Differences in sprinting performance between burrowing and non-burrowing scorpions

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The scorpion fauna and distribution in the Oriental region of Morocco

 

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

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

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

Thanks to Eric for informing me about their new paper! 

A detailed description of the external morphology of Hottentotta saulcyi

 

 Niyazi Deniz and Melek Erdek have recently published a study of the external morphology of the male and female Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Buthidae). Functional morphological implications are also discussed.

Abstract:
The comparative external morphological structures were surveyed on male and female Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) in detail with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The constellation arrays on chelae, peg sensilla on the pectinal organ, aculear peg sensilla on aculeus part of telson, femoral cluster setae and trichobothria on chelae, and the other sensillar structures (sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, slit sensilla) and epicuticular patterns on chelicerae, legs, and their functional morphologies were assessed in light of habitat and climatic preferences of both sexes of the species. This study constitutes the first comprehensive investigation of the external morphology of H. saulcyi.

Reference:
Deniz N, Erdek M. An evaluation of external morphology of Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2026;21(2):147–57. [Open Access]

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

A study of the venom proteome of the buthid Hottentotta judaicus

 

Adolfo Borges and co-workers recently published a study of the venom proteome of Hottentotta judaicus (Simon, 1872) (Buthidae). The study identified 55 components across 15 protein families, with ion channel toxins and enzymes predominating. 

This stuff is not within my scorpion competence, but I understand that the results are expanding the  repertoire of potential bioactive components prompts in the venom and that H. judaicus venom may pose a larger risk to human than previously assumed, especially for children or those with underlying cardiovascular conditions.

Abstract:
The scorpion Hottentotta judaicus inhabits the Levant region of the Middle East, including Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. While previous research focused on its insecticidal properties and sodium-channel-targeting toxins, its venom remains largely unexplored using modern proteomic approaches. We analyzed the venom composition of H. judaicus from Lebanese specimens using nESI-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF MS, SDS-PAGE, and RP-HPLC. Venom lethality in mice was assessed (LD₅₀ = 11.87 [6.59–17.16] mg/kg, i.p.), confirming moderate toxicity to vertebrates. RP-HPLC on C18 resolved 37 peaks, with 25 eluting between 20–40% acetonitrile. Reducing SDS-PAGE revealed predominant components < 10 kDa and minor bands at 31, 46, and 77 kDa. MaLDI-TOF MS detected 20 components from 1,000–12,000 m/z. A bottom-up shotgun nLC-MS/MS approach, following in-gel tryptic digestion of venom, identified 55 components across 15 protein families. Ion channel-active toxins [K⁺ (7), Na⁺ (16), Cl⁻ (1), ryanodine receptor (1)] and enzyme components (17) were predominant. This study provides proteomic evidence of H. judaicus venom components previously only identified at the transcriptomic level and reveals a richer venom profile than anticipated. Novel identified components include alternative β-subunits of lipolysis-activating proteins, as well as homologs of Olivierus martensii antimicrobial peptide inhibitor HAP- 1, Leiurus hebraeus Lqhβ1, Parabuthus transvaalicus Birtoxin, and peptide Hj2a from Hottentotta jayakari exhibiting dual α/β-toxin activity on Nav1.1 channels. This expanding repertoire of potential bioactive components prompts a reevaluation of the pathophysiological consequences of H. judaicus envenomation in humans and further exploration of their potential biomedical applications.

Reference:
Borges A, Lomonte B, de Arias AR, Fernandez J. Proteomic characterization and lethality of the venom of the Black Judean scorpion, Hottentotta judaicus (Buthidae): expanded toxin diversity and revisited toxicological significance. Arch Toxicol. 2025. Published online 10. September 2025. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Adolfo for informing me about their article!

A case of wound healing in Hottentotta saulyci

 

Various types of body part abnormalities have been reported for scorpions, but there are very few reported cases of wound healing. Fatih Yeşilyurt & Ersen Aydın Yağmur have recently reported an example of this in a specimen of Hottentotta saulyci (Simon, 1880) (Buthidae) from the central district of Hakkari Province in Turkey.

Abstract:
A new case of injury healing on the carapace is reported in a female Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880). An asymmetrical indentation was observed on the anterior part of the carapace, resulting from the healing of an old injury. The indentation is relatively deep, with muscle tissue visible inside it. Scar tissue is present at the end of indentation and healing tissue is present along its margins.

Reference:
Yeşilyurt F, Yagmur EA. An injury healing on the carapace of Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(410):1–3. [Open Access]

Report of predation of a Hottentotta species by the long-eared hedgehog in Turkey

 

Ridvan Kurt and co-workers recently published an article describing predation of the scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Buthidae) by the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) in Turkey. The hedgehog did bite off the tail and kill the scorpion before trying to eat it.

Abstract:
In this study, we report the predation of Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) by the insectivorous mammal Hemiechinus auritus (Gmelin, 1770) in Şırnak Province, southeastern Türkiye. During a nighttime field trip, we observed a long-eared hedgehog biting a H. saulcyi individual on its prosoma. This observation confirms that long-eared hedgehogs feed on and prey upon scorpions.

Reference:
Kurt R, Yagmur EA, Yorulmaz T. Predation of the scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Scorpiones: Buthidae) by the long-eared hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla: Erinaceidae) in Şırnak Province, Türkiye. Euscorpius. 2025(407):1-4. [Open Access]

Genetic and morphometric analysis of Hottentotta saulcyi in Iran reveal new cryptic species

 

The medical important scorpion Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Buthidae) is widespread in Iran. Masoumeh Amiri and co-workers have studied the different populations and genetic and morphometric analyses revealed a new cryptic species.

Hottentotta hatamtiorum Amiri, Prendini, Hussen, Aliabadian, Siahsarvie & Mirshamsi, 2024

Abstract:
Morphological and genetic variation among populations of the widespread buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), occurring in western and southwestern Iran was explored using morphometric variables, one nuclear marker (28S rDNA) and three mitochondrial markers (12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I). Genetic and morphometric statistical analyses revealed extensive cryptic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood uncovered two divergent clades, one of which is described as a new species, Hottentotta hatamtiorum sp. nov., from Ilam and Khuzestan Provinces, southwestern Iran. The description of the new species raises the total count of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 species to 61, twelve of which are endemic or subendemic to the Iranian Plateau.

Reference:
Amiri M, Prendini L, Hussen FS, Aliabadian M, Siahsarvie R, Mirshamsi O. Integrative systematics of the widespread Middle Eastern buthid scorpion, Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), reveals a new species in Iran. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 2024;82:323-41. [Open Access]

Thanks to Victoria Tang for sending me this article!

 Family Buthidae

New records of scorpion stowaways discovered in United Kingdom

 

It is well known that scorpions occasionally are discovered in areas and countries where they do not belong. These are usually accidental introductions from holiday luggage and shipments of goods. In most cases these scorpions will not be established in their new country. 

Daniella Sherwood and Luis de Armas have recently published an article presenting old and new records of scorpions detected as stowaways in the United Kingdom.

Abstract:
Previous and new records of scorpions detected as stowaways in the United Kingdom are presented and discussed. Five taxa are recorded in the scientific literature for the first time: Centruroides insulanus (Thorell, 1876, Centruroides sp. (nigrovariatus species group), Hottentotta cf. tamulus (Fabricius, 1798), Mesobuthus sp. and Cercophonius squama (Gervais, 1844). Also, we discuss a sixth undeterminable scorpion of which only a single photograph was available.

Reference:
Sherwood D, de Armas LF. Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) as stowaways accidently imported into The United Kingdom. Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2023(42):209-13. [Full text supplied by author]

Thanks to Daniella for sending me this article!

A case of intraguild predation in Indian buthids

 

Mihir Joshi & Shubhankar Deshpande recently reported about a case of intraguild predation where an unknown species from the genus Orthochirus fed on a juvenile individual of Hottentotta tamulus (Fabricius,1798) from Maharashtra, India (both from the family Buthidae).

This is an interesting observation as Hottentotta tamulus is known for its very potent venom, while Orthochirus scorpions the opposite.

Abstract:
We report an event of intraguild predation by Orthochirus sp. feeding on a juvenile individual of Hottentotta tamulus (Fabricius,1798) from Maharashtra, India. This is the first report of intraguild predation among Indian scorpions.

Reference:
Joshi M, Deshpande S. A report of intraguild predation by Orthochirus sp. on Hottentotta tamulus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Maharashtra, India. Euscorpius. 2022;2022(366):1-3. [Open Access]

A new species of Hottentotta from Iran

 

Mohammad Moradi and co-workers have recently described a new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from Khuzestan Province in Iran.

Hottentotta pooyani Moradi, Yagmur & Akbari, 2022

Abstract:
A new species, Hottentotta pooyani sp. nov. is described and illustrated using two female specimens collected from the Khuzestan Province in Iran. This species is compared with the closely species including H. khoozestanus Navidpour, Kovařík, Soleglad & Fet, 2008; H. pellucidus Lowe, 2010 and H. saxinatans Lowe, 2010 that were previously described in Iran and Oman.

Reference:
Moradi M, Yagmur EA, Akbari A. Hottentotta Pooyani sp. nov. (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from the Khuzestan Province, Iran. Bull Iraq nat Hist Mus. 2022;17(2):251-66. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

Examples of intraguild predation in scorpions

 

Scorpions prey on a diveresity of different preys including members of their own order. In addtion, several scorpion species live in the same habitat and therefore may compete for the same resources (e. g. prey). In settings like this, intraguild predation may occur (that is "the killing and sometimes eating of a potential competitor of a different species" [Wikipedia]).

In a recent article, Şahin Toprak and co-workers reports of three cases of intraguild predation, involving the species Mesobuthus mesopotamicus (Penther, 1912), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905) and Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) in Turkey (all family Buthidae).

Abstract:
Scorpions are predators of a wide range of invertebrates even including other scorpions. Larger species commonly prey on smaller species or juveniles. Here, we report three cases of intraguild predation of Mesobuthus mesopotamicus (Penther, 1912) and Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905) by Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Şırnak Province, Turkey. These are the first cases reporting antagonistic interactions among scorpions in Turkey.

Reference:
Toprak Ş, Kurt R, Yagmur EA. First report of intraguild predation in scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Turkey. Euscorpius. 2022(363):1-4. [Open Access]

A new species of Hottentotta from Iran

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from Iran.

Hottentotta akbarii Yagmur, Moradi, Tabatabaei & Jafari, 2022

Abstract:
A new species Hottentotta akbarii sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Fars Province of Iran. H. akbarii sp. nov. is compared with H. navidpouri Kovařík, Yağmur & Moradi, 2018 and H. saulcyi (Simon, 1880). H. akbarii sp. nov. differs from its congeners by dense hirsuteness of the body, uniformly greenish yellow colouration, lacking black spot at the anterior portion of the carapace, fifth segment and telson and yellow chelicera. With this new species, the species number of genus Hottentotta in Iran is elevated to 10.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Moradi M, Tabatabaei M, Jafari N. Contributions to the scorpion fauna of Iran. Part II. Hottentotta akbarii sp. nov. from the Fars Province (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2022;18(3):252-62.

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

The genus Hottentotta may have become established in Spain

 

Non-native species have been reported from many countries, but most of these are introduced and usually have not become established a a viable population. Spain are known for several introduced species, most notable the buthid Centruroides gracilis (Latreille, 1804) in the island Tenerife that seems to be an established population.

Rolando Teruel and Carlos Turiel now report of several findings of the African species Hottentotta hottentotta (Fabricius, 1787) (Buthidae) from northwestern Spain. The independent findings of three live, female specimens from two different locations may suggest that this species have become established in this part of Spain. 

Hottentotta hottentotta is an ideal candidate for colonization as its widespread distribution in tropical West Africa indicates a species with high ecological plasticity. In addition, the species is known for the ability to asexual reproduction by parthenogenesis.

It will be interesting to see if there will be further findings that can confirm the occurrence of this genus in Spain and in Europe.

Abstract:
The present note reports on the occurrence of the buthid scorpion Hottentotta hottentotta (Fabricius, 1787) at two localities in north-western Spain: Nieves (Galicia) and Gijon (Asturias). This species is markedly synanthropic and native to western Africa, where it is widespread and consists largely of parthenogentic populations. The finding of three live adult females independently at two different localities , but within the same geographical region (The Iberian northwest), suggests that this species could have successfully become established here. Spain now harbours four introduced species: one confirmed as established and two others seemingly so as well.

Reference:
Teruel R, Turiel C. "New kid on the block": The West African scorpion Hottentotta hottentotta (Frabricius, 1787) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) may have become established in Spain. Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2021(39):107-9.

Thanks to Rolando, Carlos and Luis for all sending me this article!

A new species of Hottentotta from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

Eric Ythier and Gerard Dupre have recently published a new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hottentotta lacroixi Ythier & Dupre, 2021

Abstract:
A new species belonging to the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae C. L. Koch, 1837) is described on the basis of three females and three males collected in Likasi, Katanga province, in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This new scorpion taxon represents the 56th known species of the genus Hottentotta and the 22nd reported from Africa.

Reference:
Ythier E, Dupre G. Description of a new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Faunitaxys. 2021;9(5):1-5. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending med their article!

Family Buthidae

A review of the scorpions the Arab Countries of the Middle East and their medical importance

 

Zuhair Amr and co-workers have recently published a review on the scorpions of the Arab countries of the Middle East. The article presents a list of scorpions known from the different countries and species of medical importance, treatment and epidemiological data are also given. This is a nice update to the knowledge of the scorpion fauna of this region and its impact on the human population.

Abstract:
The twelve Arab countries of the Middle East are inhabited by 117 species of scorpions of varying medical importance within six families. Scorpion stings are a very common occurrence throughout the region. Twentytwo scorpion species are considered to be dangerously venomous, causing potentially life threatening stings. Accessible literature in English and Arabic on scorpions, scorpion stings and available antivenoms was reviewed to document the scorpion fauna and scorpion stings in each country. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Jordan report the highest numbers of stings and envenomings. Clinically, the most important toxins in Old World scorpion venoms are α-toxins that target voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels at neurotoxin binding site 3, causing sympathetic excitation and the endogenous release of catecholamines that is responsible for transient, but life-threatening myocardial damage. Most victims of scorpion stings suffer severe local pain, but a few, especially children, develop systemic envenoming which, in the case of most Middle Eastern buthid species, such as Androctonus and Leiurus species, is dominated by the cardiovascular and respiratory consequences of hypercatecholinaemic myocarditis. Other syndromes include paralysis (Parabuthus leiosoma), coagulopathy (Nebo hierichonticus and Hemiscorpius species), and local tissue damage, haemolysis and acute kidney injury (H. lepturus). Early antivenom treatment is recommended but its value remains controversial. However, intensive care, with the ancillary use of vasoactive drugs such as prazosin and dobutamine, has proved effective.

Reference:
Amr Z, Abu Baker M, Al-Saraireh M, Warrell D. Scorpions and scorpion sting envenoming (scorpionism) in the Arab Countries of the Middle East. Toxicon. 2021;191:83-103. [Subscription required for full text]

Two new species of Hottentotta from Somaliland

 

Frantisek Kovarik and Graeme Lowe have recently published a new article in their Scorpions of the Horn of Africa series. This time, two new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) are described from Somaliland.

Hottentotta haudensis Kovarik & Lowe, 2021

Hottentotta nigrimontanus Kovarik & Lowe, 2021

Abstract:
The distribution of Hottentotta polystictus (Pocock, 1896) is summarized according to recently confirmed records. Two new species, Hottentotta haudensis sp. n. and H. nigrimontanus sp. n. from the Somaliland, are described, compared with H. polystictus, and fully illustrated with color photos showing their morphology, habitus and collection areas. H. haudensis sp. n. is the smallest known species of the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908, while H. nigrimontanus sp. n. is larger than H. polystictus.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida: Scorpiones). Part XXVI. Records of Hottentotta polystictus (Pocock, 1896), with descriptions of H. haudensis sp. n. and H. nigrimontanus sp. n. (Buthidae) from Somaliland. Euscorpius. 2021(330):1-28. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

More data on the Hottentotta distribution in Iran

 

Iran is the hotspot for the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) in the world with at least nine registered species. Abolfazl Akbari and co-workers recently published an article with additional distributional data for the genus in Iran.

Abstract:
New distribution records are given herein for six Hottentotta species in Iran. They belong to Hottentotta jayakari (Pocock, 1895) (Hormozgan province), H. juliae Kovařík, Yağmur & Fet, 2019 (Fars province), H. navidpouri Kovařík, Yağmur & Moradi, 2018 (Bushehr, Fars, Hormozgan, Khuzestan provinces), H. saulcyi (Simon, 1880) (Ilam, Kermanshah, Khuzestan, Lorestan provinces), H. schach (Birula, 1905) (Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces) and H. zagrosensis Kovařík, 1997 (Khuzestan province). Among these records, Bushehr, Fars and Khuzestan records are the first for H. navidpouri. Prepared maps show new and old distributional localities that belong to all known species of Hottentotta in Iran.

Reference:
Akbari A, Yagmur EA, Moradi M, Jafari N. Contributions to the scorpion fauna of Iran. Part I. Records of Genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Arachnida: Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2020;17(3):284-305. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Hottentotta from Western Ghats, India

Zeeshan Mirza and co-workers recently described a new species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from the Western Ghats, India.

Hottentotta vinchu Mirza, Ambekar & Kulkarni, 2019

The article also has a identification key for the Indian species in the genus Hottentotta.

Abstract:
A new species, Hottentotta vinchu sp. n., is described from the Western Ghats of India. The new species morphologically resembles to Hottentotta rugiscutis (Pocock, 1897) from which it differs in having metasomal segment II wider than long in both sexes. The new species, however, is sister to Hottentotta pachyurus (Pocock, 1897) based on cytochrome oxidase I gene from which it differs in an uncorrected sequence divergence of 7%.

Reference:
Mirza Z, Ambekar M, Kulkarni NU. A new species of scorpion of the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908 from the Western Ghats, India (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Arachnida - Rivista Aracnologica Italiana. 2019;5(12):2-16.

Family Buthidae

Two new species of Hottentotta from Iran and Pakistan

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have published an article where the revise the species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) described by the famous Russian arachnologist Alexei A. Byalynitskii-Birulya (or A. A. Birula).

Two new species are described:

Hottentotta juliae Kovarik, Yagmur & Fet, 2019 (Iran)

Hottentotta krivokhatskyi Kovarik, Yagmur & Fet, 2019 (Pakistan)

See abstract and article for further taxonomical conclusions.

Abstract:
The types of Hottentotta species described by A. A. Birula and deposited in the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia are revised. The types of H. buchariensis (Birula, 1897), H. niloticus (Birula, 1928), H. penjabensis (Birula, 1897) stat. nov. and H. schach (Birula, 1905) are fully illustrated with color photographs of morphology. Their taxonomic position is discussed. Lectotypes are designated for H. niloticus and H. schach. We confirm synonymy of Buthus (Hottentotta) minax niloticus Birula, 1928 (Sudan) with Buthus minax L. Koch, 1875, syn. n. Two new species, Hottentotta juliae sp. n. from Iran (Fars Province) and H. krivokhatskyi sp. n. from Pakistan (Balochistan Province), are described, based on specimens which were in previous publications incorrectly identified as H. schach and H. penjabensis.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Yagmur EA, Fet V. Review of Hottentotta described by A. A. Birula, with descriptions of two new species and comments on Birula’s collection (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2019(282):1-30. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A new species of Orthochirus from Iran

Shahrokh Navidpour and co-workers have published a new paper on the scorpion fauna of Iran and a new species of Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 (Buthidae) is described.

Orthochirus carinatus Navidpour, Kovarik, Soleglad & Fet, 2019

Abstract:
Nine species of scorpions belonging to two families are reported from the Alborz, Markazi and Tehran Provinces of Iran. Of these, Compsobuthus kaftani Kovařík, 2003 is recorded from Tehran Province for the first time; Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905) is recorded from Alborz Province for the first time; Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880) is recorded for Alborz and Markazi Provinces for the first time; Iranobuthus krali Kovařík, 1997 is recorded for Tehran Province for the first time; Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) is recorded from Alborz, Markazi and Tehran Provinces for the first time; Odontobuthus doriae (Thorell, 1876) is recorded from Alborz Province for the first time; and Scorpio kruglovi Birula, 1910 is recorded for Alborz and Markazi Provinces for the first time. Orthochirus carinatus sp. n. from Iran (Alborz and Tehran Provinces) is described and fully complemented with color photos of preserved specimens, as well as of its habitat.

References:
Navidpour S, Kovarik F, Soleglad ME, Fet V. Scorpions of Iran (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part X. Alborz, Markazi and Tehran Provinces with a Description of Orthochirus carinatus sp. n. (Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2019(276):1-20. [Open Access]

Familiy Buthidae