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Subsequently to the recent descriptions of two new species of the humicolous micro-buthid genus Microananteris Lourenço, 2003, one more new species was found in French Guiana and is described here. The new description is based on three adult specimens, one female and two males collected not underground, but from the soil surface, using intensive night search with the use of UV lights. The geographic distribution of the genus Microananteris remains limited to the only territory of French Guiana.

A new species of Orthochirus Karsch, 1891 (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is described from El-Oued, Debila, in Algeria. The number of confirmed Orthochirus species from Algeria is now raised to two. Further studies most certainly will clarify the status of yet undescribed populations.

International audience; We describe here a new species of Buthus from south-western Jordan. The new species shows several common morphological features with Buthus amri Lourenço, Yağmur & Duhem, 2010, described from the region of Aqaba suggesting that both species may correspond to vicariant elements of a common ancestry.

Some new taxonomic considerations are proposed for Tityobuthus Pocock, 1890, a Malagasy genus of the Ananterinae subfamily (sensu Pocock). Tityobuthus elements are only present in Madagascar, but the group does belong to a lineage representing a typical Gondwanian distribution. The number of known Tityobuthus species rose considerably in the last 25 years but most are rarely collected and only known from very few or even a single individual. The reanalysis of certain morphological traits of Tityobuthus species suggests the existence of two possible taxonomic groups within the genus, one comprising species with short chelae and another with long chelae. One new species, Tityobuthus orangea n. sp., is also described from a cave located in the reserve of Orangea in the North of Madagascar. The new species is a possible endemic element to this cave in Orangea.

A more up to date biogeographic analysis of the patterns of distribution presented by the scorpions of the family Microcharmidae Lourenco 1996 are presented. This family is revalidated here based on numerous morphological characters. This Malagasy group of scorpions is represented by two genera, Microcharmus Lourenco 1995 and Neoprotobuthus Lourenco 2000 both endemic to the Island. The family Microcharmidae seems to be restricted to dry and wet forests formations in the northern and northwestern portions of the island. Here we describe three species new to science: Microcharmus andrei sp. n., Microcharmus antongil sp. n. and Microcharmus djangoa sp. n. The distribution of these new species seems to be restricted to the northern range of Madagascar, in habitats ranging from dry to wet forests, confirming therefore the patterns previously observed. Resume Une analyse biogeographique a jour portant sur les schemas de distribution des scorpions de la famille des Microcharmidae Lourenco 1996 est presentee. La famille est ici revalidee sur la base de nombreux caracteres morphologiques. Ce groupe de scorpions de Madagascar est represente par deux genres, Microcharmus Lourenco 1995 et Neoprotobuthus Lourenco 2000 tous deux endemiques de l’ile. La famille des Microcharmidae semble avoir une distribution limitee aux formations forestieres seches et humides des parties nord et nord-ouest de l’ile. Ici, nous decrivons trois especes nouvelles pour la science : Microcharmus andrei sp. n., Microcharmus antongil sp. n. et Microcharmus djangoa sp. n. La distribution de ces trois nouvelles especes semble limitee a la partie septentrionale de Madagascar, dans des habitats allant des forets seches a humides, ce qui confirme ainsi les schemas prealablement observes.

A synopsis on the historical, geographical and ecological aspects related to the most conspicuous scorpion species of the genus

Lourenço, Wilson R. (2021): The genus Microananteris Lourenço, 2003 in French Guiana (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Zoosystema 43 (20): 377-386, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2021v43a20

Some additional comments are proposed on the historical aspects of the subfamily Ananterinae (sensu Pocock 1900). The worldwide pattern of distribution of the elements associated with this subfamily is briefly discussed. The biogeographic patterns presented by extant and fossil elements of this subfamily confirm not only the characteristics of a group presenting a typical Gondwanian distribution, but may also correspond to older Pangaean patterns. One unexpected new species is described for the genus Ananteris Thorell from the State of Goiás in Central Brazil, Ananteris martensi sp. n., suggesting that the diversity levels of the Cerrados formations are most certainly higher than what is normally admitted.

A new epigean species belonging to the genus TroglotayosicusLourenço, 1981 is described from southern Ecuador based on morphological traits. This enigmatic group of scorpions was known from a single locality in Ecuador and four localities in Colombia. Troglotayosicus muranunkaesp. n. is morphologically similar to the hypogean (troglobite species) T. vachoniLourenço, 1981, but it differs from it by the trichobothrial pattern, shape of the carapace, and tegument sculpture. The new species was found actively wandering on the surface at night, which provides relevant ecological information and expands the distribution range of the genus 130 km southwards.

In the recent paper by Lourenco and Wilme (2016), three new species of Grosphus Simon, 1880 were published without the Zoobank registration number. Here we add the numbers in order to make the new taxa valid according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature regulations.

Although scorpions have been described from China since the 19th century, it was only in the early 2000s that this fauna has seen a noticeable improvement in terms of the number and diversity of the described taxa. Some regions of China have been extensively prospected, while others remain largely unexplored. The latter is the case for the Province of Xinjiang, in the Extreme West of the country. A few contributions dealing with scorpions from this region are available, but these mainly concern representatives of the family Buthidae. In the present paper, a new species belonging to the genus Scorpiops Peters, of the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, is described from the Taxkorgan Natural Reserve. The description is based on one male and one female collected under stones at altitudes of 4500–4600 m. To our knowledge, this is the first species ever described from the Taxkorgan Natural Reserve and may represent an endemic element within the fauna of Xinjiang Province.

International audience; Two new species of scorpion belonging to the family Pseudochactidae and to the genus Vietbocap are described based on specimens collected in the Thien Duong cave, which belongs to the Vom cave system, in the Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. The previously described species from this cave, Vietbocap thienduongensis Lourenço & Pham, 2012 was collected in the initial section of the cave (1500 to 1800 m from the cave entrance) and proved to be a true troglobitic element. The diagnosis of this species, only known from males, is completed based on females collected at 750 m from the cave entrance. The two new species described here were collected respectively at 3000 and 5000 m from the cave entrance and are also true troglobitic elements, very similar to V. thienduongensis, but showing some clear morphological differences. This observed situation suggests a possible case of speciation within the cave system, the first one ever reported for scorpions. The population found at 5000 m from the entrance of the cave is a total new record of distance from a cave entrance for scorpions.; Deux nouvelles espèces de scorpion appartenant à la famille des Pseudochactidae et au genre Vietbocap sont décrites à partir d’exemplaires collectés dans la grotte Thien Duong, laquelle appartient au système des grottes Vom dans le parc national Phong Nha–Ke Bang dans la province de Quang Binh, Vietnam. La seule espèce déjà décrite de cette grotte, Vietbocap thienduongensis Lourenço & Pham, 2012, a été collectée dans la partie initiale de celle-ci (entre 1500 et 1800 mètres de l’entrée) et a été confirmée comme un véritable élément troglobie. La diagnose de cette espèce, connue uniquement à partir des mâles, est complétée à partir de femelles collectées à 750 m de l’entrée de la grotte. Les deux nouvelles espèces décrites à présent ont été collectées respectivement à 3000 et 5000 m de l’entrée de la grotte et sont également des éléments troglobies, plutôt similaires à V. thienduongensis, mais avec des différences morphologiques bien nettes. La situation observée suggère un possible cas de spéciation à l’intérieur de la grotte, le premier signalé chez les scorpions. La population trouvée à 5000 m de l’entrée de la grotte représente un record absolu de distance de l’entrée d’une grotte pour des scorpions.

A new remarkable species belonging to the genus Ananteris Thorell, 1891 (Buthidae) is described from the Mitaraka Massif in French Guiana, a site located near the borders of French Guiana, Brazil, and Suriname. The description of this new species brings further evidence about the biogeographic patterns of distribution presented by most species of the genus Ananteris, which are highly endemic in most biogeographic realms of South America, including the Tepuys and Inselberg Massifs.

International audience; The study of an important collection of scorpions, belonging to the genus Chaerilus, recently collected from a cave in the Palawan Island, Philippines, allows the clarification of the identity of this population, often misidentified with Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 known from caves in the Gunong Mulu National Park in Sarawak (Borneo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. is described from the Puerto Princesa Underground River Cave in Palawan Island based on 14 specimens, males, females, and juveniles. The new species is totally distinct morphologically from Chaerilus chapmani, a true troglobitic species. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. may also be a true troglobitic element, but with a less marked degree of regression for several characters. Some comments on the ecology of the new species and on regional biogeography of Borneo and Palawan islands are also proposed.; L’étude d’une importante collection de scorpions appartenant au genre Chaerilus, récemment collectée dans une grotte de l’île de Palawan, aux Philippines, permet désormais de clarifier l’identité de cette population souvent incorrectement identifiée comme Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 connue des grottes du Gunong Mulu National Park au Sarawak (Bornéo). Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. est décrite de la grotte de Puerto Princesa, dans l’île de Palawan, à partir de 14 spécimens, mâles, femelles et juvéniles. Par sa morphologie, la nouvelle espèce est globalement distincte de Chaerilus chapmani, une véritable espèce troglobie. Chaerilus agnellivanniorum sp. n. pourrait également représenter un véritable élément troglobie, mais avec un moindre dégrée de régression pour plusieurs caractères. Des commentaires sont également ajoutés sur l’écologie de la nouvelle espèce et sur la biogéographie de Bornéo et de l’île de Palawan.

A synopsis is proposed for all scorpion species collected, up to present, in the Mitaraka Massif in French Guiana, a site located near to the borders of French Guiana, Brazil and Suriname. One new species, Guyanochactas touroulti n. sp. (Chactidae) is described. The description of the new species brings further evidence to the biogeographic pattern of distribution presented by some elements of the family Chactidae endemic to the Tepuys or the Inselberg formations of South America.

Since the early 2000s, the genus Buthus Leach, 1815 (family Buthidae) has been the subject of an important number of studies. These concerned particularly the species belonging to the ‘Buthus occitanus’ complex. A number of populations previously considered as subspecies or varieties of B. occitanus Leach were raised to the rank of species, but also many new species have been described. Most of the species considered in these studies come from North Africa, in particular from Morocco, Mauritania, Chad, Sudan and Egypt, but only two new species were recorded from Algeria. At present, one more new species of Buthus is described from the Algerian Saharan Desert, raising the number of confirmed Buthus in Algeria to five. Since most Buthus species from North Africa, and in particular those from Algeria, inhabit more mesic environments than the Saharan Central compartment, the new species appears as the first true deserticolous species found in this country.

Two buthid species previously recorded from Armenia are confirmed: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and Mesobuthus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839). Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), is recorded for the first time for this country. A new species of Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 is described on the basis of two adult females and three juveniles. From the absence of outer denticles on the movable finger of the pedipalps, the new species is placed in the acutecarinatus group. The new species of Compsobuthus represents the first record of this genus for Armenia.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub: 01DD2B17-39C7-43DC-935D-B9F8071D1A97

Intensive investigation in the collections of the Natural History Museum in Paris led to the location of the original specimens of Belisarius xambeui described by Eugene Simon (Simon No. 2675) from the Territoire de Conat in the Pyrenees-Orientales, France. The two females registered under No. 2675 are now considered as the holotype and paratype of B. xambeui . This investigation on the Belisarius material also led to the discovery of another interesting specimen collected by J. Malhomme in the “Sierra de las Nieves” in the south of Spain. This specimen is described herein as a new species. Comments are also proposed on the mesic environmental conditions, which prevails in “Sierra de las Nieves” region, and on the possible palaeoclimatic events that resulted in the present disrupted distribution of the genus Belisarius .

New comments are proposed for the subfamily Ananterinae (sensu Pocock). The worldwide pattern of distribution of the elements associated with this subfamily, as well as aspects of their ecology, are discussed. The biogeographic patterns presented by extant and fossil elements of this subfamily confirm not only the characteristics of a group presenting a typical Gondwanian distribution, but also correspond to older Pangaean patterns. One new remarkable species is described in the genus Ananteris Thorell. This new species is also the first record of the genus for Peru.

Among the genera of the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905Alloscorpiopsremains yet rather discrete. New species were added to this genus only recently, increasing its number from two to six. Therefore, species ofAlloscorpiopscan be considered rare and uncommonly collected. One particular new species,Alloscorpiopsviktoriaesp. n., is described based on two females and one pre-adult male collected from the northern part of central Myanmar (Burma). The new species presents most features exhibited by scorpions of the genusAlloscorpiops, but it is characterised by a moderate to small size, very strongly marked granulation, and a particular trichobothrial pattern. Aspects of the ecology and distribution of the new species are discussed and compared with those of other species of genusAlloscorpiops.

Three new species of scorpions belonging to the genus Teuthraustes Simon, 1878 (Scorpiones: Chactidae) are described from the Amazonian and Pacific regions of Ecuador. The new descriptions raise to four the number of Teuthraustes species in Ecuadorian Amazonia and raise to two the number of species described from the Pacific region. The total number of species of Teuthraustes is now 27, including 15 in Ecuador. The geographical distribution of the genus in Ecuador is enlarged and its pattern of distribution in the country is also commented upon.

International audience; New comments are proposed on the geographic distribution of genus Opisthacanthus, and the Gondwanian model is further supported. The diversity of the genus is extraordinary in Madagascar, with the same number of species as in continental Africa, but sub-Saharan Africa is home to six out of the nine groups currently recognized of Opisthacanthus. Given the affinities of the Opisthacanthus groups and their current distribution, a center of origin in Africa could be favored for these ancient scorpions. The proposed Gondwana model suggests that the Madagascar Opisthacanthus are closer to those of the New World, which is consistent with the affinities observed in morphological characters. A new species, Opisthacanthus titanus sp. n., is described from the Torotorofotsy Forest, located in Eastern Madagascar. The new species shows affinities with both Opisthacanthus madagascariensis Kraepelin, 1894 known from dry regions in the western portion of the island and Opisthacanthus lavasoa Lourenço, Wilmé & Waeber, 2016 only known from the extreme southeast of the island. The new species and O. madagascariensis have similar external morphologies but the morphometric values are markedly distinct. Moreover, O. madagascariensis is exclusively found in spiny forest thickets and open woodlands, whereas the new species was found in the humid forest of Torotorofotsy. The total number of species in Madagascar is now raised to twelve. Biogeographical scenarios are also proposed to infer the origin of the Opisthacanthus and better understand its distribution in the New World, in Africa and Madagascar.; Une nouvelle réflexion est proposée sur la répartition géographique du genre Opisthacanthus avec la proposition d’un modèle gondwanien. La diversité du genre est extraordinaire à Madagascar, avec un nombre d’espèces qui égal celui de l’Afrique, mais l’Afrique sub-saharienne abrite six des neuf groupes actuellement reconnus d’Opisthacanthus. Compte tenu des affinités des groupes d’Opisthacanthus et leur répartition actuelle, un centre d’origine en Afrique pourrait être favorisé pour ces scorpions anciens. Le modèle gondwanien proposé suggère que les Opisthacanthus de Madagascar sont plus proches de ceux du Nouveau Monde, ce qui est cohérent avec les affinités observées à partir des caractères morphologiques. Une nouvelle espèce est décrite, Opisthacanthus titanus sp. n., connue de la forêt de Torotorofotsy, à l’est de Madagascar. La nouvelle espèce montre des affinités avec Opisthacanthus madagascariensis Kraepelin, 1894 connu des régions sèches de l’Ouest de l’île et Opisthacanthus lavasoa Lourenço, Wilmé & Waeber, 2016, qui n’est connu que de l’extrême Sud-Est de l’île. La nouvelle espèce et O. madagascariensis ont des morphologies externes similaires, mais leurs valeurs morphométriques sont nettement distinctes. De plus, O. madagascariensis se trouve exclusivement dans les fourrés épineux et les formations arborées ouvertes, tandis que la nouvelle espèce provient de la forêt humide de Torotorofotsy. Le nombre total d’espèces à Madagascar est maintenant porté à douze. Des scénarios biogéographiques sont proposés pour appréhender l’origine des Opisthacanthus et mieux comprendre leur distribution dans le Nouveau Monde, en Afrique et à Madagascar.

Further studies on new specimens of the rare genus Physoctonus Mello-Leitão, 1934, lead to the description of a third new species. Until now only Physoctonus debilis (C. L. Koch, 1840) and Physoctonus striatus Esposito et al., 2017, were known from sites located in the caatingas of the north-east region of Brazil. The new species of Physoctonus was collected by the French arachnologist J. Vellard in the Campos do Pará during his field trips back to the 1920/1930, and entrusted to the author in the early 1980s. The populations of P. debilis and P. striatus from north-east Brazil and that of the new species certainly present disrupted distributions. Biogeographical comments on this pattern of distribution are also added.

Euscorpiops dakrong sp. n., belonging to the family Euscorpiidae Laurie, is described on the basis of one male and one female collected in the Dakrong Nature Reserve cave system, Dakrong District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. The new species presents most features exhibited by scorpions of the genus Euscorpiops, but it is characterized by a slender body and elongated pedipalps. This new scorpion taxon represents the second species of Scorpiopinae discovered in a cave system and may be yet another endemic element in the fauna of Vietnam. Some taxonomic propositions on the generic position of Scorpiops oligotrichus Fage, 1933 are also suggested.

The South-Western portion of Madagascar appears to have one of the highest levels of scorpion diversity on the island. In this paper is presented an analysis of the known species of Grosphus Simon, 1880 from this region. Information on ecological aspects of the species is also given. A new species is also described from the region of Cap Sainte Marie, an area where micro-endemic patterns can be observed. The new species is characterized by a medium size with a total length of 50.3 mm. General coloration yellow to pale yellow without dark zones on body and appendages. Carapace yellow with an anterior reddish-orange zone, approximately forming an inverted triangle. Anterior margin of carapace strongly granular. Male pectines with 36–36 teeth. Fixed and movable fingers of pedipalps with 12–13 oblique rows of granules.

A new species of the genus Chaerilus Simon, 1877 is described from a cave in Dien Bien District, West of Dien Bien Phu city in northern Vietnam. The new species is morphologically similar to other Chaerilus species distributed only in the south of Vietnam and Cambodia and suggests a case of a vicariant species between northern and southern populations in the Southeast Asian peninsula.

One more new species of the genus ChaerilusSimon, 1877 is described from Hon Ba Nature Reserve, which is located about 60 km to the south-west of Nha Trang, in the Khanh Hoa Province in the south of Vietnam. The new species is placed in the variegatus Species Group and compared with other Chaerilus species previously described from Vietnam. Relationships are discussed with Chaerilus longimanusKovařik & Lowe, 2015, also described from the Nha Trang region. As in previous studies, the present one suggests that different species of Chaerilus are not strongly morphologically distinct but rather correspond with micro-endemic populations. Future molecular studies should provide further evidence for or against this hypothesis.

A new species belonging to the genus Butheoloides Hirst, 1925 (subgenus Butheoloides Hirst, 1925) (Scorpiones, Buthidae) is described from northern Cameroon, a region of transition between savannahs and the Sahel. With the description of Butheoloides (Butheoloides) savanicola sp. n., the peri-Saharan pattern of distribution presented by the species of this genus is confirmed.

Description of a new species of Opisthacanthus Peters (Scorpiones: Hormuridae) from Suriname/Brazil border with some biogeographic considerations

International audience; Fossil scorpions are among the oldest terrestrial arthropods known from the fossil record. They have a worldwide distribution and a rich fossil record, especially for the Paleozoic. Fossil scorpions from Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposits are usually rare (except in amber-deposits). Here, we describe the only fossil scorpion from the Early to Middle Eocene Pesciara Lagerstätte in Italy. Eoeuscorpius ceratoi gen. et sp. nov. is probably a genus and species within the family Euscorpiidae. This may be the first fossil record of the Euscorpiidae, which are so far only known from four extant genera. Eoeuscorpius ceratoi gen. et sp. nov. was found in the “Lower Part” of the Pesciara Limestone, which is actually dated Late Ypresian stage (between 49.5 and 49.7 Ma). Besides a possible pseudoscorpion, the here-described fossil scorpion is the second arachnid species known from the Bolca Locality.

International audience; Plethoscorpiops profusus gen. n., sp. n., belonging to the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905 is described on the basis of two specimens, one adult female and one male juvenile collected in the Saddan Cave, in Kayin State, Hpa-An, Burma (Myanmar). This new scorpion taxon most certainly represents an endemic element for the fauna of Burma and seems to be strictly distributed inside the cave system. The new genus is characterized by a previously unknown and totally unique plethotaxic trichobothrial pattern within the family Scorpiopidae.; Plethoscorpiops profusus gen. n., sp. n., appartenant à la famille des Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905 est décrit sur deux spécimens, une femelle adulte et un mâle juvénile, collectés dans la grotte Saddan, située dans l’État de Kayin, Hpa-An, Myanmar. Ce nouveau taxon scorpionique représente très certainement un élément endémique pour la faune de Myanmar et semble strictement inféodé dans le système cavernicole. Le nouveau genre est caractérisé par un modèle trichobothriotaxique, pléthotaxique, encore inconnu et certainement unique parmi les scorpions de la famille des Scorpiopidae.

Alloscorpiops (Laoscorpiops) calmonti subgen. n., sp. n., belonging to the family Euscorpiidae Laurie, is described on the basis of single female specimen collected in the Pathoumphone District of southern Laos. This new scorpion taxon may represent yet another endemic element for the fauna of Laos. The new subgenus is characterized by a previously unknown and possible unique trichobothrial pattern.