Remarkable micro-endemism and high congeneric richness: eight new cave-restricted species of Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Brazilian semi-arid

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  Remarkable micro-endemism and high congeneric richness: eight new cave-restricted species of Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from the Brazilian semi-arid Abstract Eight new species of pseudoscorpions belonging to the genus Pseudochthonius Balzan, 1892 are described from the semi-arid region of Brazil. Comprehensive morphological descriptions, diagnostic characters, detailed illustrations, and ecological remarks of the habitats are provided for Pseudochthonius celestialis sp. nov., P. caritas sp. nov., P. patientia sp. nov., P. temperantia sp. nov., P. diligentia sp. nov., P. castitas sp. nov., P. humilitas sp. nov., and P. benignitas sp. nov. In addition, we present a brief discussion of the potential factors underlying the remarkable congeneric species richness observed in this geographically restricted region, as well as the principal threats faced by these species. These findings underscore the importance of conserving caves in order to pr...

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