New species and faunal records of the scorpions of Nehbandan County, eastern Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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New species and faunal records of the scorpions of Nehbandan County, eastern Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

ABSTRACT

Given the lack of research on scorpion species in South Khorasan province, this study is deemed necessary. Understanding the scorpion fauna and its seasonal occurrence is essential for effectively preventing and treating scorpion stings. Sampling was done evenly using an ultraviolet light at night or direct observation during the day. In this study, 141 specimens were collected from different parts of Nehbandan county. Five species belonging to five genera of the Buthidae were collected and identified, the first four being Androctonus orientalis (Birula), Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al. and Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula). Olivierus simabina Barahoei sp. n. was also described, and its record was added to the scorpion fauna of Iran. No other species except for O. tirgari has been recorded from Nehbandan. Sassanidotus gracilis is a new report for the fauna of the South Khorasan province.

Hashemzahi, N., Ravan, S., & Barahoei, H. (2026). New species and faunal records of the scorpions of Nehbandan County, eastern Iran (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History, 60(25–28), 1431–1446. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2673968