New locality records and potential distribution in the future of Sassanidotus gracilis in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt

 

 Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published an article with new new locality records for Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Buthidae) in Iran. There is very little information about the potential distribution of this species in Iran and neighboring countries. The author present a potential distribution of this species in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt based on analysis of the future habitat suitability for this species.

Abstract:
This study reports new locality records from Iran and a climate-based habitat suitability assessment for Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt. We document new specimens from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, with an updated distribution map and illustrations, and we model the species’ potential distribution across south-eastern Iran and adjacent parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Habitat suitability was associated mainly with precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, and slope. In an arid setting these rainfall variables are unlikely to indicate a need for moist habitat; they more plausibly track seasonal productivity and the terrain features that provide shelter. Present-day suitable areas were concentrated in south-eastern Iran, particularly Sistan and Baluchestan, and extended into south-western Afghanistan and western Pakistan.
Projections under SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 indicated that suitable habitat persists across most core areas but is redistributed over time. Net change was small and negative under every scenario, from about −0.4% to −7.0% of the present suitable area, with the largest reduction under SSP5-8.5 for 2071–2100. These net values were accompanied by high spatial turnover: even in the near-future period about 44% of the present suitable area was reclassified as unsuitable while a comparable area became newly suitable. Disagreement among climate models was large and grew with time and emission level (mean coefficient of variation 28–75%), so the net changes are of similar or smaller magnitude than the projection uncertainty and should be read as evidence of spatial reorganization rather than precise area loss.

The species therefore seems likely to keep much of its suitable habitat, although the high-emission scenario points to more fragmentation late in the century. Because a dispersal-limited scorpion may have limited ability to rapidly reach newly suitable areas, the predicted areas are best treated as hypotheses for survey rather than forecasts of occupancy. They identify priority targets in poorly sampled parts of south-eastern Iran, western Pakistan and adjacent Afghanistan.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Çiçek K, Barati H, Moradi M. New locality records and future habitat suitability of Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900)(Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Iran–Afghanistan–Pakistan arid belt. Euscorpius. 2026(440):1–19. [Open Access]

A new species of Olivierus from Eastern Iran

 

Niloofar Hashemzahia and co-workers have recently published an article on the scorpion fauna of Nehbandan County, Eastern Iran. I new species of Olivierus Farzanpay, 1987 (Buthidae) is described.

Olivierus simabina Barahoei, 2026

Abstract:
Given the lack of research on scorpion species in South Khorasan province, this study is deemed necessary. Understanding the scorpion fauna and its seasonal occurrence is essential for effectively preventing and treating scorpion stings. Sampling was done evenly using an ultraviolet light at night or direct observation during the day. In this study, 141 specimens were collected from different parts of Nehbandan county. Five species belonging to five genera of the Buthidae were collected and identified, the first four being Androctonus orientalis (Birula), Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al. and Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula). Olivierus simabina Barahoei sp. n. was also described, and its record was added to the scorpion fauna of Iran. No other species except for O. tirgari has been recorded from Nehbandan. Sassanidotus gracilis is a new report for the fauna of the South Khorasan province.

Reference:
Hashemzahi N, Ravan S, Barahoei H. New species and faunal records of the scorpions of Nehbandan County, eastern Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(25-28):1431–46. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Buthidae 

A revision of the rare genus Liobuthus with a description of four new species from Central Asia

 

The genus Liobuthus Birula, 1898 (Buthidae) is a rare, psammophilic genus with one species from Central Asia. Victor Fet and co-workers recently published a revision of the genus, and based on DNA-analysis and morphology, four new species are described.

Liobuthus atamuradovi (Turkmenistan)

Liobuthus danovi (Kazakhstan, Northern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)

Liobuthus shukurovi (Southwestern Tajikistan)

Liobuthus vachoni (Southern Kazakhstan)

An identification key for the five species in the genus is included.

Abstract:
The rare Central Asian psammophilic scorpion genus, Liobuthus Birula, 1898 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), is revised. Five species are delineated according to results from three species delimitation approaches using mitochondrial DNA. Results are supported by diagnostic morphology, including an assessment of the distinctive neobothriotaxy. The type species, L. kessleri Birula, 1898, is confirmed for Iran (northeast), Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (south). Four new species are described: L. atamuradovi sp. n. (Turkmenistan), L. danovi sp. n. (Kazakhstan, northern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), L. shukurovi sp. n. (southwestern Tajikistan), and L. vachoni sp. n. (southern Kazakhstan), The unique additive neobothriotaxy (on both pedipalp femur and patella) first discovered by Vachon (1958) is confirmed and analyzed.

Reference:
Fet V, Kovarik F, Lowe G, Graham MR. A revision of the psammophilic genus Liobuthus Birula, 1898 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), with a description of four new species from Central Asia. Euscorpius. 2026(427):1–67. [Open Access]

family Buthidae 

New study on taxonomy, distribution and habitat of the medical important genus Hemiscorpius in Iran

 

The genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae) is the probably the main scorpion taxa outside the family Buthidae that can cause death and serious morbidity in humans. This genus is represented with eight species in Iran and information about taxonomy, distribution and habitat preferences is very information to prevent sting cases.

Hossein Dehghan and co-workers have recently published a study on morphology, genetics, and ecological niche modeling to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of Hemiscorpius in southern Iran. The study also resulted in a new species from the Kerman Province.  

Hemiscorpius aratta Barahoei & Prendini, 2025

Abstract:
Eight species of the medically important scorpion genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been reported in Iran, three of which are responsible for most of the severe clinical cases of envenomation. However, morphological similarity complicates species delimitation in this genus, hindering the identification of species implicated in envenomations. The present study integrates morphology, DNA sequences, and ecological niche modeling to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of Hemiscorpius in southern Iran, providing taxonomic insights relevant to public health and biodiversity conservation. Morphometric analyses were performed to evaluate size and shape differences; molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I gene; and species distribution models, based on occurrence records and bioclimatic variables, were developed. Morphometric analyses revealed significant interspecific differences and sexual dimorphism. A new species was identified and described as Hemiscorpius aratta sp. n. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distinctiveness of the new species and revealed intraspecific variation in the type species, Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861, suggesting possible cryptic diversity. Southern Iran, particularly the coastline of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, represents a diversity hotspot for Hemiscorpius. Topographical barriers such as the Jebal Barez, Makkoran, and Zagros Mountain ranges promoted isolation and speciation, leading to high levels of endemism in the genus. Ecological niche models revealed that the distributions of Hemiscorpius species are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation. Coastal species are restricted to thermally stable maritime habitats, whereas semi-arid species occupy regions with higher temperature seasonality. Range-restricted species are habitat specialists, vulnerable to environmental change. This study reinforces the importance of integrating morphological, molecular, and ecological data for resolving taxonomic ambiguity.

Reference:
Dehghan H, Amiri Ghanat Saman E, Madjdzadeh SM, Amiri M, Moeinadini A, Prendini L, et al. Molecules, Morphometrics and Modeling of the Medically Important Genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in Iran Reveal New Species from Kerman. Insects. 2025;17(1):18. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for informing me about this article!

Family Hemiscorpiidae 

 

A new species of Androctonus from Iran

 

 In a recent paper by Fatemeh Salabi and co-workers, a new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) is described from the Khuzestan Province in Iran.

Androctonus nazarii Salabi, Zangi, Forouzan, Jahan-Mahin & Kazemi, 2025

Abstract:
Recent research has clarified the historically complex taxonomy of the medically significant scorpion genus Androctonus in Iran, chiefly by resolving the A. crassicauda Olivier, 1807 species complex and describing numerous new species. However, the taxonomic status of certain populations in Khuzestan Province (south-western Iran) has remained unsettled. Here, we describe a new species, Androctonus nazarii sp. nov., from Baghmalek in the Zagros Mountains of Khuzestan Province, Iran. The new scorpion species, Androctonus nazarii sp. nov., is described from two male specimens based on a suite of distinct morphological features. Its key diagnostic traits include a brownish-yellow coloration, a light brown carapace without ocular black patches and with fine granulation, uniformly yellow legs, and a specific yellowish-brown, finely granulated chela manus. The species is distinguished via detailed comparison with its closest relatives (A. crassicauda, A. zagrosensis, A. sumericus, and A. barahoeii). Its discovery fills an important taxonomic gap in south-western Iran and carries significant implications for public health and conservation. The new species is most similar to A. sistanus in overall light coloration but can be separated by the lack of black patches on the carapace and the uniformly yellowish-brown metasoma and telson, contrasting with the black metasomal segments IV–V and telson in A. sistanus.  The combination of coloration (uniformly brownish-yellow carapace, metasoma, and chela manus), granulation (densely and finely granulated carapace and internal chela manus, smooth intercarinal surface of tergite VII), and morphological features (smooth sixth sternite lacking carinae) serves to unequivocally diagnose A. nazarii sp. nov. from all other known species in the genus.  This discovery highlights the ongoing taxonomic diversity within Androctonus and underscores the importance of detailed morphological analysis for species delineation.

Reference:
Salabi F, Zangi B, Forouzan A, Jahan-Mahin MH, Mahdi Kazemi S. Androctonus nazarii, a new species of scorpions from Khuzestan Province, Iran 1 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Archives of Razi Institute. 2025;In Press:1–26. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for informing me about this article!

Family Buthidae 

A review of Androctonus in Iran with four new species

 

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published a review of the members of the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828  (Buthidae) in Iran. Previously, most populations were assigned to the species A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), but this turned out to be a species complex with several hidden taxa. The current article have a redescription of the true A. crassicauda. 

Four new species are described from Iran:

Androctonus azerianus Yagmur & Kovarik, 2025.

Androctonus barahoeii Kovarik & Yagmur, 2025.

Androctonus caspius Kovarik, Yagmur, Fet & Lowe, 2025.

Androctonus transcaucasicus Kovarik, Yagmur, Fet & Lowe, 2025 (this species occurs in Armenia and Azerbaijan in addition to Iran).

Androctonus orientalis (Birula, 1900) is raised to species status from subspecies status (Prionurus crassicauda orientalis Birula, 1900).

Androctonus rostami Barahoei et al., 2025 is synonymized with Androctonus orientalis (Birula, 1900).

The article has an identification key for the confirmed species in Iran. A distribution map is also included. 

Abstract:
Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) is redescribed, based on the male neotype hereby designated, and a female topotype. Prionurus crassicauda orientalis Birula, 1900 is removed from synonymy, and elevated to species status as A. orientalis (Birula, 1900) stat. n., based on the lectotype, hereby designated, a paralectotype and newly collected specimens. A. rostami Barahoei et al., 2025 is synonymized with A. orientalis (Birula, 1900) stat. n., syn. n. In addition, four new species are described: A. azerianus sp. n. (Iran), A. barahoeii sp. n. (Iran), A. caspius sp. n. (Iran), A. transcaucasicus sp. n. (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran). All species are described and illustrated, and a map showing the confirmed distribution of the Androctonus species in Iran is provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Kovarik F, Fet V, Lowe G, Moradi M, Kalami F. Review of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 in Iran, with redescription of A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and A. orientalis (Birula, 1900) stat. n., and descriptions of four new species (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(422):1–69. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

New records of Androctonus from Iran

 

Hossein Barahoei and co-workers recently published an article presenting new records of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from the East Azarbaijan Province in Iran. The article also provides an identification key to the species of Androctonus known from Iran.

Abstract:
Limited studies have been conducted on the scorpions of East Azarbaijan Province, resulting in the identification of seven Buthid species. The examination of Androctonus specimens collected from East Azarbaijan Province between 2021–2023 resulted in the identification of two new records, Androctonus kunti Yağmur, 2023 and Androctonus turkiyensis Yağmur, 2021. These two species were collected and described from east and south of Turkey respectively and recorded here for the first time from Iran. With the identification of A. kunti and A. turkiyensis, which before reported as Androctonus crassicauda, the total number of reported scorpion species in East Azarbaijan Province raised to eight, while the number of Androctonus species documented in Iran rose to six. Diagnostic characters of the two species and an identification key to Iranian Androctonus were provided.

Reference:
Barahoei H, Farmani M, Shahi M, Yousefi S, Rahmani F, Abbasi M. New records of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 from East Azarbaijan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Iranian Journal of Animal Biosystematics. 2025;21(1):1–7. [Open Access]

A new species in the medical important genus Hemiscorpius from Southern Iran

 

Esmaeil Amiri Ghanat Saman and co-workers have recently described a new species of Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae) based on genetic and morphological evidence from Southern Iran.

Hemiscorpius jiroftensis Saman, Barahooei, Dehghan, Oshaghi, Rafinejad, Azarm & Prendini, 2025

Abstract:
Seven species of Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been recorded in Iran. Due to the medical importance of this genus, the scorpion populations of southern Kerman Province, in the south of Iran, were studied. Scorpion specimens were collected in 2023 and 2024 from mountainous areas in Bam and Jiroft counties. Morphological, morphometric, and molecular data revealed a new species, described herein as Hemiscorpius jiroftensis sp. n. The genetic distances between the new species and other species of Hemiscorpius varied from 0.105 with samples of H. lepturus from Iran to 0.138 with samples of H. enischnochela. The Jebal Barez Mountains appear to have provided a geographical barrier, separating the new species from its closest relative, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus Monod & Lourenço, 2005. It is important to understand the geographical distributions and morphological differences among the species of Hemiscorpius to implement appropriate medical responses to envenomation by these scorpions.

Reference:
Saman EAG, Barahoei H, Dehghan H, Oshaghi MA, Rafinejad J, Azarm A, et al. A New Species of the Medically Important Scorpion Genus, Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae), from Southern Iran. Diversity. 2025;17(5):321. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard for sending me this article!

Family Hemiscorpiidae

A new species of Compsobuthus from Southeastern Iran

 

Fahimeh Vahidinia and co-workers have recently published an article describing a new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 (Buthidae) from Southeastern Iran. 

Compsobuthus yagi Barahoei, 2025

Abstract:
Despite the presence of scorpions in most parts of Iran, limited studies have been conducted in some places with a high frequency of scorpions. In this study, scorpion samples collected from Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeast of Iran, during 2022 and 2023 were investigated. Sampling identified eight species belonging to seven genera from the Buthidae family. These are Androctonus rostami Barahoei, 2025, A. sistanus Barahoei & Mirshamsi, 2022, Compsobuthus yagi Barahoei sp. n., Hottentotta sistanensis Kovarik et al., 2018, Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022, Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al., 2013, Orthochirus persa (Birula, 1900) and Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900). Compsobuthus yagi Barahoei sp. n. was collected and is described from north Zahedan based on morphologic and molecular (COI) studies. Four species for the fauna of Zahedan County, three species for the fauna of Mirjaveh County, and two species for the fauna of Khash and Hirmand counties are new reports. Diagnostic characters of new species and new records are provided. Phylogeny of the new species is discussed.

Reference:
Vahidinia F, Ravan S, Barahoei H. A New Species of Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) from Southeastern Iran. Proceedings of the Zoological Society. 2025;Published online 04 March 2025. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Buthidae

A study of Androctonus in Iran revels new species

 

Hossein Barahoei and co-workers recently published a study of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 found in Iran. They report of a new species from Eastern Iran.

Androctonus rostami Barahoei, Mirshamsi, Amiri, Moeinadin & Rakhshani, 2025

The number of species in the genus from Iran is now five: A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), A. kunti Yagmur, 2023,  A. sistanus Barahoei & Mirshamsi, 2022, A. sumericus Al-Khazali & Yagmur, 2023 and A. rostami Barahoei, Mirshamsi, Amiri, Moeinadin & Rakhshani, 2025.

The distribution range of the studied species in Iran is outlined and mapped. 

Abstract:
Two species of Androctonus have been reported to date from Iran: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and A. sistanus Barahoei and Mirshamsi, 2022, which is distributed only in the southeast of Iran. Investigating and identifying the distribution range of dangerous species is critically important for scorpion management. A total of 105 specimens of Androctonus were collected from representative locations in Esfahan, Yazd, Kerman, Hormozgan, Hamadan, and Khuzestan provinces. These samples were studied morphologically, morphometrically, molecularly (COI gene sequencing), and through species distribution modeling (SDM) using the MaxEnt model. Four Androctonus species were identified through the morphological and molecular studies: A. crassicauda, A. sistanus, A. sumericus, and A. rostami sp. nov. (from eastern Iran). The four described species of Androctonus in Iran form well-defined phenetic groups based on morphometric analyses. SDM results indicated that all predicted models have high accuracy and some overlap with each other. Temperature seasonality for A. crassicauda and annual precipitation for A. sistanus, A. rostami, and A. sumericus were the highest contributing variables. With this first Iranian report of A. sumericus, the description of a new species, and the presence of A. kunti in the northwest of Iran, the number of species of this genus in the country is increased to five. The distribution range of the studied species in Iran is outlined and mapped. The potential distribution modeling for the current period delineated the distribution range of each of the four sampled species. Considering the lethality of the venom of Androctonus scorpions, determination of species distribution ranges provides theoretical backing for studies of significant importance for the prevention of scorpion stings, as well as a foundation for further biochemical and serological studies to develop specific antivenoms for each species.

Reference:
Barahoei H, Mirshamsi O, Amiri M, Moeinadini A, Rakhshani E. Integrative taxonomy reveals the existence of a new species of fat-tailed scorpion Androctonus (Buthidae) in Iran. Turkish Journal of Zoology. 2025;49. [Full text not available yet]

Thanks to Gerard for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Odontobuthus from Southern Iran

 

More Christmas species. Hossein Barahoei and Mehran Shahi just published a description of a new species of Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from Southern Iran.

Odontobuthus persicus Barahoei & Shahi, 2024

The article has an updated identification key for the genus.

Abstract:
Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950, with nine described species, is a genus of digger scorpions in the Buthidae family, which can be distinguished by having large tooth-like processes on the ventrosubmedian carinae of the second and third metasomal segments. Morphological and molecular investigation of coastal specimens from the Hormozgan province in Iran led to the discovery of a new species named Odontobuthus persicus sp. nov. that is described here. It is closely related to O. chabaharensis morphologically. The new Odontobuthus species has two large and conical tooth-like processes on ventrosubmedian carinae of the second and third metasomal segments, while O. chabaharensis has three or four medium to large tooth-like processes. Based on phylogenetic analysis using partial COI sequences, the new species is placed as a sister taxon of O. brevidigitus. Genetic differences with the other species of Odontobuthus (mean = 0.107) confirmed the validity of this species.

Reference:
Barahoei H, Shahi M. New Species of the Digger Scorpions, Odontobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae) from Southern Iran. Zoological Studies. 2024;63(48). [Open Access]

Thanks to Kian for sharing this article with me!

Family Buthidae

Updated information about the distribution of the genus Orthochirus in Iran

 

Iran has a high scorpion diversity and is a hotspot for the genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 (Buthidae). Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article with updated information about the distribution of this genus in the country.

Abstract:
New locality records are given belonging to Orthochirus carinatus Navidpour, Kovařík, Soleglad & Fet, 2019 (Alborz Province), O. farzanpayi (Vachon & Farzanpay, 1987) (Fars, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Lorestan Provinces), O. formozovi Kovařík, Fet & Yağmur, 2020 (Razavi Khorasan Province), O. gantenbeini Kovařík, Yağmur, Fet & Hussen, 2019 (Lorestan Province), O. iranus Kovařík, 2004 (Bushehr and Khuzestan Provinces), O. kucerai Kovařík & Navidpour, 2020 (Kerman Province), O. mesopotamicus Birula, 1918 (Khuzestan Province), O. navidpouri Kovařík, Yağmur, Fet & Hussen, 2019 (Ilam, Khuzestan and Lorestan Provinces), O. stockwelli (Lourenço & Vachon, 1995) (Fars and Hormozgan Provinces), O. varius Kovařík, 2004 (Fars and Kerman Provinces), O. vignolii Kovařík & Navidpour, 2020 (Yazd Province) and O. zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004 (Fars, Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad Provinces) in this study. Among them following records are new province records: Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and Lorestan for O. farzanpayi; Lorestan for O. gantenbeini; Ilam O. navidpouri; Fars for O. stockwelli; Fars and Kerman for O. varius and Isfahan for O.zagrosensis. Also, maps are prepared including new and old distributional localitiesand coloured habitus pictures of reported species of Orthochirus in this study.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Mozaffari N, Akbari A, Moradi M. Contributions to the scorpion fauna of Iran. Part III. Records of genus Orthochirus Karsch, 1891. Serket. 2024;20(3):236-56. [Open Access]

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

Redescription of the little known buthid Kraepelina palpator from Iran

 

The genus Kraepelina Vachon, 1974 (Buthidae) with its only species K. palpator  (Birula, 1903)is only known from Iran and Turkmenistan. It has previously been places in different genera. Hossein Barahoei has now published a redescription and also molecular data from new materials collected in Iran confirming its current taxonomic status.

Abstract:
Kraepelinia Vachon, 1974 is a monotypic buthid scorpion genus, with its populations distributed in Iran and Turkmenistan. A recent series of specimens were collected from the Sistan region, southeast Iran, during 2019-2023 and used for morphological and molecular studies. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was sequenced for molecular research. Kraepelinia palpator was re-described based on the new specimens. Based on phylogenetic analysis, K. palpator was placed sister to Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950. Phylogenetic trees and genetic distances confirmed the Monophyly of all studied genera of Buthidae in this study. This study found the highest genetic distance (0.155) between K. palpator and Androctonus sp., and the lowest (0.102) was with Mesobuthus rakhshanii. Kraepelinia runs as the most similar taxon to Mesobuthus based on morphological characters. This genus's most important morphological characteristics are the placement of eb trichobothria on the manus and having teeth on the ventral surface of the third metasomal segment. The members of this species are distributed in the lowlands areas.

Reference:
Barahoei H. On the identity and taxonomy of Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903)(Scorpiones: Buthidae) from southeast Iran. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity. 2024;8(4):184-92. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

Molecular study of medical important Hemiscorpius species from Iran

 

Correct identification of medical important scorpions is very important to be able to provide optimal treatment. Many species are morphological similar and this will make correct identification difficult. This is the case with many species of Hemiscorpius  Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae) in Iran. 

Shahi and Barahoei have recently published a molecular study on the Hemiscorpius fauna in the Hormozgan province in southern Iran. The study confirms the validity of the following three species in the genus:

Hemiscorpius acanthocercus Monod & Lourenço, 2005
Hemiscorpius enischnochela Monod & Lourenço, 2005
Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861

This is important information as the available antivenom for this genus do not work optimal inn all cases and this might be because there are different species involved. 

Abstract:
Three species of Hemiscorpius were identified in Hormozgan province, for which the available antivenoms lack the efficacy required for treating patients. Consequently, an exact identification of the existing species was deemed necessary as the first step in managing treatment procedures. Considering the morphological similarities among the species, the aim of this research was the molecular study of the samples to accurately identify the species. Hemiscorpius specimens were collected from various locations in Hormozgan province between 2021 to 2023. The Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was amplified and sequenced. Four sequences were obtained from Hemiscorpius specimens collected from Hormozgan province, and three sequences were sourced from the NCBI for analysis. Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees showed similar results, positioning the base of Hemiscorpius enischnochela tree as an older species and Hemiscorpius lepturus adjacent to Hemiscorpius acanthocercus, identified as the newest species at the tree's tip. The results confirmed the validity of three species, namely H. acanthocercus, H. enischnochela, and H. lepturus. Hemiscorpius acanthocercus and H. lepturus are known for having dangerous venom for humans with reported deaths due to their stings. Considering the importance of the members of this genus from the medical point of view, a comprehensive examination of all species is imperative.

Reference:
Shahi M, Barahoei H. Molecular study of Hemiscorpius Peters (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in Hormozgan province, South of Iran. Arch Razi Inst. 2024;79(1):211-7. [Open Access]

Family Hemiscorpiidae

New records of the buthid Mesobuthus rakhshanii in Iran

 

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers recently published an article with new data on the distribution of  Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 (Buthidae) in Iran.

Abstract:
Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) was so far known only from the type locality in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. We give a list of numerous new records of this species from the same province. A map and detailed illustrations are provided.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Baghernavesi Z, Taherkhani Z, Akbari P, Moradi M. New records of Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2022 in Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2024(389):1-9. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

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

Detailed morphology description and images of the medical important scorpion Hemiscorpius lepturus

 

Fenik Sherzad Hussen and co-workers recently published a study with a detailed description of the morphology of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 (Hemiscorpiidae). The article also includes detailed morphological images taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). 

Abstract:
Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 is redefined in both sexes. The detailed external morphologies of chelae, pectinal organs, chelicerae, telsons, and legs I–IV were surveyed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in both sexes of H. lepturus for the first time. The constellation arrays, batlike shaped peg sensilla, trichobothria, and the other sensillar and epicuticular structures were described, and their functional morphologies were interpreted considering the species’ habitat and other climatic preferences. The constellation arrays, basiconic sensilla, function as a chemoreceptor (hygro-reception or/and thermo-reception) by its location on the pedipalp in the habitat. The shape of the peg sensilla is remarkably bat-like in both sexes and this shape has not been observed or recorded in any scorpion species, functioning as mechanoreception and contact chemoreception. There are three slit sensilla as single slit, dual and triple slit sensilla on I–IV walking legs, being mechanoreceptors as proprioceptors detecting strain and substrate vibrations during movement. Isolated single slit sensillum was recorded on the chelicerae surface of a scorpion species for the first time.

Reference:
Hussen FS, Erdek M, Yagmur EA. External morphology of Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae). Arthropoda Selecta. 2023;32(4):419-37. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Redescription of Orthochirus stockwelli from Iran

 

 Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of Orthochirus stockwelli (Lourenco & Vachon, 1995) (Buthidae) from Iran. The article also present the first description of a female.

Abstract:
Orthochirus stockwelli (Lourenço & Vachon, 1995) was originally described based on male holotype specimen from Bandar Abbas (Hormozgan) under the genus Paraorthochirus. The morphology of this species is redescribed here based on the specimens collected from Bandar-Abbas on the basis of both sexes. The original description includes a female, but very little information was given on its morphology and does not include illustration belonging to the female. Therefore, the female is described for the first  time in this study.

Reference:
Yagmur EA, Akbari A, Moradi M, Jafari N. On the Morphology of Orthochirus stockwelli (Lourenço & Vachon, 1995) with First Description of a Female (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Commagene Journal of Biology. 2023;7:44-9. [Open Access]

Thanks to Ersen for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Mesobuthus from Southeastern Iran

 

Hossein Barahoei has recently published an article on the fauna of Sistan scorpions (Southeastern Iran). Among the scorpions found, a new species was identified and described in the genus Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950 (Buthidae). 

This article is written in Persian, but has an English summary in addition to a normal abstract.

Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, 2023

I have been informed that this species was published in 2023 even though the article is dated 2022.

Abstract:
Scorpions are nocturnal animals that feed on invertebrates and other arachnids. So far, 10 species of scorpions from the family Buthidae have been reported from the Sistan region. Sampling was done using UV ultralight at night and direct search or digging during the day, from different areas in the Sistan region in 2021 and 2022. Examination of 117 collected scorpion specimens led to the identification of seven species belonging to six genera of the family Buthidae including Androctonus cf. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), A. sistanus Barahoei & Mirshamsi, 2022, Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903), Mesobuthus rakhshanii sp. nov., Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al., 2013, Orthochirus persa (Birula, 1900), and Sassanidothus gracilis (Birula, 1900). Mesobuthus rakhshanii sp. nov. was described as a new species for the world fauna. This species has a dominant population in the region, which was collected from all stations. All specimens were fixed in 80% alcohol and kept in the author's personal collection. Androctonus species are dangerous scorpions that are distributed in the Sistan region. Identifying dangerous species is important and practical for health management. This is possible by identifying the fauna of scorpions in the region and determining the range of distribution of each species.

Reference:
Barahoei H. Fauna of Sistan Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones), Southeast Iran. Taxonomy and Biosystematics. 2022;14(3):27-70. [Open Access]

Thanks to Alireza Zamani for informing me about this article!

Family Buthidae

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