatied 117,185 cases are reported annually, reflecting a persistent and growing burden on the healthcare system. Globally, more than two million cases occur each year, especially in areas undergoing environmental disturbances such as deforestation and unplanned urbanization. This study investigates the ecological and social contexts of scorpion stings in Manaus, the largest metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon. This qualitative study was conducted at the Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado Tropical Medicine Foundation (FMT-HVD), a reference center for scorpion stings, between January 2020 and March 2025. Data were collected through clinical questionnaires, indepth interviews, and household field observations. Thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti. Thirty participants from different age groups were included. Most cases were clinically mild. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis that address perceptions and reactions to the sting, environmental risk factors, postaccident behaviors, emotional impacts, and patient care pathways. Participants reported overlap between domestic spaces and forest fragments, limited knowledge about prevention, emotional distress, and barriers to accessing care, including late referrals and transportation difficulties. Scorpion stings in the Amazon are shaped by environmental, social, and structural factors. Integrated strategies involving environmental management, health education, urban planning, and improved healthcare access are essential to reduce their burden.

Reference:
Benzaken ZS, Cristino JS, Benzaken H, Sachett J, da Silva Carvalho E, da Silva Mendes Y, et al. Ecological and Social Contexts of Scorpion Stings in Manaus, the Largest Metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon. Toxicon. 2026:109122. [Open Access]

The effects of insecticide-contaminated prey on predatory behavior in the scorpion Tityus pusillus

 

Pesticides are commonly used in the fight against "pest-insects" like cockroaches. This can be harmful for other animals, like the predators eating these pesticide-contaminated prey and nature in general. Thayna Rhayane de Brito-Almeida and co-workers have recently published an article investigating the effects of insecticide-contaminated prey on predatory behavior in the scorpion Tityus pusillus  Pocock, 1893 (Buthidae).

The study shows that the acceptance rate prey exposed to insecticides was the same as for prey in the control group. However, there were some modifications in the prey capture behavior in the insecticide group compared to the control group. Also, scorpions that had ingested prey exposed to one type of insecticides showed signs of intoxication, but these were very short lived. It seems that Tityus pusillus is resistant to the insecticides tested.

Abstract:
In many countries, insecticide application in cities is the primary method used for urban pest control. However, the indiscriminate use of these chemical compounds may prejudice native predators which consume contaminated prey. This research aimed to evaluate the behavioural response of Tityus pusillus scorpions to prey previously exposed to different groups of insecticides. Two chemical compounds were tested: pyrethroid cypermethrin spray and the bait-type insecticide indoxacarb, which is an oxadiazine compound. Sixty scorpions were divided into three groups of 20 specimens each: a control group fed on cockroaches not exposed to any insecticide, a pyrethroid group fed on cockroaches previously exposed to cypermethrin, and an indoxacarb group fed on cockroaches exposed to oxadiazine. No difference was detected in prey acceptance among the three groups. Scorpions exposed to oxadiazine showed a non-significant trend toward longer capture latency, while pyrethroid-exposed individuals displayed transient signs of intoxication, with most recovering. Despite these short-term behavioural alterations, scorpions accepted contaminated prey, with no treatment effect on capture latency or acceptance probability. Our findings indicate short-term tolerance to the tested insecticides.

Reference:
Brito-Almeida T, Barbosa de Moura GJ, Lira A. Insecticide-contaminated prey alters predatory behaviour in the scorpion Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Arachnology. 2026;20:576–80. [Subscription required for full text]

A revision of all scorpion taxa of the world

 

Yesterday I was informed about a recent monograph published by Lorenzo Prendini containing a complete revision of all scorpion taxa of the world. This publication includes a huge amount of changes on family, genus and species level (synonymizations, new combinations, change of status etc.).

At the moment I'm not sure how to handle all of these changes, some that are controversial. I have gotten input from some researchers that are critical to this work and many of the conclusions. But this if of course a part of the scientific disagreements that we see all the time in science, including scorpion taxonomy.

Regardless of this, I will need time to read, understand and process all the changes proposed in this monograph. So it will take some time before The Scorpion Files will be updated. Those of you who are curious about the new changes can check out the paper, as if is freely available for all.

I will publish more about the changes when I start updating The Scorpion Files.

Thanks for your patience!

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

Jan Ove Rein
Editor 

A new species of Androctonus from Algeria

 

The vast areas of North Africa still harbor unidentified scorpion species. In a recent paper, Ersen Yagmur and co-workers describe a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from the Guezzam Province in southern Algeria.

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis Yagmur, Benali, Derradj & Bikada 2026 [Author names corrected 04.05.26]

The new species inhabits a hyper-arid Saharan biotope with summer daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C and annual rainfall extremely low.

Abstract:
A new scorpion species, Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from the hyperarid Saharan regions of the Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province and Timiaouine District, Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province, southern Algeria. This new species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from the Timiaouine and Tin Zaouatine areas. It is compared with congeners from Algeria and Niger, notably A. ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Lourenço, A. amoreuxi (Audouin), and A. eburneus (Pallary).

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Benali N, Derradj L, Bikada M. Androctonus tinzaouatinensis a new scorpion species from In Guezzam Province, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(17-20):1033–47. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Buthidae 

A new species of Brotheas from Brazilian Amazonia

 

Eric Ythier and Wilson Lourenco recently published an article describing a new species of Brotheas C.L. Koch, 1838  (Chactidae) from Brazilian Amazonia.

Brotheas pseudogranulatus Ythier & Lourenco, 2026

Abstract:
A new species of scorpion, Brotheas pseudogranulatus sp. n. (Scorpiones: Chactidae), is described from the state of Amazonas in Brazil, near the border with Colombia. The new species is notably characterized by a strong granulation over the carapace and tergites, and appears as a possible vicariant element with Brotheas granulatus Simon, 1877, from the Guayana region of South America. The total number of Brotheas species is now raised to 31, of which 14 occur in the Amazon Basin, including 11 from the Brazilian Amazonia. The geographical distribution of the genus Brotheas is also enlarged.

Reference:
Ythier E, Lourenco WR. A new species of Brotheas C. L. Koch, 1838 from Brazilian Amazonia (Scorpiones: Chactidae). Faunitaxys. 2026;14(30):1–7. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for informing me about this article!

Family Chactidae 

 

A new species of Euscorpius from Rhodes Island, Greece

 

It has been quiet about European Euscorpiidae for awhile after several decades of many new genera and species from what was originally less than 10 species. Several new species have been described from many of the Greek islands, showing the importance of insular isolation and diversity. 

Konstantinos Kalaentzis and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 (Euscorpiidae) from the Greek island Rhodes based on morphological and molecular analysis. 

Euscorpius diagorasi Kalaentzis & Frigioni, 2026

Abstract:
The genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 comprises a diverse and taxonomically challenging group of scorpions in the Mediterranean, with Greece representing one of its principal centers of diversity. In this study, we provide an integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n., a new species from Rhodes Island, Greece. The new species is described on the basis of adult male and female morphology and mitochondrial COI sequence data. It is a small oligotrichous species characterized by a total length of approximately 21–25 mm, pale yellow to light brown coloration with darker reddish-brown pedipalps, pectinal tooth count of 8 in the male and 7 in the females, Pv = 7–8, Pe-et = 5–6, and a distinct mitochondrial lineage. Phylogenetic analyses based on COI recovered the Rhodian specimens as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage, sister to E. vignai from Karpathos. Species delimitation analyses with BIN assignment, ABGD, and ASAP consistently supported the Rhodes population as a separate molecular unit. Morphologically, the new species differs from E. vignai and other geographically proximate Aegean and Anatolian congeners in a combination of body size, coloration, trichobothrial counts, pectinal tooth counts, carinal development and granulations. The species was found in pine forest habitat beneath the bark of Pinus brutia, suggesting an association with sheltered corticolous microhabitats. The description of E. diagorasi sp. n. adds to the growing evidence of insular diversification in Greek Euscorpius and highlights the still underestimated scorpion diversity of the Dodecanese.

Reference:
Kalaentzis K, Frigioni F, Kaitetzidou E, Iannucci A, riantafyllidis A. An integrative description of Euscorpius diagorasi sp. n. from Rhodes, Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Euscorpius. 2026(428):1–14.

Family Euscorpiidae 

On Leiurus nigellus in Saudi Arabia

 

Abdulaziz M. Al-Amri and co-workers recently publised an article with a molecular and morphological analysis of Leiurus nigellus Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh, 2023 (Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia. Distribution and habitat are also discussed.

Abstract:
This study documents the first confirmed record of the Buthid scorpion Leiurus nigellus from Jabal Arnan in the Ha’il region, located within the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve (KSRNR) in the northwestern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This species was originally described by Abu Afifeh, Aloufi & Al-Saraireh (2023). This locality extends the known distribution range of L. nigellus by over 200 km southeast of the type locality in Al-Ula, Al Madinah province. A total of six specimens of L. nigellus were collected during fieldwork conducted between June 2024 and April 2025, including two adult males, one adult female, and three juveniles. The objective of this study was to confirm the taxonomic identity of Leiurus nigellus from a newly discovered locality using morphological examination and mitochondrial DNA analysis and documentation of its known geographic distribution. Adult specimens (one male and one female) were examined using comparative morphometric analysis following standard scorpion taxonomic protocols, confirming diagnostic traits consistent with the original species description. Meanwhile, habitat assessments indicated adaptation to semi-arid rocky and gravel substrates. Molecular analysis was conducted on one adult male using targeted mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Sanger method). Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using neighbor-joining and maximum-parsimony analyses, placing L. nigellus within the Arabian Leiurus clade with bootstrap-supported affinity to Arabian congeners and limited intraspecific divergence. The generated 16S rRNA sequence represents the first molecular record for L. nigellus and has been deposited in GenBank. Sexual dimorphism was evident in morphometric traits, but these differences reflect normal biological variation rather than taxonomic differentiation. The discovery of L. nigellus in northern Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of continued faunistic and genetic surveys in underexplored regions, both to refine species distributions and to inform conservation management of specialized desert arachnofauna.

Reference:
Al-Amri AM, Abdulhakeem MA, Alqahtani AR, Al-Malki AM, Shohdi WM. First Record of Leiurus nigellus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Northern Saudi Arabia: Molecular and Morphological Insights from Ha’il Region, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve. Diversity. 2026;18(3). [Open Access]

Family Buthidae 

The Scorpion Files News Blog has reached more than 3 000 000 visits!

 

In a 2 million visits celebration post in July last year I rhetorically asked: When will we reach three million visits? I got the answer faster than I expected! :)

The Scorpion Files News Blog has reach yet another milestone with more than three million visits since its start in 2008 (3002584)! The first post was published 08.02.08, and since there have been 1568  posts. I'm amazed that the interest for scorpions is so large and that the blog still is a source for information for the scorpion community.

A big thanks to all of you for supporting and using The Scorpion Files and The Scorpion Files News Blog! This wouldn't have been possible without your support and help.

I take the chance of paraphrasing myself from last year: When will we reach four million visits? :)

Jan Ove Rein
Editor

Thanks to ChatGPT for the illustration! 

 

Epidemiology of scorpion envenomations and antivenom use in Brazilian Amazon

 

Scorpion envenomation is a public health problem in many regions of Brazil. Brazil inhabits several dangerous species in the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae) and several of these are also known to thrive close to human activities or in urban areas. 

Jonas Martins and co-workers have recently published an epidemiological study on scorpion envenomations in Brazilian Amazon between 2010 to 2020. An important part of the study was also to look at the use of antivenoms in the treatment of serious sting cases.

Abstract:
Introduction: Scorpion envenomation in the Amazon causes variable clinical manifestations. Data on these incidents, as well as on the demand, distribution, and use of antivenoms for treatment, are still limited in the literature. This study describes the epidemiology of scorpion envenomation and antivenom coverage in the Legal Amazon area from 2010 to 2020.
Methods: Data on scorpion sting victims, such as sex, age, circumstances of the incident (including location and time), and severity of the case, were obtained from an open health data system called the Notifiable Diseases Information System. The data on antivenom use to treat scorpion stings in each Amazonian state was estimated from consolidated data from the Strategic Inputs Information System.
Results: From 2010 to 2020, 62,388 people were envenomed by scorpions in the Legal Amazon area, resulting in 118 deaths (a fatality rate of 0.19%). The regular distribution of antivenom by the Brazilian Ministry of Health resulted in the allocation of 109,276 vials to the region. However, only 62.2% (of the regional antivenom stockpile 67,994 vials) was used. The state of Pará recorded the highest number of deaths from scorpion stings (33% of total deaths) and the highest use of antivenom per year (∼2705 vials over the 10-y period). Tocantins presented the highest incidence rate, with 119 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Conclusion: Although the availability of antivenom in the Legal Amazon between 2010 and 2020 exceeded actual demand, this was not enough to prevent the deaths of 118 victims of scorpion stings. These fatalities primarily affected demographic groups without referral units in their regions and point to critical failures in the spatial distribution of emergency medical services. Rural communities at risk of animal envenomation in the Amazon need timely treatment, a crucial condition for saving lives.

Reference:
Martins JG, Ribeiro de Almeida BR, de Oliveira Pardal PP, de Lima Procópio RE. Scorpion Stings and Antivenom Coverage in the Brazilian Amazon. Wilderness Environ Med. 2026:1–10. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Jonas for sending me this article! 

Discovery of lost holotype of Buthus barbouri Werner, 1932 results in new synonymization

 

Mohamed Mousaid and co-workers recently published the discovery of the previously lost holotype of the scorpion Buthus barbouri Werner, 1932 (Buthidae), later known as Androctonus barbouri (Werner, 1932). Analysis of the holotype have revealed a misidentification by several previous authors, and the true identity of the holotype is actually Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924). 

Because of this, Androctonus barbouri (Werner, 1932) is synonymized with Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924).

Abstract:
No abstract.

Reference:
Mousaid M, Flores Z, Rivera A, Lansari A, Bouazza A. Rediscovery of the enigmatic holotype of Buthus barbouri Werner, 1932 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), with a new synonymy. Zootaxa. 2026;5768(4):597–600. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae