Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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  Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from southern Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae) Abstract A new scorpion species, Cicileus derradji sp. nov., is described from Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province, southern Algeria. The description is based on an adult male holotype, an adult female paratype and a juvenile specimen, and is supported by detailed morphological analyses, including colouration, morphometrics, carination patterns and trichobothrial arrangement. This discovery extends the known distribution of the genus Cicileus approximately 500 km southwestward within Algeria. With the addition of this species, the number of recognised species in the genus increases to six. The new species is compared with all previously known species of Cicileus , and detailed colour photographs, including images taken under ultraviolet illumination, are provided. Derradj, L., Aydın Yağmur, E., Benali, N., & Bikada, M. (2026). Cicileus derradji sp. nov., a new species from south...

Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024)

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Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024)

Abstract

Background

Approximately 1.2 million scorpion stings are reported globally each year, resulting in an estimated 3000 deaths. Of the 2500 known scorpion species, about 40 are considered medically significant. In Ecuador, where at least 47 scorpion species exist, information on scorpion stings remains scarce.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional analysis was conducted on all officially reported cases of scorpion stings documented in the epidemiological surveillance reports from the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador between 2021 and 2024.

Results

A total of 1633 cases were identified, with women accounting for 52% of cases (n = 849). The highest incidence was observed among children aged one to four years old, with rates of 18.16 and 19.11 per 100,000 inhabitants for males and females, respectively. Geographically, the Amazon region was the most affected, with the province of Morona Santiago reporting the highest incidence at 284.14 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

Scorpion stings represent a significant and underreported public health threat in Ecuador. This study highlights the considerable disease burden, particularly in specific regions of the country, and underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes, including the local production of antivenoms.
Vasconez-Gonzalez, J., Izquierdo-Condoy, J. S., Miño, C., De Lourdes Noboa-Lasso, M., & Ortiz-Prado, E. (2025). Epidemiological and geodemographic patterns of scorpionism in Ecuador: A nationwide analysis (2021–2024). Toxicon: X, 26, 100218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2025.100218