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! 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Family Buthidae 

Predicting the occurence of dangerous scorpions based on analysis of environmental conditions

 

Scorpions are a medical problem in many countries and regions, but often the knowledge of which species are found were is limited. In a recent paper, Fouad Salhi and co-workers have presented a study from Morocco where they have tried to use ecological niche modelling to predict scorpion distribution based on the scorpions environmental requirements.

It seems that soil type is the strongest predictor of where many scorpions live, while temperature, including both average conditions and seasonal swings, seem to play a major role for some of the species studied in Morocco.

The model used is very promising and can be an important tools for government agencies working to prevent and reduce public health challenges related to scorpion stings. 

Abstract:
Ecological niche modelling (ENM) is a powerful analytical approach for predicting species distribution by elucidating their environmental requirements. The present study used the MaxEnt approach, integrating high-resolution environmental data and extensive in situ observations, to create habitat suitability maps for 19 scorpion species in central Morocco and assess the influence of environmental variables on their distribution. The models demonstrate excellent predictive ability, highlighted by area under the curve (AUC) values systematically greater than 0.9. Soil type emerged as the most influential environmental variable for 74% of species, while the remaining taxa were mainly affected by temperature annual range and annual mean temperature. Habitat suitability maps revealed distinct habitat preferences between species. H. gentili is a habitat generalist, showing a broad predicted distribution covering 62% of the study area, while A. bourdoni (0.14%), B. parroti (0.13%), O. innesi (0.62%) and B. atlantis (0.55%) showed a very restricted prediction of suitable habitats. This species-specific information on habitat conditions is essential not only to improve our understanding of their ecology, but also to formulate more effective public health strategies aimed at reducing the frequency of scorpion envenomings in Morocco.

Reference:
Salhi F, Elbahi A, Ouakri N, Lawton C, Abou Oualid J, Dugon MM. Ecological Niche Modelling and Distribution of Scorpion Fauna in Central Morocco: A MaxEnt Study. Environmental Research Communications. 2026;8:025008. [Open Access]

 

Three new species of Androctonus from Morocco

 

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have investigated new materials from the occidental regions and recently they published the discovery of three new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Morocco.

Androctonus argoubi Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky 2025

Androctonus stockmanni Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky 2025

Androctonus vaneki Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky 2025

The article has an identification key for the three new species and the morphological similar A. sergenti Vachon, 1948.

Abstract:
New data are presented on the taxonomy and distribution of the dark species of the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 in Morocco and Western Sahara. Three new species, A. argoubi sp. n., A. stockmanni sp. n., and A. vaneki sp. n. from Morocco are described, characterized by having metasoma I–IV ventrally punctate, a character that is well developed in A. stockmanni sp. n., and A. vaneki sp. n., and weakly developed in A. argoubi sp. n. Dark species from Morocco are compared with A. sergenti Vachon, 1948, and A. bourdoni Vachon, 1948. We describe and compare their external morphology, illustrating their characters comprehensively in color photographs. The hemispermatophores of two species are described and illustrated, and a map showing the distributions of the studied species is provided. Furthermore, for all three newly described species, we provided their karyograms, which are very similar (2n = 24) and demonstrate the karyotypic uniformity of the entire genus Androctonus.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stahlavsky F. Three new species of Androctonus from Morocco (Arachnida: Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(420):1–29. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A review on endemic scorpion species and subspecies in Morocco

 

Scorpions are a health problems in some regions of the world, among them Morocco. Knowledge about the scorpion fauna and the distribution of medical important species is important so that local and regional health providers can be prepared for sting accidents and envenomations. Information like this is also important for measures to prevent sting incidents.

Meriem Es-Saadi and co-workers recently published a review on endemic scorpion species and subspecies in Morocco. Their study identified fifty-five endemic species and subspecies in Morocco. Not surprisingly, the family Buthidae was most widespread. Knowledge about the distribution of the species in this family is important, as the most medical important species are members to this family.

Abstract:
Scorpion fauna is abundant in regions with arid and semi-arid climates, exposing these areas to a risk of envenomation, especially for children. Scorpion envenomations cause thousands of deaths each year, with notable incidences in the MENA region, South America, Latin and Central America, and India. Morocco is one of the countries most affected by this phenomenon; according to statistics from the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Center (CAPM), approximately 8565 scorpion stings and envenomations were recorded annually between 2016 and 2022, mainly among children. A literature review was conducted to identify and catalog the endemic scorpion species in Morocco and explore the impact of climate change on their distribution. Sources included scientific journal articles, university theses, and field reports. The collected data were compiled and analyzed to create a distribution map of the endemic species. Our results identified fifty-five endemic species and subspecies in Morocco. The family Buthidae is the most widespread, with seventeen endemic species of the genus Buthus, nine of the genus Androctonus, five of the genus Butheoloides, four of the genus Buthacus, two each of the genera Orthochirus, Compsobuthus, and Hottentota, and one species each of the genera Microbuthus, Cicileiurus, and Saharobuthus. The family Scorpionidae includes nine endemic species, and two subspecies belonging to the genus Scorpio. A high level of endemism is observed in southern Morocco, highlighting a significant concentration of these species in this region. Ongoing climate change is likely to expand the population and distribution of scorpions, as well as the number of envenomations. The results underscore the importance of implementing control and prevention strategies to reduce the risks of envenomation, particularly in the context of climate change. Therefore, to develop management and prevention strategies is based on a thorough understanding

Reference:Es-Saadi M, Hamdi S, Khourcha S, Sadki K, Errafii K, Oukkache N. Endemic Scorpion Species and Subspecies in Morocco: A Comprehensive Overview. Toxicon. 2025;255:108253. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Is it possible to use venom molecular mass fingerprint for taxonomical identification of scorpions from Morocco?

 

Correct identification of scorpions is important and especially in regions and countries where there are several species that can cause serious envenomations. Boujemaa Ajdi and co-workers have recently published an article investigating whether venom molecular mass fingerprint can be used to identify scorpions in Morocco. 

I must admit that this paper is a little over my head but the main conclusions seem to be that this method seems to be a reliable tool for the taxonomic identification of scorpions from Morocco. In addition, molecular mass fingerprints of scorpion venoms contain sufficient molecular variations to differentiate scorpion species. The method seems to be promising for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in the future. See paper for more details.

Abstract:
The venom of scorpions has been the subject of numerous studies. However, their taxonomic identification is not a simple task, leading to misidentifications. This study aims to provide a practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprint (MFP). Specimens (251) belonging to fifteen species were collected from different regions in Morocco. Their MFPs were acquired using MALDI-MS. These were used as a training dataset to generate predictive models and a library of mean spectral profiles using software programs based on machine learning. The computational model achieved an overall recognition capability of 99 % comprising 32 molecular signatures. The models and the library were tested using a new dataset for external validation and to evaluate their capability of identification. We recorded an accuracy classification with an average of  97 % and 98 % for the computational models and the library, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to demonstrate the potential of MALDI-MS and MFPs to generate predictive models capable of discriminating scorpions from family to species levels, and to build a library of species-specific spectra. These promising results may represent a proof of concept towards developing a reliable approach for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in Morocco.

Reference:
Ajdi B, El Hidan MA, El Asbahani A, Bocquet M, Hamza MA, M'Barka E, et al. Taxonomic identification of Morocco scorpions using MALDI-MS fingerprints of venom proteomes and computational modeling. J Proteomics. 2024:105321. [Subscription required for full text]

A study of the defensive behaviour of the buthid scorpion Buthus atlantis

 

The scorpions' sting and venom use is important in both prey capture and defense. Several studies have previously investigated sting use in defense and also the use of venom (dry versus wet stings and the discovery of prevenom). 

Youssef El Joud and co-workers have recently published a study analyzing how various factors such as temperature, prey type, and threatening conditions influence stinging behaviour, venom usage and regeneration in the scorpion Buthus atlantis Pocock, 1889 (Buthidae) from Morocco.

Their study shows that the scorpions are more ready to sting in defense in higher temperatures and that venom expenditure in B. atlantis is regulated by both temperature and threatening conditions.

Abstract:
Understanding animal’s behaviour and adaptation in the face of threats and predators under different biotic and abiotic conditions is fundamental in ecology. In this study we examined defensive behaviour of Buthus atlantis scorpion in order to assess how various factors such as temperature, prey type, and threatening conditions influence stinging behaviour, venom usage and regeneration. Our study had revealed that stings frequency was significantly lower in cooler temperature compared to the medium and warm temperature. Threatening condition had no significant effect in medium and warmer temperature, the difference between the two conditions was only significant in the cooler temperature. Conversely, we had shown that venom expenditure in B. atlantis is regulated by both temperature and threatening conditions. Our results show that scorpions maintained in higher temperatures yielded the greatest amount of venom compared to those in lower temperatures. Analyses of proteins concentration according to temperature and diet variation had revealed that scorpions placed in intermediate (25 ◦C) and warmer temperature (40 ◦C) had a significantly higher venom proteins concentration when compared to the cooler temperature (10 ◦C). Results also showed that scorpions adjust their venom usage based on their perception of danger, which can be influenced by temperature.

Reference:
El Joud Y, El Bouazzaoui A, El-Ghali S, Laghzaoui EM, Toulon O, Ait Larradia M, et al. Assessing the effects of temperature, diet and threat conditions on defensive behaviour and venom regeneration in scorpion (Buthus atlantis). J Therm Biol. 2024;124:103966. [Subscription required for full text]

The distribution of Androctonus amoreuxi in Morocco

 

Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1826) (Buthidae) has been known to have a very wide distribution ranging from Africa to Asia. Many of the Asian reports are probably misidentifications, and the real distribution of this species is probably Northern Africa and part of the Middle East.

Mohamed Mousaid and Victoria Tang have recently published an article summing up the distribution of  Androctonus amoreuxi in Morocco. The article also discuss suitable habitats for this species and the possibility of some hidden species within this potential species complex.

Abstract:
This is a brief synoptic review of Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1825) in Morocco. A summary of its morphological description is provided. Five new localities of this species in Morocco from Errachidia (1 station) and Tinghir (4 stations) provinces are reported, substantiated by photos of live specimens observed therein. Based on previous ecological study of this species, with its observation records on iNaturalist and geographical references from satellite images, we suggest that A. amoreuxi may spread more widely in the extreme southern Morocco, a Saharan area with vast arid regions of suitable ecological conditions for its dispersal, into the north of Mauritania. An updated distribution map of this species in Morocco is provided as per these new records and previous studies. Finally, after comparing its morphology with its congeners, we urge a more systematic review of this species giving the ambiguity of its true identity and the likelihood of being a species-complex comprising three cryptic lineages.

Reference:
Mousaid M, Tang V. Review of the distribution of Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1825) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Morocco. Serket. 2024;20(2):78-92. [Full text provided bu authors]

Thanks to Victoria for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Buthus from Morocco

 

Eric Ythier has published a new paper describing a new species of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) from the Atlantic coast of Morocco.

Buthus maamora Ythier, 2023

Abstract:
The status of the Buthus population occurring on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, from Kenitra to El Jadida, originally reported to belong to Buthus occitanus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789) then remaining unnamed since studies demonstrated that B. occitanus range does not extend beyond Western Europe, is clarified and this population is described as a new species, B. maamora sp. n. The new species shows affinities with B. atlantis Pocock, 1889 and B. parroti Vachon, 1949 but can be easily distinguished from these two species by a combination of several key characters. The new taxon described here represents the 19th known Buthus species reported from Morocco and raises the number of currently recognized species for the genus Buthus to 79.

Reference:
Ythier E. A new species of Buthus Leach, 1815 from the Atlantic coast of Morocco (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Faunitaxys. 2023;11(69):1-7. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me this article!

Family Buthidae

Three new species of Scorpio from the Oriental region in Morocco

 

Eric Ythier and Alexandre Francois have recently published a study of scorpions collected in the Oriental region in Morocco. Based on the material, three new species in the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) are described.

Scorpio iznassen Ythier & Francois, 2023

Scorpio moulouya Ythier & Francois, 2023

Scorpio touili Ythier & Francois, 2023

See article for a complete list of species found in this study.

Abstract:
A study of the scorpions collected in around 110 locations in the Oriental region and surrounding areas in Morocco by the Emirates Center for Wildlife Propagation (ECWP, Missour, Morocco) during the last 22 years is presented. 11 species among four genera are recorded, including three new species belonging to the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 (Scorpionidae) which are described here based on material collected in the high plateaus of the Oriental region (Scorpio touili sp. n.), in the Beni Snassen mountains (Scorpio iznassen sp. n.) and in the middle Moulouya river basin (Scorpio moulouya sp. n.). These new taxa raise the number of known species for the genus Scorpio to 21, height of them occurring in Morocco. A total of 12 scorpion species are recognized to occur in the Oriental region in Morocco.

Reference:
Ythier E, Francois A. The scorpion fauna of the Oriental region in Morocco (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Scorpionidae) with description of three new species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758. Faunitaxys. 2023;11(3):1-15. [Open Access]

Thanks to Eric for sending me this article!

Family Scorpionidae

A new species of Scorpio from North Africa

 

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

Scorpio atlasensis Khammassi, Harris & Sadine, 2023

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

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

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

Family Scorpionidae

A new species of Androctonus from Western Sahara

 

Eric Ythier and Wilson Lourenco have recently described a new species of Androctonus  Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) from Western Sahara.

Androctonus agrab Ythier & Lourenco, 2022.

In addition, Androctonus bourdoni Vachon, 1948 is raised from subspecies status (Previously Androctonus mauritanicus bourdoni Vachon, 1948). 

Abstract:
A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 is described on the basis of one male and one female collected in the region of Adrar Sotuf, Western Sahara. This new scorpion taxon represents the 33rd known species of the genus Androctonus and the 3rd reported from Western Sahara. A geographical distribution map of the Androctonus species occurring in Morocco and Western Sahara is presented and one taxon is raised to species rank, Androctonus bourdoni Vachon, 1948 stat. n.

Reference:
Ythier E, Lourenco WR. A new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 from Western Sahara (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Serket. 2022;18(3):239-51.

Thanks to Eric for sending me their new 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

Environmental factors predicting distribution of Androctonus in Morocco

Predicting the occurrence of potential dangerous scorpions in an area may be an important tool in preventing serious sting cases. Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan and co-workers have published a study where they have identified environmental factors related to scorpion species occurrence in Morocco (the medical important genus Ancrotonus was chosen), and based on this they have developed scorpion envenomation risk maps for the same areas.

Abstract:
Aim: The objective of this study was to establish environmental factors related to scorpion species occurrence and their current potential geographic distributions in Morocco, to produce a current envenomation risk map and also to assess the human population at risk of envenomation.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 71 georeferenced points for all scorpion species and nine environmental indicators were used to generate species distribution models in Maxent (maximum entropy modeling of species geographic distributions) version 3.3.3k. The models were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC), using the omission error and the binomial probability. With the data generated by Maxent, distribution and envenomation risk maps were produced using the “ESRI® ArcGIS 10.2.2 for Desktop” software.
Results: The models had high predictive success (AUC >0.95±0.025). Altitude, slope and five bioclimatic attributes were found to play a significant role in determining Androctonus scorpion species distribution. Ecological niche models (ENMs) showed high concordance with the known distribution of the species. Produced risk map identified broad risk areas for Androctonus scorpion envenomation, extending along Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz, Souss-Massa-Draa, and some areas of Doukkala-Abda and Oriental regions.
Conclusion: Considering these findings ENMs could be useful to afford important information on distributions of medically important scorpion species as well as producing scorpion envenomation risk maps.

Reference:
El Hidan MA, Touloun O, Bouazza A, Laaradia MA, Boumezzough A. Androctonus genus species in arid regions: Ecological niche models, geographical distributions, and envenomation risk. Veterinary World. 2018;11(3):286-92. [Open Access]

Thanks to Carlos Turiel for informing me about this article!

A review of the taxonomy of the large buthid genus Buthus

The genus Buthus Leach, 1815 is one of the largest genera in the family Buthidae with species in 17 countries in Western Europe, North-, Central-, and Eastern Africa and the Middle East. The taxonomy of this complex genus has been confusing, but in the last 20 years there have been many studies and the number of species in the genus has increased 10-fold. Several of the African species have medical significance.

Pedro Sousa and co-workers have now published a review of the taxonomy of Buthus and present an overview of the history of Buthus taxonomy, an updated species list and distribution of the genus. Two taxa are raised to species status (from subspecies status):

Buthus nigrovesiculosus Hirst, 1925

Buthus parroti Vachon, 1949

In addition, Buthus barbouri Werner, 1932  is transferred to the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828:

Androctonus barbouri (Werner, 1932),

Check abstract or the article for other taxonomical updates.

If you are interested in the genus Buthus, this is the article to read.

Abstract:
Since the publication of the ground-breaking “Catalogue of the scorpions of the world (1758–1998)” (Fet et al. 2000) the number of species in the scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815 has increased 10-fold, and this genus is now the fourth largest within the Buthidae, with 52 valid named species. Here we revise and update the available information regarding Buthus. A new combination is proposed: Buthus halius (C. L. Koch, 1839), comb. n. from Portugal and Spain. B. halius is removed from junior synonymy with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789), and proposed as a senior synonym of B. ibericus Lourenço & Vachon, 2004, syn. n. Moreover, following I.C.Z.N. article 23.9.2 we propose to maintain as valid B. ibericus (nomen protectum) and to consider the disued B. halius as a nomen oblitum. Buthus europaeus tridentatus Franganillo, 1918 is proposed as a junior synonym of B. occitanus (Amoreux, 1789), syn. n. Buthus sabulicola Touloun, 2012 is proposed as a junior synonym of Buthus bonito Lourenço & Geniez, 2005, syn. n. Buthus occitanus tunetanus neeli Gysin, 1969 is proposed as an informal senior synonym of Buthus tassili Lourenço, 2002, informal syn. n. Two taxa are rised to species rank, Buthus nigrovesiculosus Hirst, 1925, stat. n. and Buthus parroti Vachon, 1949, stat. n.. We further confirm the restricted distribution of B. occitanus that is confined to southeastern France and northwestern Iberian Peninsula and does not occur in North Africa. Additionally, Androctonus barbouri (Werner, 1932), comb. n. from the Agadir region of Morocco, is hereby transferred to the genus Androctonus. We summarize and provide a critical appraisal of the diagnostic characters currently in use for the genus. The catalogue section considers the names for species, subspecies and varieties that have been used for Buthus scorpions. Information about types, including collection numbers and localities are included when available. Finally, an annotated listing of synonymies and an updated bibliography are given.

Reference:
Sousa P, Arnedo MA, Harris DJ. Updated catalogue and taxonomic notes on the Old-World scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones, Buthidae). ZooKeys. 2017(686):15-84. [Open Access]

Thanks to Pedro Sousa for sending me his article!

Family Buthidae

A new species of Buthacus from Morocco and a review of the species from Northwestern Africa

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have recently published a review of the Buthacus Birula, 1908 (Buthidae) from Northwestern Africa. These are the main taxonomical decisions:

New species:

Buthacus stockmanni Kovarik, Lowe & Stahlavsky, 2016 (Morocco and Western Sahara)

Synonymization:

Buthacus huberi Lourenço, 2001 is synonymized with Buthacus occidentalis Vachon, 1953.

Buthacus mahraouii Lourenço, 2004 is synonymized with Buthacus ziegleri Lourenço, 2000.

Buthacus leptochelys algerianus Lourenço, 2006 is synonymized with Buthacus ziegleri Lourenço, 2000.

The paper has color pictures of species and their habitats.

Abstract:
Northwestern African Buthacus species are revised. Buthacus stockmanni sp. n. from Morocco and Western Sahara is described and fully complemented with color photos of live and preserved specimens, as well as their habitat. The hemispermatophore of B. stockmanni sp. n. is illustrated and described. In addition to morphology and hemispermatophores, we also describe the karyotypes of B. stockmanni sp. n. (2n=20). B. stockmanni sp. n. is compared with B. occidentalis Vachon, 1953 and B. ziegleri Lourenço, 2000. Both these species are differentiated from B. stockmanni sp. n. geographically and morphologically. The male of B. stockmanni sp. n. has fingers of pedipalp chela strongly twisted proximally and males of the other two species have fingers straight or almost straight. Buthacus huberi Lourenço, 2001 is synonymized with Buthacus occidentalis Vachon, 1953; Buthacus mahraouii Lourenço, 2004 and Buthacus leptochelys algerianus Lourenço, 2006 are synonymized with Buthacus ziegleri Lourenço, 2000.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Lowe G, Stahlavsky F. Review of Northwestern African Buthacus, with Description of Buthacus stockmanni sp. n. from Morocco and Western Sahara (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2016(236):1-18. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

New data on distribution and biology of the North African Lissothus occidentalis

Mark Stockmann and co-workers recently published an article with new data on the North African buthid Lissothus occidentalis Vachon, 1950. See abstract for a summary of the new data. The article has several color photos, showing both live specimens and their natural habitats.

Abstract:
Genus Lissothus Vachon, 1948 represented by L. occidentalis Vachon, 1950 is reported for the first time from four localities in Morocco and the Western Sahara. We provide a revised diagnosis of L. occidentalis, fully com-plemented with color photos of live and preserved specimens. Hemispermatophore is also illustrated and described in detail. Furthermore, we describe aspects of the ecology of this species, and provide photos of collection sites and habitats. We also report on the reproductive biology of this species based on captive breeding and rearing. and provide the first envenomation report for the species.

Reference:
Stockmann M, Turiel C, Althoff F, Lowe G, Kovarik F. First report of Lissothus occidentalis Vachon, 1950 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Morocco and Western Sahara, with notes on ecology and captive breeding. Euscorpius. 2016(235):1-12. [Open Access]

The scorpion fauna in desert oases in Morocco

Desert oases are unique habitats having their special fauna and flora. Few studies have been done on the diversity of scorpions in this kind of habitat, but Moulay Abdelmonaim El Hidan and co-workers have now published a study on the scorpion fauna of five oases in south eastern Morocco.

Abstract:
El Hidan MA, Touloun O, Boumezzough A. New data on the diversity of scorpion fauna in the oases of south eastern Morocco. Serket. 2016;15(1):1-7. [Open Access]

Reference:
Oases form a unique ecosystem, characterized by its specialization precisely due to the effect of isolation and richness. We studied scorpion communities of south eastern Morocco at five oases. Sampling of scorpions was based on hand collecting, during the day and at night with ultraviolet light detection; 246 individuals of six species of family Buthidae were collected. The richest site contained 5 species and had the highest diversity, H’= 1.57. The lowest diversity was H’= 0.85. The most similar communities were Tagounit and M’hamid elghizlane (100%). The scorpion community at Boumalne was the most dissimilar to the other four sites. Hottentotta gentili was the most abundant species, comprising 36.58% of the material collected, while Buthus boumalenii was the rarest. Most species within the collection of individuals had a greater affinity for rockyearthy habitats (66.67%). In terms of seasonal pattern, scorpion abundance was highest during spring and summer seasons. Our results indicate that species composition differ between the northern oases (Boumalne) and the four southern oases.

Thanks to Carlos Turiel for sending me this article!

An update on the Saharan scorpion fauna in Morocco

Oulaid Touloun and co-workers have recently published an article on the species composition and geographical distribution of the Saharan scorpion fauna of Morocco.

Abstract:
Objective: To describe the species composition of scorpions and to study its geographical distribution in Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Ed Dahab regions in July 2014.
Methods: To locate scorpions, the ground was examined through searching the places under the stones, rocks and in burrows. The nocturnal missions were also conducted using portable ultraviolet lamps. The scorpions were subsequently identified in the laboratory.
Results: The results of the investigations in these regions showed the presence of five scorpion species, two of which Androctonus gonneti and Buthus bonito were endemic in Morocco.
Conclusions: This work is allowed to complete the inventory of the studied scorpion fauna and provides some considerations on the distribution patterns in the study area.

Reference:
Touloun O, Hidan MAE, Boumezzough A. Species composition and geographical distribution of Saharan scorpion fauna, Morocco. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2016;6(11):878-81. [Open Access]

Three new species of Androctonus from Africa and Asia

Three new species of Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Buthidae) have been described by Andrea Rossi from Morocco, Ethiopia and Pakistan. The new species were described in 2015 and have been included in The Scorpion Files for some time, but haven't been mentioned in the blog until now because I didn't have access to the article.

Androctonus donairei Rossi, 2015 (Morocco)

Androctonus simonettai Rossi, 2015 (Ethiopia)

Androctonus tropeai Rossi, 2015 (Pakistan)

The article has an updated identification key for the genus Androctonus.

Abstract:
Three new species of the genus Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 are described from Africa and Asia, discussing about their possible medical importance. They are Androctonus donairei sp. n. from Morocco, Androctonus simonettai sp. n. from Ethiopia and Androctonus tropeai sp. n. from Pakistan. An identification key and a check-list are given for all species.

Reference:
Rossi A. Tre nuove specie di importanza medica del genere Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Aracnida - Rivista Arachnologica Italiana. 2015;5(Supplemento):2-20.

Thanks to Andrea Rossi for sending me his article!

Family Buthidae