The pholcid spiders of Tunisia (Araneae: Pholcidae): new species, new records, and deep COI divergence in Holocnemus reini

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  The pholcid spiders of Tunisia (Araneae: Pholcidae): new species, new records, and deep COI divergence in Holocnemus reini Abstract Tunisia features a rapid transition between Mediterranean and Saharan biogeographical zones, resulting in a high degree of environmental heterogeneity. Despite this ecological diversity, Tunisian spiders have received limited attention compared to those of neighboring Maghreb countries. Here we combine the results of recent collections in Tunisia focusing on Pholcidae with a comprehensive review of previously published information, resulting in a total of six genera and eleven species. We present first records of the genera Micropholcus Deeleman-Reinhold & Prinsen, 1987 and Spermophorides Wunderlich, 1992 for Tunisia, represented by four new species: M. kahinae Huber sp. nov., M. echebbii Huber sp. nov., S. nabilae Huber & Kmira sp. nov., S. bchirae Huber sp. nov.; in addition, we redescribe S. huberti (Senglet, 1973) from Tunisian specimens,...

Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

With its enormous geographical extent and various ecosystems, Algeria has more than 54 species of scorpions. Among these species, Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) is the species with the highest medical importance. This study particularly concerned this species' seasonal variation and developmental stages, which were collected from various environments in the Sahara Desert of Algeria. The present study focuses on the annual activity of scorpions (phenology) of A. australis in the region of Ghardaïa. Twelve nocturnal outings at mid-month during 2022 made it possible to collect 208 scorpions. Results allowed us to define the favorable mating season of A. australis that occurs during the autumn period (15th November to 10th August) when climatic conditions are favorable for courtship, which means temperatures relatively low (around 18°C) and winds blowing at a regular speed and constant direction. We also noted that the species develops a winter diapause lasting from 5 to 6 months, covering the whole winter season and a few weeks of spring. During spring and summer, as a result of parturition, a huge number of juveniles are observed.  


Zineb, Souilem & Bissati, Samia & Abdelwahab, Chedad & Linda, Rouari & Sadine, Salah Eddine. (2024). Phenology of Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Sahara Desert of Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Biharean Biologist. 18. 83-89.