A new species of Androctonus from Jordan

 

Bassam Abu Afifeh and co-workers recently published an article with the description of a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from southern Jordan. 

Androctonus minaeus Abu Afifeh, Al-Saraireh & El-Hennaway, 2025 

The distribution of relevant species from Jordan and Egypt is also presented and discussed.

Abstract:
A new buthid scorpion species, Androctonus minaeus sp. n., is described from the Ma’an governorate in southern Jordan. This study provides a detailed morphological description, morphometric analysis, and diagnostic comparison with closely related species, particularly Androctonus bicolor and A. tenuissimus, using comparative material of these species from Egypt, along with ecological and distributional notes for each. Historical records of A. bicolor, A. amoreuxi, and A. australis from Jordan are reviewed and considered unverified due to the absence of supporting morphological data, and are therefore excluded from the confirmed scorpion fauna of Jordan pending further evidence. A distribution map of all examined specimens, along with previous records of related species from Egypt, is also provided to enhance our understanding of the geographic range and biogeography of this genus. The new species is distinguished by a unique combination of characters, including colouration, carinal development, and pedipalp proportions. The results contribute to a refined understanding of Androctonus diversity in the Levant and underscore the importance of critical reevaluation of regional scorpion records.

Reference:
Abu Afifeh B, Al-Saraireh M, El-Hennawy HK. A new Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 species from southern Jordan with implications for regional taxonomy and distribution (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2025;21(1):12–32. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hirsham El-Hennaway for sending me scorpion articles published in Serket!

Family Buthidae 

 

An updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi from Egypt

 

Ersen Yagmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published an article with an updated description of the morphology of the buthid Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 from Egypt. A few ecological observations are also provided.

Abstract:
The scorpion Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 is redescribed based on specimens collected from its type locality, Cairo, Egypt. Detailed colour illustrations and UV-light-illuminated photographs are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. On the morphology of Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) with some ecological observations. Serket. 2025;20(4):393–403. [Open Access]

Thanks to Hisham El-Hennawy for sending me this article!

Species status for Leiurus libycus from western Egypt after redescription

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published an article where they have studied and redescribed the taxa formerly known as Buthus quinquestriatus libycus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae). The species is elevated to species status in the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828.

Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908)

In the article the authors synonymize Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenço & El-Hennawy, 2021 with L. libycus as the former was described from the same area and is morphologically very similar.

Abstract:
Buthus quinquestriatus libycus was described by Birula (1908) from the Libyan Desert, based on a subadult male specimen. This taxon was later synonymized with Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) by Vachon (1949). In this study, we re-evaluate this taxon and recognize it as Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908), stat. n., providing a redescription based on the holotype. The type locality of this species is clarified as western Egypt (between Alexandria and Fayum). We synonymize Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenço & El-Hennawy, 2021 with L. libycus, stat. n., syn. n.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Kovarik F, Fet V. A redescription of Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908), stat. n. (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(413):1-08. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Redescription of of Scorpio palmatus

 

Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpionidae) has a wide distribution in parts of northern Africa and The Middle East. Ersen Aydın Yağmur and Ahmed Badry have recently published a redescription of a male (the species' neotype) and female specimen of this species.

Abstract:
Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) is redescribed based on the male neotype and a female specimen from northern Egypt. Illustrations prepared under white and UV lights and measurements are given.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Badry A. Description of a neotype of Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Serket. 2024;20(3):215-29. [Open Access]

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

Family Scorpionidae

A new species of Leiurus from Sinai, Egypt

 

The genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) is one the scorpion taxa that has gone from having one species to include many species thanks to improved morphological and genetic taxonomical methods in addition to more specimens available from new and different habitats. The members of this genus has the most potent scorpion venom in the world, and knowledge about taxonomy and distribution is very important.

Ahmed Badry and co-workers have recently published a new species in the genus Leiurus from Sinai, Egypt.

Leiurus sinai Badry, Saleh, Lourenco & Ythier, 2023

Abstract:
The genus Leiurus was first described by Ehrenberg in 1828 as Androctonus (Leiurus) quinquestriatus. For almost two centuries, it was considered monotypic, with only two valid subspecies: Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) and Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus (Birula, 1908). However, over the last 20 years, several new species of Leiurus have been described in Africa and the Middle East. Despite this, some populations, such as those in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, remained poorly defined. Previous studies suggested that the Sinai population is distinct from both L. quinquestriatus and L. hebraeus (Birula, 1908). In this study, we conducted a more comprehensive comparison of the Sinai population and L. quinquestriatus and L. hebraeus using morphological and molecular evidence. Our results suggest that the Sinai population indeed represents a distinct species, which we describe based on this evidence.

Reference:
Badry A, Salehi M, Sarhan MMH, Youness M, Lourenco WR, Ythier E. A new species of Leiurus Ehrenberg (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Sinai, Egypt and comments on its relationships with L. quinquestriatus and L. hebraeus using morphological and molecular evidence. Faunitaxys. 2023;11(54):1-10. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

 

The diversity patterns of Egyptian scorpions in relation to climatic and spatial predictors

 

Understanding the biological diversity of scorpions in different habitats is important. Andre Lira and co-workers have recently published an article trying to evaluate the diversity patterns of Egyptian scorpions in relation to climatic and spatial predictors. See abstract below to learn more about the study and its results.

Abstract:
Drylands correspond to ca. 40% of the world’s land surface. Because of their ecological importance, these areas are regularly considered for agricultural purposes. Scorpion assemblages often exhibit higher levels of species diversity in dry habitats and are beneficial indicators in ecological studies in such environments. In this study, we investigated the effects of climatic and spatial predictors on beta diversity patterns among scorpion assemblages distributed in the drylands of Egypt. Scorpion occurrences were compiled from the scientific literature. For each location, we created a set of climatic variables related to precipitation, temperature, and solar irradiation, as well as spatial predictors. A total of 134 scorpion occurrences were obtained, comprising 21 species grouped into three families. Climatic and spatial variables together influenced the patterns of scorpion diversity in Egyptian landscapes. Species replacement accounted for 69% of the total beta diversity. In addition, species replacement was positively affected by climatic and spatial variables. Our results suggest a reciprocal link between the region’s ecological history and the patterns of beta diversity observed in scorpion assemblages from Egyptian drylands.

Reference:
Lira AF, Foerster SÍ, Badry A. Living in a desert: examining scorpion beta diversity in Egyptian drylands from a macroecological perspective. African Zoology. 2023:1-11. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Andre for sending me their article!

A revision of the genus Buthacus from the Middle East with several taxonomical changes

 

The Sand Scorpions, also known as the genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) are widespread in in the sandy deserts of the Palearctic, from West Africa to India. No modern revision has been done for this sand-loving genus.

Shlomo Cain and co-workers have now published a systematic revision of the Buthacus species of the Levant (the Middle East including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt)). 

Here are the taxonomical highlights:

New species:

Buthacus amitaii Caine, Gefen & Prendini, 2021 (Israel)

Buthacus arava Caine, Gefen & Prendini, 2021 (Israel and Jordan)

Buthacus levyi Caine, Gefen & Prendini, 2021 (Egypt, Israel and maybe Libya)

New species status/re-validations:

Buthacus armasi Lourenço, 2013 (Southern Algeria)

Buthacus spatzi (Birula, 1911) (Southern Tunisia and western Libya)

Buthacus fuscata Pallary, 1929 (Southern Algeria)

Buthacus nitzani Levy et al., 1973 (Israel and probably also in the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt))

Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892) (Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey)*

Buthacus yotvatensis Levy et al., 1973 (Israel and Jordan)

*) B. tadmorensis was listed as a valid species in The Scorpion Files before this article. It seems that the 2005 synonymization was missed by me.

Synonymizations:

Buthacus macrocentrus (Ehrenberg, 1828) synonymized with Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829)

See abstract and article for more results and details.

The article has an updated identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
Scorpions of the genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837), commonly known as “sand scorpions,” are widespread in the sandy deserts of the Palearctic, from West Africa to India. Although many new species of Buthacus were described in recent years, no modern revision exists for the genus and the limits of many infrageneric taxa remain unclear. The present contribution addresses the species of Buthacus recorded from the Levant, defined here as the region of the Middle East including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt). Prior to this study, five species and subspecies, including several synonyms, were recognized from the region. Based on extensive new collections, a reassessment of the morphology (including multivariate statistical analysis), and a phylogenetic analysis of morphological and DNA sequence data, published elsewhere, seven species of Buthacus are now recognized from the Levant, raising the number of species in the genus to 30. Three new species are described: Buthacus amitaii, sp. nov., endemic to Israel; Buthacus arava, sp. nov., endemic to Israel and Jordan; and Buthacus levyi, sp. nov., endemic to Egypt, Israel, and perhaps Libya. Buthacus arenicola (Simon, 1885) is redescribed and restricted to northeastern Algeria and central Tunisia, and Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829) redescribed and restricted to Egypt, Sudan, and perhaps Libya. Buthacus armasi Lourenço, 2013, stat. rev., from southern Algeria, and Buthacus spatzi (Birula, 1911), stat. rev., from southern Tunisia and western Libya, are revalidated, and Buthacus fuscata Pallary, 1929, stat. nov. et stat. rev., from southern Algeria, revalidated and elevated to the rank of species. Buthacus nitzani Levy et al., 1973, stat. nov., currently restricted to Israel but probably present in the Sinai Peninsula (Egypt), is elevated to the rank of species. Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), stat. rev., recorded from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, and Buthacus yotvatensis Levy et al., 1973, stat. rev., endemic to Israel and Jordan, are redescribed and revalidated. Three new synonyms are presented: Androctonus (Leiurus) macrocentrus Ehrenberg, 1828 = Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829), syn. nov.; Buthus pietschmanni Penther, 1912 = Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892), syn. nov.; Buthacus granosus Borelli, 1929 = Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829), syn. nov. Buthacus arenicola and the seven species of Buthacus occurring in the Levant are diagnosed and illustrated to modern standards, with updated distribution maps. A list of the currently recognized species of Buthacus, and a key to identification of the species occurring in the Levant are also presented.

Reference:
Cain S, Gefen E, Prendini L. Systematic Revision of the Sand Scorpions, Genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837) of the Levant, with Redescription of Buthacus arenicola (Simon, 1885) from Algeria and Tunisia. Bulletin of The American Museum of Natural History. 2021(450):1-134. [Open access]

Family Buthidae

A new species of Leiurus from Egypt

 

Wilson Lourenco and Hisham El-Hennawy have recetly published the discovery of a second species of Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Egypt.

Leiurus aegyptiacus Lourenco & El-Hennaway, 2021

Pictures of the new species' super-dry habitat are also presented.

Abstract:
One more new species is described for the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg from Africa. The description is based on one juvenile female collected in the region NE of Maghra, east of the Qattara Depression, Egypt. Although some affinities may be suggested with L. quinquestriatus and L. hebraeus, species distributed in Egypt and Israel, several characteristics attest however that this population is certainly distinct. The type locality of the new species corresponds to a very poorly prospected zone in Egypt and further studies in the area should provide new material confirming the present decision.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, El-Hennawy HK. New considerations on the Leiurus Ehrenberg (Scorpiones: Buthidae) distributed in Africa and description of a particular species from Egypt. Serket. 2021;17(4):325-34. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A few taxonomical changes in the genus Orthochirus

 

Wilson Lourenco and Eric Ythier have recently published an article with some taxonomical changes in the genera Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 and Orthochiroides Kovarik, 1998 in Africa (Buthidae).

 Genus Orthochiroides Kovarik, 1998 is synonymized with Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 and the three species belonging to to the former is now in Orthochirus.

Orthochirus arenicola Lourenco & Ythier, 2021 - New species from the coasts of Somalia.

Orthochirus aristidis (Simon, 1882) is restored from its synonymy with Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881). 

Abstract:
A new species of buthid scorpion, Orthochirus arenicola sp. n. is described from the coasts of Somalia. The scorpion was collected on the beach sand under bush-like herbaceous vegetation by our late Italian colleague Professor P. M. Brignoli. New considerations are also proposed for other related taxa. Orthochirus afar Kovařík & Lowe, 2016 described from Afar, Ethiopia is suggested to be a synonym of Orthochirus aristidis (Simon, 1882); no final decision is taken however face to the impossibility of consulting the types of Orthochirus afar. Orthochirus aristidis is restored from its synonymy with Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881). Finally, the genus Orthochiroides Kovařík, 1998 is placed as a junior synonym of Orthochirus Karsch, 1891.

References:
Lourenco WR, Ythier E. A particular new species of Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 from Somalia (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2021;17(4):335-49. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

 

 

Genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East

 

 Abdulaziz Alqahtani and Ahmed Badry published this Fall an article on the genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. They conclude that there is a clear genetic splitting between Leirus from Egypt and those from Arabia and Turkey. In addition, the results support the taxonomic status of Arabian Leiurus species.

Abstract:
The molecular phylogenetic relationship among two species of genus Leiurus, from Saudi Arabia with additional comparative sequence data available from Egypt, Oman and Turkey is presented. The molecular phylogeny was performed using maximum parsimony, neighbor joining and bayesian inference. Our results indicate a clear deep splitting between the Western clade, which represented by L. quinuestriatus sequences from Egypt and those from the Eastern clade which encompassing different Leiurus species from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Turkey was shown. Also, the phylogenetic relationship represents additional support for the taxonomic status of Arabian Leiurus species.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Badry A. Genetic diversity among different species of the genus Leiurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020;27(12):3348-53.[Open Access]

Thanks to Dr. Badry for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

Тaxonomic position of Orthochirus olivaceus from Egypt and Sudan

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have studied the taxonomic position of the species Orthodactylus olivaceus Karsch, 1881 (Buthidae). This taxa has been considered a synonym of O. scrobiculosus (Grube, 1873) for a long time. This study shows that Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881) is a valid species. The study also concludes that Orthochirus aristidis (Simon, 1882) is a junior synonym of O. olivaceus (Karsch, 1881).

Abstract:
We address the taxonomic position of Orthodactylus olivaceus Karsch, 1881, the type species of the genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1892. For over a century, this taxon was considered a synonym of Orthochirus scrobiculosus (Grube, 1873); however, the latter was recently limited to Central Asia (Turkmenistan) (Kovařík et al., 2020). Analysis of Karsch’s holotype confirmed that Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881), is a valid species. Its type locality published as “Sicily” is clearly incorrect. It is a senior synonym of Butheolus aristidis Simon, 1882, syn. n., described from Sudan (Nubia). We confirm its distribution in northern Sudan and southern Egypt.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Fet V, Siyam M. Тaxonomic position of Orthochirus olivaceus (Karsch, 1881), the type species of the genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1892 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2020(319):1-15. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

Genetic diversity within Leiurus quinquestriatus populations in Egypt

 Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Buthidae) is one of the most dangerous scorpions in the world when it comes to venom potency and knowledge about the taxonomy and biology of this species is very important.

Moustafa Sarhan and co-workers have recently published a study on the genetic diversity within Leiurus quinquestriatus populations in Egypt. This species is quite common in this country. The results shows a high genetic variation among L. quinquestriatus populations in Egypt and suggest that at least one population located in Sinai may be a separate species.

Abstract:
The highly toxic and medically important scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus is the most common scorpion species in Egypt and in some regions, is medically problematic for the local population. We studied variation in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene within 12 populations from different ecogeographical regions of Egypt. Our results indicate a high genetic variation among L. quinquestriatus populations with five haplotypes existing. Our data also suggests the existence of

Reference:
Sarhan M, Badry A, Younes M, Saleh M. Genetic diversity within Leiurus quinquestriatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) populations in Egypt as inferred from 16S mDNA sequence analysis. Zoology in the Middle East. 2020;66(3):269-76. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Ahmed Badry for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

 

 

Molecular phylogeny of three species of the genus Buthacus from Saudi Arabia and Egypt

The genus Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) is a widespread genus with a complex taxonmy with several unresolved taxa. Abdulaziz Alqahtania and Ahmed Badry have recently published a study investigating the molecular phylogeny of three species of the genus from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. One main result is a support for a monophyletic status of the genus Buthacus. See abstract and article for more details and results.

Abstract:
The molecular phylogeny of three species of genus Buthacus, based on 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA gene from Egypt and Saudi Arabia is presented. The inferred phylogeny based on maximum-parsimony, neighbor-joining and bayesian inference, indicates the monophyletic status of the genus Buthacus. A clear deep splitting between the “Egyptian clade” consisting of B. arenicola and B. leptochyles and the “Arabian clade” consisting of B. nigroaculatus was shown.

Reference:
Alqahtani AR, Badry A. Interspecific phylogenetic relationship among different species of the genus Buthacus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) inferred from 16S rRNA in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Zoology in the Middle East. 2020. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Badry for sending me information about their article!

Family Buthidae

Two new species of Compsobuthus from North Africa

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have recently publish a paper on species in the genus Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Arabia and North Africa. Two new species are described.

Compsobuthus turieli Kovarik, Lowe, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2020 (Western Sahara and Morocco)

Compsobuthus ullrichi Kovarik, Lowe, Stockmann & Stahlavsky, 2020 (Egypt)

The article has also a redescription of Compsobuthus arabicus Levy, Amitai & Shulov, 1973.

Abstract:
Two new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949, are described: C. turieli sp. n. from Western Sahara and Morocco, and C. ullrichi sp. n. from Egypt. The species C. arabicus Levy et al., 1973 is redescribed based on analysis of the holotype plus extensive material from Oman and the United Arab Emirates. These species are compared to others from their respective regions: C. kabateki Kovařík, 2003, C. levyi Kovařík, 2012, and C. polisi Lowe, 2001, for which new illustrations and biometrics are provided based on types and topotypic material. The hemispermatophores of C. arabicus, C. turieli sp. n. and C. ullrichi sp. n. are illustrated and described. We also record the karyotypes of C. acutecarinatus, C. arabicus, C. maindroni and C. ullrichi sp. n. All examined specimens possess 2n=22 and chromosomes gradually decreasing in length.

References:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stockmann M, Stahlavsky F. Notes on Compsobuthus: redescription of C. arabicus Levy et al., 1973 from Arabia, and description of two new species from North Africa (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2020(298):1-40.

Congratulations on your "own" species, Carlos and Alex! :)

Family Buthidae

A review of the scorpion fauna of Egypt

Ahmed Badry and co-workers have recently published a review of the scorpion fauna of Egypt. A total of 35 species belonging to four families are reported, of which 6 are endemic to Egypt. The article has an identification guide for the Egyptian taxa. 

The article also has interesting information about the different species' habitat preferences. 

There is a supplement to the article on the article homepage with location information and color pictures of most of the species reported from Egypt.

Abstract:
The taxonomy and diversity of the scorpion fauna of Egypt was examined based on a large collection from most parts of the
country and in view of recent revisionary systematics. We assessed the validity of listed records in light of new taxonomic findings and geographic distribution data and present a new list and an identification key to the scorpion fauna of Egypt consisting of 31 species, 18 of which were collected during this survey. Four species were not accepted for the list because no voucher material was available.

Reference:
Badry A, Younes M, Sarhan MMH, Saleh M. On the scorpion fauna of Egypt, with an identification key (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Zoology in the Middle East. 2017:1-13. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Ahmed Badry for sending me their article!

A new study elevates several Scorpio maurus subspecies in Palestina and Israel to species status

Scorpio maurus Linneaus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) has been considered monotypic (one species) for almost a century, having at the most 19 recognized subspecies. In spite of a wide distribution in Africa and Asia and occurrence in different habitats, is has been very difficult to find taxonomical characteristics proving that Scorpio maurus in reality is a species complex with many hidden species. The opinion for many years has been that Scorpio maurus is a single, widespread, polymorphic species.

In 2009, Lourenco elevated several subspecies in North Africa to species status. Since them, other species have been described (Blog posts on Scorpio). Talal and co-workers have now published a very interesting study of the Scorpio maurus populations in Palestina and Israel, focusing especially on the two subspecies Scorpio maurus fuscus Ehrenberg, 1829 and Scorpio maurus palmatus Ehrenberg, 1829. The study revealed seven geographically-delimited clades of Scorpio maurus, corresponding to at least four currently recognized subspecies in their study area. Based on genetic, morphological and behavioral support, the authors elevate four subspecies to species status. The results presented support the theory that Scorpio maurus in reality is a species complex, comprising of multiple distinct phylogenetic, ecological and biological species.

Scorpio fuscus (Ehrenberg, 1829). Previously Scorpio maurus fuscus Ehrenberg, 1829.
Scorpio kruglovi (Ehrenberg, 1829). Previously Scorpio maurus kruglovi Ehrenberg, 1829.
Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1829). Previously Scorpio maurus palmatus Ehrenberg, 1829.
Scorpio propinquus (Simon, 1872). Previously Scorpio maurus propinquus Simon, 1872.

 Check the article for information about the distribution of the new species.

Abstract:
Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (family Scorpionidae Latreille, 1802) was considered monotypic for over a century, and comprised a single species, Scorpio maurus Linnaeus, 1758, with 19 subspecies, distributed fromWest Africa, throughout the Maghreb and the Middle East, to Iran. Two parapatric subspecies, Scorpio maurus fuscus (Ehrenberg, 1829) and Scorpio maurus palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828), have long been recognized in Israel.We examined morphological variation, burrow architecture and genetic divergence among 39 populations across the distribution of the two subspecies to assess whether they are conspecific and, if not, how many species might be involved. Cuticle coloration, pedipalp chela digital carina condition, and selectedmeasurements were recorded. Sixty burrows were excavated and examined for burrow structure and depth. A multilocus dataset comprising concatenated fragments of one nuclear (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I) loci, totaling ca. 2400 base-pairs, was produced for individuals, and a single-locus dataset comprising 658 base-pairs of the COI locus for 156 individuals. Despite overlapping ranges in morphometric characters of pedipalp chela shape, the putative subspecies were easily distinguished by cuticle coloration and condition of the pedipalp chela digital carina, and were also found to differ significantly in burrow architecture and depth. Phylogeographical analyses of the COI and multilocus datasets recovered seven distinct clades. Separate analyses of mitochondrial sequences, and combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear sequences support most clades. The two major clades corresponded with the geographical distributions of S. m. fuscus and S. m. palmatus in the region. Specimens from these clades were genetically distinct, and exhibited different burrow structure in geographically-proximate localities, suggesting reproductive isolation. The palmatus clade included two distinct subclades of specimens from localities adjacent to the Dead Sea. Three other clades, comprising specimens from the most northeastern localities, were tentatively assigned to subspecies previously recorded in neighboring Jordan and Syria. The morphological, behavioral and genetic evidence supports previous suggestions that Scorpio maurus is a species complex and justifies the following taxonomic emendations: Scorpio fuscus (Ehrenberg, 1829), stat. nov.; Scorpio kruglovi (Ehrenberg, 1829), stat. nov.; Scorpio palmatus (Ehrenberg, 1828), stat. nov.; Scorpio propinquus (Simon, 1872), stat. nov.

Reference:
Talal S, Tesler I, Sivan J, Ben-Shlomo R, Muhammad Tahir H, Prendini L, et al. Scorpion speciation in the Holy Land: Multilocus phylogeography corroborates diagnostic differences in morphology and burrowing behavior among Scorpio subspecies and justifies recognition as phylogenetic, ecological and biological species. Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2015 May 15.[Subscription required for full text]

Family Scorpionidae

Scorpionism in Egypt

Ismail Lotfy Mohamad and co-workers have recently published a retrospective study of the outcome of scorpion sting incidents in children referred to Assiut University Children Hospital
from January to December 2012.

Of the 111 cases evaluated, more than half of the stung children had a severe clinical presentation and 19 children died mainly of pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock.

The results of this study are quite dramatic and show that scorpions are a public health problem in parts of Egypt, especially for children. The study doesn't mention scorpions species involved, but Egypt harbors several dangerous species of Androctonus and the infamous Leiurus quinquestriatus.

Abstract:
Scorpion envenomation is a health problem in children in tropical and subtropical regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics as well as outcomes in referred children to Assiut University Children Hospital during the year 2012 with a history of scorpion sting. The medical files of these patients were reviewed retrospectively for demographic data, time and site of biting, and clinical manifestations. Laboratory investigations of the patients were reviewed for complete blood count (CBC), liver function tests, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), arterial blood gases, and serum electrolytes. Results showed 111 children with a history of scorpion sting; 69 males and 42 females with a median age of 5 years. Out of the studied patients, 53.2 % were classified as class III of clinical severity with recorded pulmonary edema in 33.3 %, cardiogenic shock in 46.8 %, and severe neurological manifestations in 22.8 %. Twelve patients (10.8 %) were classified as class II with mild systemic manifestations, and 36 % of the patients were classified as class I with only local reaction. Outcomes of these patients were discharge without sequelae in 55.8 %, discharge with sequelae in 26.1 %, and death in 18.1 %. Conclusion: more than half of stung children had a severe clinical presentation and about one fifth died. Aggressive treatment regimens are recommended for such patients to improve the outcome.

Reference:
Mohamad IL, Elsayh KI, Mohammad HA, Saad K, Zahran AM, Abdallah AM, et al. Clinical characteristics and outcome of children stung by scorpion. Eur J Pediatr. 2014 June;173(6):815-8. [Subscription required for full text]

A genetic study of the medical relevant genus Androctonus in North Africa

The genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) contains the most medical important scorpions of North Africa. Because of this it is very important to study the different populations of Androctonus' taxonomy, venom composition and phylogeographical patterns.

Coelho and co-workers have now published an interesting study on the genetics of several species and populations in North Africa. This paper show many important results and will be an important basis for further studies into the taxonomy and the venom of the different taxa. See abstract for further details.

Abstract:
The genus Androctonus, commonly known as fat-tailed scorpions, contains 22 species distributed from Togo and Mauritania in the west, North Africa, through the Middle East and to as far east as India. With 13 species, a substantial amount of this genus’ diversity occurs in North Africa, which is a major hotspotof scorpion sting incidents. Androctonus are among the most medically relevant animals in North Africa.Since venom composition within species is known to vary regionally, the improvement of therapeutic management depends on a correct assessment of the existing regional specific and sub-specific variation. In this study, we assessed the phylogeographical patterns in six species of Androctonus scorpions from North Africa using mitochondrial DNA markers. We sequenced COX1, 12S, 16S and ND1 genes from110 individuals. Despite lacking basal resolution in the tree, we found taxonomical and geographically coherent clades. We discovered deep intraspecific variation in the widespread Androctonus amoreuxi and Androctonus australis, which consisted of several well-supported clades. Genetic distances between some of these clades are as high as those found between species. North African A. australis have a deep split in Tunisia around the Chott el-Djerid salt-lake. A novel split between A. amoreuxi scorpions was found in Morocco. We also found deep divergences in Androctonus mauritanicus, corresponding to areas attributed to invalidated subspecies. In addition we uncovered a clade of specimens from coastal south Morocco, which could not be ascribed to any know species using morphological characters. Based on these findings we recommend a reassessment of venom potency and anti-venom efficacy between these deep intraspecific divergent clades.

Reference:
Coelho P, Sousa P, Harris DJ, van der Meijden A. Deep intraspecific divergences in the medically-relevant fat-tailed scorpions (Androctonus, Scorpiones). Acta Trop. 2014 Feb 10;134:43-51. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Thanks to Arie van der Meijden for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Androctonus from northwestern Egypt

The new species of Androctonus from Egypt was collected in two cotal areas of northwestern Egypt.

Rolando Teruel, Frantisek Kovarik and Carlos Turiel have described a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from northwestern Egypt.

Androctonus tenuissimus Teruel, Kovarik & Turiel, 2013

The paper doesn't say anything about the venom potential of the new species, but it is probably in the same range as its close relative A. bicolor Ehrenberg, 1828. The new species should be treated as a potential dangerous scorpion until further research is done.

Abstract:
Androctonus  tenuissimus  sp.  n.  from  two  coastal  localities  placed  in  northwestern  Egypt  is  herein  described,  an addition that represents the fifth species of this genus confirmed to occur in this  North African country. It is most  closely related only to Androctonus bicolor Ehrenberg, 1828, which is widely distributed across northeast Africa and  the Middle East and also occurs in Egypt. Both are the only species in the genus whose adults of both se xes show  the  following  combination  of  three  diagnostic  characters:  coloration  uniformly  blackish,  pedipalp  chelae  con spicuously narrower than patella in adults, and pedipalp fingers with basal lobe/notch combination entirely absent.  However, these two taxa can readily be distinguished by very marked differences in appendage attenuation, body  sculpture and counts of principal rows of denticles on pedipalp fingers, among other characters.

Reference:
Teruel R, Kovarik F, Turiel C. A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 from northwestern Egypt (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2013 (177):1-11. [Free full text]

Family Buthidae

New species of Buthus from Egypt

I've been on holliday for a few weeks, but the publication of scorpion literature does not rest. There have been several new papers published during my vacation and I will blog about these in the week to come.

Andrea Rossi has discovered a new species of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) from northern Egypt.

Buthus adrianae Rossi, 2013

There is now five valid Buthus species in Egypt, and an identification key for the species is provided in the paper.

Abstract:
A new species of the genus Buthus Leach, 1815 is described from northern Egypt, near to the Mediterranean coast. Buthus adrianae sp. n. shows morphological and geographical affinity with Buthus orientalis Lourenço & Simon, 2012 recorded from Alexandria. A discussion about the distribution of the species of the genus Buthus in Egypt and an identification key are also proposed.

Reference:
Rossi A. A new species of the genus Buthus Leach, 1815 from Egypt (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Riv Mus Cic Sc Nat "E Caffi" Bergamo. 2013;26:187-94. [Free full text]

Thanks to Diego Facheris and Andrea Rossi for sending me this paper!