Description of a New Species of Androctonus (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Jordan

E. A. Yağmur; M.  Al-Saraireh; B. Abu Afifeh

doi:10.15407/zoo2025.05.383

E. A. Yağmur Manisa Celal Bayar University, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0396-3975
M. Al-Saraireh Oncology Department, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0560-5469
B. Abu Afifeh Ministry of Education, Al Rumman Secondary School, Amman, Jordan https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2131-3981

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15407/zoo2025.05.383

Keywords: Buthidae, new species, Jordan, taxonomy, Middle East

Abstract

A new scorpion species, Androctonus ammoneus sp. n., is described and illustrated from Zarqa Province, Jordan. Previous reports classified several Androctonus populations in Jordan as A. crassicauda. However, a comparative analysis with the neotype of A. crassicauda and other related species from Turkey and the Middle East reveals that A. ammoneus sp. n. is widely distributed in Jordan and represents a distinct species. The key distinguishing features include the chela structure and slenderness, metasomal carination, telson structure and general coloration. This study provides a comprehensive description and detailed illustrations of the new species, contributing to the taxonomic understanding of the genus Androctonus in the region.

Author Biographies

M. Al-Saraireh , Oncology Department, Royal Medical Services, Amman, Jordan

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B. Abu Afifeh , Ministry of Education, Al Rumman Secondary School, Amman, Jordan

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