A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea

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  A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea Abstract A new species, Dolomedes afi sp. n., is diagnosed and described from New Guinea Island (Papua New Guinea) based on both sexes. The new species is similar to the Australian species D. alexandri Raven & Hebron, 2018, D. vicque Raven & Hebron, 2018 and D. wollemi Raven & Hebron, 2018, but differs from them in the structure of the copulatory organs. The new species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body coloration. A detailed description and digital photographs are provided. The collecting localities of Dolomedes species in New Guinea are mapped. Fomichev, A. A., & Omelko, M. M. (2026). A new species of Dolomedes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Dolomedidae) from the island of New Guinea.  Acta Biologica Sibirica ,  12 , 355-365. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19563050

A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change

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A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change 

Abstract

Scorpion stings represent a major public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical regions like Iran, scorpion stings are commonly ignored and under-reported. Hemiscorpius is medically important genus in the family Hemiscorpiidae, comprising approximately 19 described species. This study aims to estimate the potential distribution of Hemiscorpius acanthocercus, identify suitable habitats, examine environmental constraints on its range, and provide insights into the species’ ecology and areas at increased risk of scorpion stings. Using MaxEnt, I analyzed 63 occurrence records of H. acanthocercus with 4 temperature, 2 precipitation variables, and vegetation cover. The most influential predictors in the best-fitting distribution model were BIO4 (Temperature seasonality; 67.5%), BIO7 (Annual temperature range; 13.6%). The models indicate that the species is currently distributed along the Persian Gulf, particularly in Hormozgan, Kerman, Fars, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces. Future projections under RCP 8.5 suggest slight northward shifts into higher latitudes, particularly into northern Hormozgan and Kerman provinces, with areas in Bushehr and Sistan and Baluchestan also predicted as highly suitable. The persistence and expansion of this medically significant species under future climate scenarios underline the importance of ongoing monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and proactive sting prevention—particularly to protect children, who are most at risk.


Hosseinzadeh, M. S. A study of current and future distribution modeling of scorpion sting of deadly scorpion, Hemiscorpius acanthocercus (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in southern Iran under climate change. Journal of Medical Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaf075