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,...

Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

Introduction: 

Recent research has clarified the historically complex taxonomy of the medically significant scorpion genus Androctonus in Iran, chiefly by resolving the A. crassicauda Olivier, 1807 species complex and describing numerous new species. However, the taxonomic status of certain populations in Khuzestan Province (south-western Iran) has remained unsettled.

Materials & Methods: 

The new scorpion species, Androctonus nazarii sp. nov., was collected from Baghmalek in the Zagros Mountains of Khuzestan Province, Iran. The species description is based on two male specimens, which were characterized by a set of distinct morphological features.

Results: 

The species exhibits distinctive diagnostic characteristics, including a brownish-yellow coloration, a light brown carapace devoid of ocular black patches and featuring fine granulation, uniformly yellow legs, and a specific yellowish-brown, finely granulated chela manus. A detailed comparison with its closest relatives (A. crassicauda, A. zagrosensis, A. sumericus, and A. barahoeii) confirms its distinctiveness. 

Conclusion: 

Its discovery fills an important taxonomic gap in south-western Iran and carries significant implications for public health and conservation.


Salabi, F., Zangi, B., Forouzan, A., Jahan-Mahin, M. H., Kazemi, S. M. (2025). 'Androctonus Nazarii, a New Species of Scorpions From Khuzestan Province, Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)', Archives of Razi Institute, 80(6), pp. 1567-1580. doi: 10.32598/ARI.80.6.3928