Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis)

Posted by
  Herpetological misinformation and sensationalism: media framing on biological and ecological aspects of the golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) Abstract The internet is currently one of the most important means of communication, which may include the circulation of misinformation. Snakes have always been a target of the sensationalist media, being pictured as scary and aggressive animals to be killed indiscriminately by humans. Such fear based on misinformation may compromise species conservation. Here, we address the spread of misinformation about Bothrops insularis and Queimada Grande Island in digital media, highlighting the negative impact on public perception and species conservation. The analysis of 230 online sources revealed that approximately 94% of them contained false information, many using sensationalist language, especially regarding the toxicity of the venom and the population density of the snake, as well as bringing contents that did not align with scientific d...

Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southeastern Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae)

Posted by

 


Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) 

ABSTRACT

Two new species, Scorpio karakurti sp.n. and S. sirnakensis sp.n. are described and illustrated from the Southеastеrn region of Turkey. S. karakurti sp.n. is detected from Batman and Diyarbakır provinces and can be distinguished from all species of the genus Scorpio by its higher pectinal teeth numbers, especially in males (10–11 in females and 11–15 in males). S. sirnakensis sp.n is detected from Şırnak province and can be distinguished by elongated chela and telson shape and genital operculum shape of females. The new species are compared with the known species of the genus Scorpio Linnaeus, 1758 in the Middle East.

Acknowledgment: I extend my heartfelt thanks to Özgün Sipahioğlu for kindly sharing this publication with me.

Yağmur E.A.1, Hussen F.Sh.2, Karakurt S.3, Kurt R.4, Sipahioğlu O.5, Kartal İ.6 2024. Two new species of the genus Scorpio L., 1758 from Southеastеrn Turkey (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) // Arthropoda Selecta. Vol.33. No.4: 559–581.