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.  

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 

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!

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 

New data on the distribution of Buthiscus bicalcaratus in Algeria

 

 Zineb Souilem and co-workers have recently published an article presenting new distribution records and range extension for the Saharan scorpion Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 (Buthidae) in Algeria.

Abstract:
This study includes new distribution records and range extension for the Saharan scorpion Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 in Algeria, where new specimens were collected from several localities across diverse biotopes. These findings document a significant expansion of the species, both northward and southwestward, providing important insights into its ecological adaptability and contributing to a better understanding of the environmental changes affecting arid and semi-arid regions. It will be crucial to keep focus on B. bicalcaratus in order to comprehend the ecological factors influencing its variations in range and to use the species as a measure of desertification in North Africa.

Reference:
Souilem Z, Sadine SE, Hammou MA, El Bouhissi  M, Chedad A, Zebsa R, et al. Range extension of Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905 in Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(47):151–4. [No full text available, contact authors]

Thanks to Salah Eddine Sadine for sending me their article! 

Family Buthidae 

A redescription of Buthacus ahaggar from Algeria

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 (Buthidae) from Algeria based on new materials. The female is described for the first time.

Abstract:
Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 was originally described based on a male holotype specimen from the Tamanrasset Region, Algeria. In this study, the morphology of the species is redescribed based on additional specimens collected from the same region, including both sexes. We describe the female morphology here for the first time. A detailed color illustration is also provided.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Benali N, Derradj L. First Description of the Female and Morphological Analysis of Buthacus ahaggar Lourenço, Kourim & Sadine, 2017 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Commagene Journal of Biology. (1):1–5. [Open Access]

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

Family Buthidae 

First record of Lissothus occidentalis from Algeria

 

Mayssara El Bouhissi and co-workers recently published the first findings of Lissothus occidentalis Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from Algeria. This is a rare genus and new information about its distribution is very interesting. The article sums up the genus' distribution in North Africa. 

Abstract:
This note concerns a new record of Lissothus occidentalis Vachon, 1950 in Tindouf region of western Algeria. This discovery represents a significant eastward extension of the known distribution range of this species. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of the biological richness of the southern Saharan zones which is still poorly documented in terms of scorpions. The number of confirmed species of Lissothus in Algeria is raised to three.

Reference:
El Bouhissi  M, Hammou MA, Mohdeb S, Dahmani W, Cheddad A, Benali N, et al. First record of Lissothus occidentalis Vachon, 1950 from Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2025;21(1):54–9. [Article supplied by authors]

Thanks to Noureddine Benali and Hisham El-Hennaway for sending me this article! 

An update on the description and the distribution of the endemic scorpion Orthochirus soufiensis in Algeria

 

Noureddine Benali and co-workers recently published an article on the endemic scorpion Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 (Buthidae) from Algeria. 

The article reports of new findings of the scorpion and expanding the species' range in Algeria. In addition, the study presents an updated description of the species' morphology.

Abstract:
Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 is an endemic scorpion of Algeria, recently discovered from El-Oued region (North-eastern Algeria) in desert area. This note concerns the distribution range update of this species with two new district localities; the first, over 265 km to the south, in the palm grove of Ouargla region (Eastern Algeria); and the second, more than 1000 km to the west, very close to the herbaceous Tamarix in Tindouf region (Southwest Algeria). These new localities may suggest a significant extension of the distribution area of this species to the detriment of the Orthochirus innesi. This work aims to reconsider the distribution of all scorpions in this vast country (Algeria), as well as the proposal of a condense field work, for a better knowledge of distribution of the scorpion fauna, especially in poorly or little prospected areas.

Reference:
Benali N, Boulila I, Meziane R, Menad FZ, El Bouhissi M, Hammou MA, et al. Distribution range and morphological update of Orthochirus soufiensis Lourenço & Sadine, 2021 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Algeria. Serket. 2025;21(1):44–53. [Article supplied by authors]

Thanks to Noureddine for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae 

A new species in the little known genus Lissothus described from Algeria

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published a new species of the little know genus Lissothus Vachon, 1948 (Buthidae) from southern Algeria. This is the fourth species in the genus.

Lissothus guezzamensis Yagmur, Benali & Derradj, 2025

Abstract:
Lissothus guezzamensis sp. nov. is described here based on four adult female specimens from the In Guezzam Province, Algeria. Detailed illustrations and measurements are provided. L. guezzamensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all the other known species by its coloration pattern, the dentition of the chela fingers, the carination and granulation of the fifth metasomal segment, and the shape of sternite VII.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Benali N, Derradj L. Lissothus guezzamensis sp. nov. from In Guezzam Province, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Commagene Journal of Biology. 2025;9(2):151–7 [Full text supplied by authors]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Androctonus from the Tassili n'Ajjer in Algeria

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers recently published an article describing a new species of the medical important genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from the Tassili n'Ajjer in Algeria.

Androctonus ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Lourenco, 2025

Abstract:
A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 is described on the basis of one male specimen collected in Eferi, at the foothills of the Tassili n'Ajjer massif, Wilaya of Djanet, Algeria. This new scorpion taxon represents the 42nd known species of the genus Androctonus and the 7th reported from Algeria. A geographical distribution map of the Androctonus species occurring in the region of the Saharan Mountain ranges of Algeria and Niger is presented.

Reference:
Ythier E, Sadine SE, Alioua Y, Lourenco WR. A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 from the Tassili n'Ajjer, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Faunitaxys. 2025;13(8):1-8. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Updated information about the distribution of the genus Scorpio in Northern Algeria and a redescription of Scorpio trarasensis

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers recently published an article with updated information about the Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) fauna in Northern Algeria. The authors also present a redescription of Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy (1962). The article also includes an identification guide for the Scorpio species known from Northern Algeria.

Abstract:
Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy (1962), from the Trara Massif, in the western part of the Tellian Atlas of Algeria, is redescribed on the basis of new material collected and a neotype is designated (original type material is considered lost). The geographical distribution of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in Northern Algeria is updated based on additional material examined, and a key for their identification is proposed.

Reference:
Ythier E, Hammou MA, El Bouhissi  M, Mairif M. Redescription of Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 and update on the distribution of the genus Scorpio linnaeus, 1758 in Northern Algeria (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Arachnides. 2025(120):1-11. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric and Gerard for sharing this article with me!

Family Scorpionidae

An Algerian Buthus seen preying on a solifugid

 

Scorpions prey on a large variety of other invertebrates and even on some small vertebrates. Camel spiders (Solifugae) is another fierce arachnid predator inhabiting the same habitats as many scorpions. These two arachnids probably prey on each other when they have the opportunity. 

Noureddine Benali and co-workers recently published a case of natural predation on a solifugid by Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 (Buthidae) in North-western Algeria.

Abstract:
During nighttime in Aïn Deheb, Tiaret region (North-western Algeria). An adult female of the buthid scorpion Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhiss i& Sadine, 2020 was observed feeding on an adult Galeodessp.Such observation can contribute to the knowledge of the trophic ecology ofthis scorpion species.

Reference:
Benali N, Elkahar FMA, Boukhors AH. Natural case of predation on Camel spider (Arachnida: Solifugae) by the scorpion Buthus apiatus Lourenço, El Bouhissi & Sadine, 2020 (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in Tiaret, North-western Algeria. Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2024(45):159-60. [Open Access provided by author]

Thanks to Noureddine for sharing this article with me!

Updated information about the distribution of Androctonus aeneas in Algeria

 

Androctonus aeneas C. L. Koch, 1839 (Buthidae) is a potential medical important species in parts of northern Africa and knowledge about its distribution is important. Mohammed Ait Hammou and several co-workers have recently published an update on this species current distribution in Algeria with several new locations. 

Abstract:
This work concerns a new consideration on the geographical distribution of Androctonus aeneas C.L. Koch, 1839 (Scorpiones) in Algeria. Historically, this species occupied the central band of Algeria, from Tébessa and Khenchela in the east, through Batna in the Belezma mountains, to Naâma in the west. Recent surveys by young researchers have noted an expansion of the range of this scorpion not only in the geographic distribution area predicted for this species by Lourenço et al. (2015) but also towards western Algeria (Aïn Témouchent, Sabdou, El Bayadh and Saïda) and towards the southwest of Algeria in Naâma and Béchar. These new data may enrich the understanding of this potentially dangerous species, but also to the known area of scorpion envenomation risk.

Reference:
Hammou MA, Dahmani W, Cheddad A, Bouhissi ME, Feghoul MA, Benali N, et al. On current distribution of Androctonus aeneas Koch, 1839 in Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2024;20(3):257-65. [Open Access]

Thanks to  Mohammed Ait Hammou, Noureddine Benali, Lukasz Kogut and Hisham El-Hennaway for informing me about this article!

A new species of Buthacus from Algeria

 

Salah Eddine Sadine and co-workers have recently published a new species of Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from Central Algeria.

Buthacus deserticus Sadine, Souilem, Lourenço & Ythier, 2024

Abstract:
A new species of Buthacus Birula, 1908 is described on the basis of specimens collected in the region of Ghardaïa, Central Algeria. Buthacus deserticus sp. n. belongs to the Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg 1829) complex of species. It is compared with the two other species of the “leptochelys” complex occurring in the region, namely B. spinatus Lourenço, Bissati & Sadine, 2016 and B. elmenia Lourenço & Sadine, 2017. This new taxon represents the 12th known Buthacus species reported from Algeria. A map of the geographical distribution of the Algerian Buthacus species is presented. Emended diagnosis is also provided for Buthacus spinatus Lourenço, Bissati & Sadine, 2016 based on additional material.

Reference:
Sadine SE, Souilem Z, Chedad A, Bahri C, Zebsa R, Houhamdi M, et al. A new species of Buthacus Birula, 1908 from the Algerian Saharan Desert (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Faunitaxys. 2024;12(9):1-9. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre and Eric Ythier for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Scorpio from Algeria

 

Eric Ythier and co-workers recently published an article describing a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758(Scorpionidae) from Atakor volcanic field in the Hoggar massif in the south of Algeria.

Scorpio atakor Ythier, Sadine, Bengaid & Lourenço, 2024

The authors also raise Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 to species status after it previously was synonymized with Scorpio maurus maurus Linnaeus, 1758 (it was originally described as a subspecies of S. maurus.

Abstract:
A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 is described from the Atakor volcanic field in the Hoggar massif, located in the South of Algeria. Scorpio atakor sp. nov. most certainly represents a vicariant element of Scorpio tassili Lourenço & Rossi, 2016, species equally described from a massif formation, the Tassili N’Ajjer, in the South of Algeria. Both species are distributed in high altitudes in these massifs. Scorpio trarasensis Bouisset & Larrouy, 1962 stat. rev., stat. nov. is also restored from its synonymy with Scorpio maurus maurus Linnaeus, 1758 and raised to species level. The number of confirmed species of Scorpio in Algeria is raised to six.

Reference:
Ythier E, Sadine SE, Bengaid Y, Lourenco WR. A new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 from Algeria (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) and a new case of vicariance. Arachnides. 2024(113):1-11. [Open Access]

Family Scorpionidae

What is in the diet of Buthus scorpions from Algeria?

 

It is well known that scorpions catch and eat a diversity of prey types, even other scorpions and arthropods like reptiles and small mammals. As long as scorpions are able to subdue a potential prey, they will eat it. 

Abdelwahab Chedad and co-workers have recently published a study on the feeding behavior and diet of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) species in Algeria. As expected, they found that many different invertebrates were on the menu, even though representatives of Orthoptera and Coleoptera were most common. Cannibalism and intraguild predation were also observed in several cases.

Abstract:
This study is an empirical observation of the feeding behavior of the Buthus Leach, 1815, in the wild of the Ouarsenis Mountains (Tissemsilt and Tiaret regions, northwestern Algeria) during the study period (2021–2022). We have observed 29 instances of Buthus species eating arthropods. The identifications of this prey yielded a list of 20 species belonging to 15 families and 9 orders. We note a dominance of the Orthoptera and Coleoptera, with 3 families and 5 species for each. Gryllidae and Scarabaeidae are the most represented, with 3 and 2 species, respectively. Also, we record some insects larvae eating and many cases of cannibalism and intraguild predation. All of the Buthus species' prey are intermediate or smaller arthropods.

Reference:
Chedad A, Hammou MA, El Bouhissi M, Chedad A, Sadine SE. Insights on the diet of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Ouarsenis mountains of northwestern Algeria. Revista Ibérica de Aracnología. (42):267-71. [Available in ResearchGate]

Diversity and distribution of the scorpion fauna in the Tiaret region in southeast Algeria

 

Mohammad Ait Hammou and co-workers have recently published a study on the diversity and distribution of the scorpion fauna of the Tiaret region in southeast Algeria.

The article is in French.

Abstract:
The present study aims to inventory the scorpions of the region of Tiaret which is located in the northwest of Algeria on the  one hand and on the other hand to establish the distribution patterns of each species. During two years of prospecting between 2021 and 2022, more than 467 scorpions were collected, divided into 17 species belonging to five genera (Androctonus, Buthacus, Buthiscus, Buthus and Scorpio) and grouped into two families (Buthidae and Scorpionidae). The Buthidae family is the most represented by 14 species of which 5 species are endemic to Algeria. On the other hand, the Scorpionidae family contains only 3 species with an endemic species in Algeria. The result of the relative abundance (RA%) shows that Androctonus australis is the most abundant with a value of 22.06% against 5.78% of that of Scorpio maurus. Shannon's index is estimated at 1.57 bits, indicating a high level of scorpion diversity in the study region (Tiaret). It should be noted that the inventory that we have drawn up constitutes a pioneering study on scorpions in this important region which contains more than 31% of Algerian scorpion species and brings together several species reported for the first time in this region.

Reference:
Ait Hammou M, Dahmani W, Chedad A, Feghoul MA, Benali N, El Bouhissi  M, et al. Diversie et modele de dtsribution des scorpions (Arachnida:Scorpiones) de la Region de Tiaret (Nord-Ouest Algerie). Arachnides. 2023(109):1-18. [Open Access]

Thanks to Mohammad Ait Hammou for sending me their article and to Gerard Dupre for sharing the journal archive of Arachnides on The Scorpion Files

An updated list of the scorpion fauna of Algeria

 

Gerard Dupre and co-workers have recently published an article with an updated list of the scorpion taxa recorded from Algeria.

The article is published in French.

Abstract:
A faunistic inventory is proposed for the known Algerian scorpion species. The aim of this contribution is to bring an up-to-date checklist of all known species in Algeria. As results, 54 species of scorpions are recorded in this huge expanse, distributed in 3 families. The family Buthidae is the most represented by 46 species, family Scorpionidae represented by one genus and 6 species/subspecies. While family Euscorpiidae includes two species introduced from its European origin. The endemic species represent more than 59%.

Reference:
Dupre G, El Bouhissi  M, Sadine SE. La faune des scorpions d'Algerie. Arachnides. 2023(108):1-16. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for publishing the open access journal Arachnides on The Scorpion Files!

A new species of Scorpio from North Africa

 

Manel Khammassi and co-workers have recently described a new species of Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) from Northwestern Algeria and Northeastern Morocco based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis.

Scorpio atlasensis Khammassi, Harris & Sadine, 2023

Abstract:
In this study, a new scorpion species, Scorpio atlasensis sp. n. from Northwestern Algeria and Northeastern Morocco is described. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished by the general coloration, the pectinal plate shape and others features. We used partial sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I gene to confirm the distinctiveness of the new species. Phylogenetic relationships among specimens of Scorpio from Algeria and Morocco with additional comparative sequence data from GenBank were assessed. Our results indicate a high divergence between the clade of the new species and all other available species from the northwestern African region. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis showed a deep split between a northwestern African

Reference:
Khammassi M, Harris DJ, Sadine SE, Bouhissi ME, Nouira S. Description of a new species of Scorpio (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) from Northwestern Algeria using morphological and molecular data. Biologia. 2023:1-12. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Sadine and Gerard Dupre for sending me this article!

Family Scorpionidae

Updated information on the distribution of the genus Buthacus in Algeria.

 

Yacine Bengaid and co-workers recently published an article with new information about the distribution of the genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) in Algeria.

Abstract:
The genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Family Buthidae) regroups about 30 species commonly known as sand scorpions. In the Algerian sandy deserts, in particular, this group shows a micro-endemic populations. The present paper summarizes the exhaustive list of Buthacus species in Ghardaïa region (Central Algeria), basing on sampling period of 12 months (2021). As a preliminary result, five species were recorded from the study area: B. arenicola, B. birulai, B. elmenia, B. samiae, and B. spinatus. Of which, two species are original from Algerian Eastern Erg (B. arenicola and B. birulai) while, the other species were recently identified from Ghardaïa region. All these species show a close affinity to Erg or sandy biotopes except B. samiae which presents a wide distribution in study area and in sandy Reg. Also, it has the ability to cohabit with other Buthacus such as B. spinatus in the North and B. elmenia in the south.

Reference:
Bengaid Y, Sadine SE, Oumyma Z, Abidi H, Bissati S, Houhamdi M. Notes and remarks on Buthacus species of Central Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket; 2022. p. 274-81.

Family Buthidae