A New Study of the Species Composition of Scorpions in Golestan Province, Northeast of Iran
A New Study of the Species Composition of Scorpions in Golestan Province, Northeast of Iran
Aioub Sofizadeh1, Ehsan Allah Kalteh2, Shahin Saeedi3, Mulood Mohammadi Bavani4*
ABSTRACT
The scorpion sting and the resulting mortality are considered among the most critical health problems in Iran. This research was aimed to study on the scorpion’s species in Golestan Province, Northeast Iran. Scorpions were captured during day and night using rock rolling and ultra violet methods from May to September, 2019. Then, the specimens were put into a 75% alcohol-containing plastic bottle. Finally, the specimens were identified using a valid identification key. Distribution maps were prepared using ArcGIS (Ver 10.4.). A total of 111 scorpion samples were captured. All the samples belonged to the Buthidae family, including Mesobuthus eupeus (97.3%), Orthochirus farzanpayi (0.9%), and Mesobuthus caucasicus (1.8%). M. eupeus had the highest distribution and abundance in the region and was recognized as the leading cause of scorpion sting in the region. O. farzanpayi and M. caucasicus are new to the scorpion’s species of this province. M. eupeus is the most prevalent species in Golestan Province and is one of the dangerous the scorpion in the region.
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