Three new species of Scorpiops from India

 

Shubhankar Deshpande and co-workers have recently described three new species of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiopidae) from India based on morphological and molecular analysis.

 Scorpiops ketkari Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026

 Scorpiops shilavasi Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026

 Scorpiops skorupi Deshpande, Ukale, Bapat, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande & Sulakhe, 2026 

Abstract:
The scorpion genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861 exhibits significant diversity and high endemism. Our extensive arachnological surveys, species delimitation analyses and an integrative taxonomic approach revealed three new species of Scorpiops in peninsular India. Furthermore, we tested the phylogenetic placement of Scorpiops pachmarhicus Bastawade, 1992 and give the first description of a male specimen of the species. Additionally, we provide a detailed account of the hemispermatophore morphology in Scorpiops species from the maharashtraensis, satarensis, and tenuicauda clades for the first time.

Reference:
Deshpande S, Ukale S, Bapat S, Bastawade D, Tang V, Gowande G, et al. Beyond morphology alone: species delimitation, hemispermatophore comparisons and comments on the systematic status of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) with a description of three new species from peninsular India. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 2026. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Dr. Deshpande for sending me their article!

Family Scorpiopidae 

A review of the family Buthidae in Angola with a few taxonomical decisions

 

Frantisek Kovarik has recently publish an overview of the family Buthidae in Angola. In addition to some updates in distribution, several taxonomical decisions are made.

Uroplectes angolensis Kovarik, 2026 [New species]

Uroplectes xavieri Kovarik, 2026 [New species]

Uroplectes monardi Vachon, 1950 [Confirmed species status and raised from subspecies status. This decision cancels the synonymization made by Prendini, 2026]

Uroplectes planimanus kuanyamarus Monard, 1937 [Synonymized with main species]

Uroplectes otjimbinguensis massacarum Monard, 1937  [Synonymized with main species]

Babycurus crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952 [Restored from synonymy with B. ansorgei Roewer, 1952]

The author has a general comment on all the taxonomical changes and synonymies done by Prendini, 2026. 

"Some of the synonymies suggested by Prendini (2026) could be valid (...) However, every individual claim made by Prendini (2026) must be verified by a serious revision rather than accepting his sweeping taxonomic changes. Some of these changes originate from this author‘s "philosophical“" position of "abolishing" categories of subgenus and subspecies in scorpions."

As this is the first published general response to Prendni's major revision, I have include a direct quote of Kovarik's opinion. See also The Scorpion Files latest response to the situation.

Abstract:
All scorpion species of the family Buthidae known from Angola are listed, with color photographs and maps of their distribution. Diagnosis of Babycurus ansorgei Hirst, 1911 is revised; its male is described for the first time. Babycurus crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952, is revalidated (it was erroneously synonymized with B. ansorgei, since the females of both species are morphologically almost identical). Uroplectes angolensis sp. n. and U. xavieri sp. n. are described from Angola. Validity of Uroplectes ngangelarum Monard, 1930 is confirmed as different from U. planimanus (Karsch, 1879); its lectotype is designated. Lectotype is also designated for Uroplectes planimanus kuanyamarus Monard, 1937. Females of Uroplectes ebogo Kovařík et al., 2024 are recorded for the first time; its basal pectines are imaged (Fig. 603). Uroplectes machadoi Lourenço, 2000 is for the first time listed from Congo (Brazzaville).

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of Angola (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part I. Family Buthidae, with descriptions of two new species. Euscorpius. 2026(434):1–86.

Thanks to Frantisek for informing me about his article and for comments regarding the new Prendini revision!

Family Buthidae 

Distribution, hybridisation and morphology of two species of Androctonus from Algeria

 

 Mohammed Ait Hammou and co-workers have recently published an article on the distribution and morphology of Androctonus liouvillei (Pallary, 1924) and A. aeneas C. L. Koch, 1839 (Buthidae) from Algeria. The study also looks into potential hybrid forms of the two species. Habitat differences and biogeography are also discussed.

Abstract:
This study updates the geographic distribution and examines the morphometric differentiation of Androctonus liouvillei, A. aeneas, and their putative hybrids in Algeria. By combining historical records with field surveys conducted between 2021 and 2024, several new localities for A. liouvillei in western Algeria were identified. Morphometric analyses of 12 adult females using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), revealed key morphological differences and as well as intermediate forms. The results indicate that A. liouvillei has a restricted, and fragmented distribution, primarily associated with mid-altitude steppe habitats, whereas A. aeneas occupies a broader ecological range. Putative hybrids were recorded in sympatric zones, particularly in El Bayadh, Naâma, Béchar, and Tiaret, providing new insights into their biogeography and ecological differentiation.

Reference:
Hammou MA, Benali N, Dahmani W, Chedad A, El Bouhissi M, Rebbas K, et al. Geographical distribution, potential hybridisation, and comparative morphometric analysis of Androctonus liouvillei Pallary, 1924 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Algeria. Serket. 2026;21(2):184–208. [Open Access]

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

DNA barcoding and distribution of euscorpiid scorpions from Kosovo

 

Donard Geci and co-workers have recently published a study of the little known scorpion fauna of Kosovo. A DNA barcoding together with morphological characters confirmed for the first time the presence of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco, 1950) (Euscorpiidae) in Kosovo. Illustrations to facilitate the identification of this species is provided. The distribution of Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco, 1950 in Kosovo is expanded.

Abstract:
This study presents DNA barcoding data for Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) and Euscorpius hadzii Caporiacco. Barcode sequences were compared with publicly available reference data to support species identification, together with the evaluation of diagnostic morphological characters. Alpiscorpius dinaricus is recorded from Kosovo for the first time, representing a new national record and contributing to the knowledge of euscorpiid diversity in the region. Diagnostic illustrations of A. dinaricus are provided to facilitate reliable identification and to support future faunistic, taxonomic, and biogeographic studies. Euscorpius hadzii, previously known only from Prizren district, is now reported also from Bjeshkët e Nemuna Mountains (Western Kosovo).

Reference:
Geci D, Ibrahimi H, Bilalli A, Musliu M, Strohmeier T, Koblmüller S, et al. DNA barcoding of scorpions from Kosovo, with the first record of Alpiscorpius dinaricus (Di Caporiacco) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). Journal of Natural History. 2026;60(21-24):1243–58. [Subscription required for full text]

Family Euscorpiidae 

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 

A review of the genus Nebo in Oman and the description of three new species

 

Graeme Lowe has published a review of the genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Diplocentridae) in Oman. Three new species were identified.

Nebo feulneri Lowe, 2026 

Nebo masirahensis Lowe, 2026 

Nebo nebulicola Lowe, 2026 

The existence of the three previously reported species in Oman is confirmed, and redescriptions are provided. The article also includes an identification key for the genus in Oman.

Regarding the major Prendini revision of all scorpion taxa that I recently blogged about, I have started mapping all the changes and their justification. There are several hundred changes, and this work will take some time. I also awaits reactions from the scorpion research community about the changes. The first line in the paper uses the work "consensus" about the content, but that is not in accordance with the reactions I have gotten so far. Many of the suggested changes are accepted, but others are refuted. So I will not update The Scorpion Files until I get some real consensus about the results (to avoid using a lot of time changing The Scorpion Files, and then have to change a lot back again after a few months because new papers will change Prendini's suggested changes. So please be patient and check the Prendini paper if you want to learn more about the changes he has suggested.

Abstract:
The taxonomy of the genus Nebo in Oman is revised based on an analysis of 427 samples from 135 localities spanning the length of the country. All three previously known species, N. franckei Vachon, 1980, N. omanensis Francke, 1980, and N. whitei Vachon, 1980, were found and are redescribed. Three new species, N. feulneri sp. n., N. masirahensis sp. n., and N. nebulicola sp. n. from the Arabian Sea coast are described, and a new record of N. henjamicus is reported from the Musandam Peninsula. Species diagnoses are based on coloration, morphometric ratios, multivariate analyses of sclerite dimensions, scalloping of male pedipalp fingers, and granulation of female carapace and pedipalp movable fingers. The populations of Nebo comprise a series of allopatric or sympatric species distributed over four local centers of endemism on coastal regions of Oman: Al Hajar mountains, northern Central Coast, southern Central Coast, and Dhofar mountains.

Reference:
Lowe G. The genus Nebo Simon, 1878 (Scorpiones: Diplocentridae) in Oman. Euscorpius. 2026(429):1–139.

Family Diplocentridae 

 

A redescription of Buthacus ahaggar from Algeria

 

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

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

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

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

Family Buthidae 

A redescription of Centruroides infamatus and the description of a new species from Mexico

 

Happy New Year! 

Javier Ponce-Saavedra and co-workers recently published an article with a redescription of Centruroides infamatus (C.L. Koch, 1844) from Mexico. The study also identify a new species that previously were considered a population of this species from the municipality of Jalpa in the southern region of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico.

Centruroides rommeli Ponce-Saavedra, Linares-Guillen, Quijano-Ravell & Chassin-Noria, 2025

The article is in Spanish. 

Abstract:
Centruroides infamatus (C.L. Koch) is redescribed based on individuals obtained from a population from the León, Guanajuato region, in central Mexico. The species is redescribed because in the original description only the country is mentioned as the type locality with no further details. Also, Centruroides rommeli sp. nov. is described based on individuals obtained from a population of scorpions from Jalpa, municipality of Jalpa in the southern region of the state of Zacatecas, Mexico. This species is placed in the subgroup "infamatus" as part of the "striped" scorpions. Morphological comparisons are carried out with C. suffusus (Pocock) and C. vittatus (Say), both species that belong to the same subgroup talso recorded in Zacatecas. Additionally, is included the redescription of C. infamatus, because the population of the new species was previously identified with this specific name. Centruroides rommeli sp. nov. is sympatric with Mesomexovis spadix (Hoffmann), scorpions of the Vaejovidae family.

Reference:
Ponce J, Linares Guillén JW, Quijano-Ravell A, Chassin-Noria O. Redescription of Centruroides infamatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and description of a new species of “striped” scorpion of the “infamatus” subgroup from north-central México. Revista de la Sociedad Entomologica Argentina. 2025;84(4):e0409. [Full text supplied by authors]

Family Buthidae 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Thanks to Noureddine for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae 

A 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

An updated checklist of the Chaerilus species from Vietnam and a description of the female of Chaerilus honba

 

Wilson Lourenco and co-workers recently published some updated data om the Chaerilus Simon, 1877 (Chaerilidae) in Vietnam. The female of Chaerilus honba Lourenço, 2019 is also described. 

Abstract:
Chaerilus honba Lourenço, 2019 is recorded for the first time from Nui Chua National Park, Vietnam. The single specimen found within the dry forest represents at the same time the first female known, which is described in detail. Furthermore, an updated checklist of the Chaerilus species from Vietnam is provided and biogeographical relations between southern Vietnamese coastal forests are discussed.

Reference:
Lourenco WR, Nguyen TQ, Luu TH, Bressel J, Ziegler T. New insights on the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 from Vietnam and description of the female of Chaerilus honba Lourenço, 2019 based on a new record from Nui Chua National Park (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2025(46):76–80. [No full text found]

Thanks to Professor Thomas Ziegler for sending me their article!

Family Chaerilidae

A systematic revision of the European Buthus species with 10 synonymizations

 

As readers of this blog will know, there have been major increase of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Buthidae) species in Europe in the last two decades. Initially, the only species known from the Iberian Peninsula was Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789). But this species complex was split into several new species, and in 2025 the number had reached almost 20.

Recently, Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and co-workers published a major systematic revision based on samples collected across the known distribution, rigorous phylogenetic analyses combining morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphometric analyses, and ecological data. Their analysis has concluded with the synonymization of 10 species from the Iberian Peninsula. 

Buthus gonzalezdelavegai González-Moliné and Armas, 2024 is synonymzed with Buthus delafuentei Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus (Androctonus) ajax C.L. Koch, 1839 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus gabani Ythier, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus castellano Teruel and Turiel, 2022 is synonymized with Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839).

Buthus baeticus Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus ibericus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004.

Buthus alacanti Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus serrano Teruel and Turiel, 2020 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

Buthus pedrosousai Teruel and Turiel, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020.

 Buthus pyrenaeus Ythier, 2021 is synonymized with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789).

Buthus balmensis Ythier and Laborieux, 2022 is synonymized with Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789).

The remaining nine valid species from the Iberian Peninsula are redescribed and data on distribution and habitats are given. A identification guide for the nine species is also available.

Abstract:
The Palearctic buthid scorpion genus Buthus Leach, 1815, distributed from southwestern Europe (southern France and the Iberian Peninsula) across Africa north of the Sahara, to the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, has undergone extensive taxonomic revision in the past two decades. Despite these efforts, its taxonomic composition remains confused, perhaps nowhere more so than in the Iberian Peninsula, where 20 putative species were recognized in the past two decades. Molecular phylogenetic studies of Buthus in northwestern Africa and southwestern Europe, based on a few, mostly mitochondrial gene loci, recovered a monophyletic origin for the European clade of Buthus and suggested the existence of several distinct lineages on the Iberian Peninsula. However, relationships with the species of Buthus from the North African Maghreb remained ambiguous. Morphological descriptions of new or revalidated species of Buthus, based in part on the molecular phylogenies but lacking robust diagnoses, and making little attempt to consider geographical variation, compounded the confusion. The present contribution provides a comprehensive, integrative revision of the European species of Buthus based on samples, including topotypes, collected across the known distribution, rigorous phylogenetic analyses combining morphology, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, morphometric analyses, and ecological data. Nine valid species of Buthus are recognized across France, Portugal, and Spain, and 10 new synonyms presented: Buthus delafuentei Teruel and Turiel, 2020 = Buthus gonzalezdelavegai González-Moliné and Armas, 2024, syn. n.; Buthus elongatus Rossi, 2021; Buthus garcialorcai Teruel and Turiel, 2020; Buthus halius (C.L. Koch, 1839) = Androctonus ajax C.L. Koch, 1839, syn. n. = Buthus gabani Ythier, 2021, syn. n. = Buthus castellano Teruel and Turiel, 2022, syn, n.; Buthus iaspis Teruel and Turiel, 2022; Buthus ibericus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004 = Buthus baeticus Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n.; Buthus manchego Teruel and Turiel, 2020 = Buthus alacanti Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n. = Buthus serrano Teruel and Turiel, 2020, syn. n. = Buthus pedrosousai Teruel and Turiel, 2021, syn. n.; Buthus montanus Lourenço and Vachon, 2004; Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789) = Buthus pyrenaeus Ythier, 2021, syn. n. = Buthus balmensis Ythier and Laborieux, 2022, syn. n. Revised, comparative diagnoses and illustrations are provided for each species, together with a distribution map and key to their identification.

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Simone Y, Prendini L. Systematic revision of the European species of Buthus Leach, 1815 (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Bulletin of The American Museum of Natural History. 2025(476):1–131. [Open Access]

Thanks to Yuri for sending me their article!

Family Buthidae

A redescription of the endemic Buthus kunti from Cyprus and information about its habitat and ecology

 

Cyprus is very special because it is the only place where you can find members of both Buthus Leach, 1815 and Aegaeobuthus Kovarik, 2019 (previously Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950) (Buthidae). For many years only A. cyprius (Gantenbein & Kropf, 2000) was known from the island, but in 2011 surprisingly a second species was described, B. kunti Yagmur, Koc & Lourenço, 2011.

Ersen Yagmur and co-workers have recently published a redescription of  Buthus kunti based on new materials. The article has updated information about the species' distribution and habita. It seems that this species has other habitat preferences than Aegaeobuthus cyprius and that the two species are not sympatric. More studies may change this assumption.

Abstract:
Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço was described based on a female holotype specimen from Cyprus. This species is redescribed based on the holotype and additional specimens collected from Cyprus, with the male description and variational information presented for the first time. Detailed illustrations and UV light images of the female holotype and male specimen are provided. The first ecological observations of B. kunti are presented here. We observed that B. kunti prefers sandy soil and is a burrowing species. Additionally, we observed that B. kunti is associated with the bushes of Cistus salviifolius. According to our observations, specimens sit under the branches of these bushes or climb them. Adults were observed under the bushes, whereas subadult specimens were observed on the branches. We also report the first recorded case of cannibalism in this species, documenting two instances.

Reference:
Yağmur EA, Boğaç KK, Michael H, Hasan B, Gücel S. The morphology of Buthus kunti Yağmur, Koç & Lourenço (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and first description of male with some ecological observations. Journal of Natural History. 2025;59(25-28):1775–805. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Ersen and Michael for sending me their article!

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

 

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

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

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

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

Species status for Leiurus libycus from western Egypt after redescription

 

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

Leiurus libycus (Birula, 1908)

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

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

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

Family Buthidae

A new species of Compsobuthus from Somalia

 

Frantisek Kovarik has recently published a study of the members of the genus Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 in the Horn of Africa (Buthidae). In addition, a new species is described from Somalia.

Compsobuthus starhai Kovarik, 2025

Abstract:
Occurence of genus Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 in the Horn of Africa is summarized, including a distribution map. A lectotype of C. abyssinicus (Birula, 1903) is designated. C. starhai sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) is described and fully complemented
with color photographs.

Reference:
Kovarik F. Scorpions of the Horn of Africa (Arachnida, Scorpiones). Part XXXVI. Compsobuthus starhai sp. n. from Somalia (Puntland) (Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2025(408):1-14. [Open Access]

Family Buthidae

A review of the members of the genus Chaerilus in China with the description of one new species

 

Recently, Victoria Tang has published an extensive review of the species of Chaerilus Simon, 1877(Chaerilidae) from China. One new species is described.

Chaerilus herta Tang, 2025

The paper reviews the species found in China and discuss taxonomical challenges for the family and for scorpions in general. Also, the presence and level of UV fluorescence in this genus is discussed.  

Abstract:
The genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 in China is preliminarily revised on a morphological basis, derived from the available literature and newly examined specimens. The robustness of several commonly applied species-level diagnostic criteria are evaluated. Ten species are provisionally recognized for China, including one new morphospecies, Chaerilus herta sp. n., described from 9 females, 40 males, and 2 juvenile females collected in Mêdog County. The current study only reveals and resolves several most elementary issues in the taxonomy of Chinese Chaerilus. Further molecular investigations are warranted until topotypes of certain species become available.

Reference:
Tang V. Current challenges and preliminary morphological reassessment of the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 in China (Scorpiones: Chaerilidae). Euscorpius. 2025(406):1-89. [Open Access]

Family Chaerilidae

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

 

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

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

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

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

Family Scorpionidae

Redescription of of Scorpio palmatus

 

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

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

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

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

Family Scorpionidae

Review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans

 

Cavernicolous scorpions are fascinating with their choice of habitat and in some cases morphological adaptions. This group of scorpions are usually divided into four categories: Accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The categories are explained in the introduction of the article mentioned below. It is the two latter categories that have caves as their main habitats, but not all of the scorpions in these groups have troglomorphic traits (e.g. reduced eyes, reduced pigmentation etc.). They who do are true troglobites.

Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and Lorenzo Prendini have recently published a review of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans. They have classified the known cavernicolous species into the categories mention above, presented a redescription of the only real troglobitic species, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, and provided a identification key for the to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst area.

Abstract:
Cavernicolous scorpions are difficult to collect and study due to their often inaccessible habitats. Some have evolved unique morphological adaptations, known as troglomorphies, including reduced sclerotization and pigmentation, reduction and/or loss of eyes, attenuation and elongation of the appendages, which assist them to thrive in dark, humid and low-energy input environments. Cavernicolous scorpions are classified into accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The Balkans, and particularly the Dinaric Karst region, host a diverse cave-adapted fauna, including scorpions. Despite an 1895 report of a blind scorpion from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first truly troglobitic European scorpion, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, was only described a few years ago, based on two immature specimens. In the present contribution, this unique species is redescribed based on the first adult specimens; the ecological classification of all currently known cavernicolous Euscorpiidae Laurie, 1896, is updated; a key to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst is provided; and the historical and geographical factors affecting the distribution and conservation of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans is reviewed.

Reference:
Blasco-Aróstegui J, Prendini L. Redescription of Euscorpius studentium Based on Adult Specimens; Updated Classification of Cavernicolous Euscorpiidae; and Review of Cavernicolous Scorpions in the Balkans. Diversity. 2024;16(12):737. [Open Access]

Thanks to Gerard Dupre and Siegfried Huber for informing me about this article!