Abstract
Two new genera and species of Saharo-Sindian buthid scorpions are described on the basis of single specimens collected respectively in the deserts of Occidental Sahara and the North of Afghanistan. Th ese new scorpion taxa represent further endemic relicts in the Saharo-Sindian faunas. Comments are also included on the evolution of the desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East, as well as the possible consequences of these events on the distribution of the extant scorpion fauna.
Highlights
As emphasised in recent publications (Qi and Lourenço 2007), scorpion diversity is high in deserts and arid formations (Polis 1990)
Illustrations and measurements were made with the aid of a Wild M5 stereo-microscope with a drawing tube and an ocular micrometer
Carapace carinae moderately marked; ‘lyra’ configuration rather incomplete; median ocular tubercle at the centre of carapace; three pairs of lateral eyes situated in a posterior position in relation to the anterior edge; third pair totally vestigial
Summary
As emphasised in recent publications (Qi and Lourenço 2007), scorpion diversity is high in deserts and arid formations (Polis 1990). This new genus shows affinities with the genera Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949, Mesobuthus and Sassanidotus Farzanpay, 1987.
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