Abstract. Afroisometrus gen. n. with the type species Lychas minshullae Fitzpatrick, 1994 is described. The new genus is related to the genus Isometrus Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1828, from which it differs by the absence of a subaculear tubercle and the presence of three keels on the dorsal surface of the mesosoma. It differs from the genus Lychas C. L. Koch, 1845 in the absence of tibial spurs on the third and fourth legs.

Abstract. Distribution data are presented for Androctonus amoreuxi baluchicus (Pocock, 1900), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), Hottentotta schach (Birula, 1905), Mesobuthus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839), Odontobuthus doriae (Thorell, 1876), Odontobuthus odonturus Pocock, 1897, Orthochirus sp. n. ?, Paraorthochirus glabrifrons (Kraepelin, 1903), Paraorthochirus goyffoni Lourenço & Vachon, 1995, and Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1862, all collected by members of the Czech Biological Expedition Iran 1996. Iranobuthus gen. n. with the type species I. krali sp. n. is described. The new genus is related to the genera Androctonus Hemprich & Ehremberg, 1828, Buthus Leach, 1815, Hottentotta Birula, 1908, and Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950 by the presence of central medial and posterior medial carinae on the carapace that merge and form a continuous linear series of granules at the posterior margin. It differs from genera possessing similar characters, such as Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949 and Darchenia Vachon, 1977, in size (total length of 82 mm) and in having dorsal granulated keels only on the second through fourth metasomal segments. Hottentotta zagrosensis sp. n. is described. Its black coloration differentiates it from all other species of Hottentotta Birula, 1908 known from Iran. A list of all 32 species known and believed to occur in Iran is given.

Abstract. Isometrus (Reddyanus) kurkai sp. n. is described from Indonesia. It is compared with all species of the subgenus Reddyanus Vachon, 1972, from which it differs in having only two granules on the subaculear tooth. The number of granules on the subaculear tooth divides the species of the subgenus Reddyanus into four groups. A checklist of all species of the genus Isometrus Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1828, is included.

Abstract. The genus Lychas is revised, with diagnostic characters and geographic distributions given for all of its species. Lectotypes are designated for Lychas asper obscurus Kraepelin,1913, L. braueri (Kraepelin, 1896), L. baldasseroni Caporiacco, 1947, L. marmoreus kimberleyanus Kraepelin, 1916, L. marmoreus splendens Kraepelin, 1916, L. mjobergi Kraepelin, 1916, L. obsti Kraepelin, 1913, L. perfidus (Keyserling, 1885), L. shelfordi (Borelli, 1904), L. shoplandi (Oates, 1888), L. spinatus Kraepelin, 1916, L. tricarinatus (Simon, 1884), L. tweediei Kopstein, 1937 and L. variatus papuanus (Thorell, 1888). L. asper obscurus Kraepelin, 1913 is synonymized with the nominal L. asper (Pocock, 1891); L. burdoi regulosus Birula, 1916, and L. burdoi rhodesianus Lawrence, 1938, are synonymized with the nominal L. burdoi (Simon, 1882); L. tweediei Kopstein, 1937, is synonymized with L. hosei (Pocock, 1891); L. mentaweius Roewer, 1943, L. baldasseroni Caporiacco, 1947, and L. nucifer Basu, 1964, are synonymized with L. mucronatus (Fabricius, 1798); L. decorata Basu, 1964, is synonymized with L. nigristernis (Pocock, 1899); and L. nigrimanus Kraepelin, 1898, is synonymized with L. scutilus C. L. Koch, 1845. In contrast, L. mjobergi Kraepelin, 1916, is considered valid. L. buchari sp. n., L. hillyardi sp. n., L. lourencoi sp. n., and L. rackae sp. n. are described and a key for species of the genus Lychas is provided. First record of L. shelfordi (Borelli, 1904) for Indonesia is established. The genus Hemilychas Hirst, 1911, with the type species Hemilychas alexandrinus Hirst, 1911, is re-defined and differentiated from Lychas by the fifth metasomal segment which is without keels and punctate (als in Orthochirus) rather than granulate or smooth.

Abstract. 1006 specimens of scorpions deposited in the collection are determined and revised. The collection contains 68 species, 28 genera, and 7 families of scorpions, and includes the lectotype of Euscorpius carpathicus canestrinii (Fanzago, 1872) hereby designated, the holotype of Thaicharmus mahunkai Kovařík, 1995, and the paratype No. 5 of Isometrus (Reddyanus) zideki Kovařík, 1994.

Abstract. Isometrus (Reddyanus) krasenskyi sp. n. and Isometrus (Reddyanus) navaiae sp. n. are described and compared to all other species of the subgenus Reddyanus Vachon, 1972, from which they differ in a combination of characters including five granules on the subaculear tooth. Isometrus (Reddyanus) krasenskyi sp. n. is uniformly yellow with dark fourth and fifth segments and telson of the metasoma. Isometrus (Reddyanus) navaiae sp. n. is characterized by total length of 19-34.4 mm, 12-14 pectinal teeth, absence of a dark triangle between the median eyes and anterior margin of the carapace, and coloration of the mesosomal segments with two dark bands.

Abstract. Orthochiroides gen. n. (type species O. vachoni sp. n.) is related to Baloorthochirus Kovařík, 1996, and Pakistanoorthochirus Lourenç o, 1997, from Pakistan; Birulatus Vachon, 1974, from Jordan; Butheolus Simon, 1882, from Arabia; Orthochirus Karsch, 1892, from north Afrika and Arabia to India; and Paraorthochirus Lourenço & Vachon, 1995, from Iran. It differs from the above genera in having six pronounced keels on the tibia of pedipalps and lacking trichobothrium d2 of pedipalp femur on dorsal surface, but usually retaining it as an internal trichobotrium. Somalicharmus gen. n. (type species S. whitmanae sp. n.) is related to Butheoloides Hirst, 1925, from Africa; Charmus Karsch, 1879, from India and Sri Lanka; Microcharmus Lourenç o, 1995, from Madagascar; and Thaicharmus Kovařík, 1995, from Thailand. It differs from the above genera in having the fingers shorter than the manus. Somalibuthus gen. n. (type species S. demisi sp. n.) is related to Hemibuthus Pocock, 1900, from India; Isometroides Keyserling, 1885, from Australia; and Psammobuthus Birula, 1911, from Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. It differs from the above genera in having keels on the carapace and three keels on the first throught sixth mesosomal segments.

Abstract. Hemibuthus kraepelini Roewer, 1943, is junior synonym of Hottentotta rugiscutis (Pocock, 1897). The genus Hemibuthus Pocock, 1900 has the fixed finger of chelicera with only one ventral denticle, whereas the genus Hottentotta Birula, 1908 and examined types of Hemibuthus kraepelini have two ventral denticles. Hemibuthus kraepelini has the same number of granular rows on the movable finger of pedipalps (12), coloration, number of pectinal teeth, overall size, and other characters as Hottentotta rugiscutis. H. rugiscutis is here for the first time placed in the genus Hottentotta. This species has so far been placed in the genera Buthus, Buthotus or Mesobuthus. A key to the Indian species of the genus Hottentotta is provided.

Abstract. Revision of types deposited in the Museo Zoologico de “La Specola“, Firenze, Italy, shows that Tityus piceus Caporiacco, 1947 is a junior synonym of Tityus cambridgei Pocock, 1897, Iomachus borana Caporiacco, 1939 is a junior synonym of Iomachus politus Pocock, 1896, and Broteochactas magnus Caporiacco, 1947 (lectotype) is a junior synonym of Broteas granimanus Pocock, 1898. One syntype of Broteochactas magnus is Broteochactas delicatus (Karsch, 1879). Lectotype and paralectotypes are designated for Tityus piceus, Broteochactas magnus, and Iomachus borana.

Abstract. Pandinus (Pandinops) pococki sp. n. is described and a key to the species of the subgenus Pandinops Birula, 1913 is provided. Based on the presence of seven internal granules on the chela Pandinus bellicosus (L. Koch, 1875) is transferred from subgenus Pandinurus to the subgenus Pandinops. Pandinus (Pandinops) pugilator is hereby synonymized with Pandinus (Pandinops) bellicosus.

Abstract. Liocheles nigripes (Pocock, 1897) is compared to all other species of the genus Liocheles Sundevall, 1833 and first record for Indonesia and Malaysia is established. Key to species of the genus Liocheles is provided. First record of Hormiops davidovi Fage, 1933 for Malaysia is established.

Abstract. The family Scorpiopidae is revised, with diagnostic characters and geographic distributions given for all of its genera and species. Lectotypes are designated for Scorpiops affinis Kraepelin, 1898, S. austerus Hirst, 1911, S. insculptus Pocock, 1900, S. solidus Karsch, 1879, Neoscorpiops satarensis (Pocock, 1900), and N. tenuicauda (Pocock, 1894). The subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980, regarded in recent papers as a genus, is synonymized with the genus ScorpiopsPeters, 1862. Scorpiops affinis Kraepelin, 1898, S. crassimanus Pocock, 1899, and S. insculptus Pocock, 1900 are synonymized with Scorpiops hardwickii (Gervais, 1843); Scorpiops petersii vonwicki Birula, 1913 is synonymized with the nominotypical Scorpiops petersii Pocock, 1893; and Scorpiops kraepelini Lourenço, 1998 is synonymized with Scorpiops lindbergi Vachon, 1980. The subspecies Scorpiops hardwickii jendeki Kovařík, 1994 is elevated to species. Scorpiops braunwalderi sp. n. (India, Uttar Pradesh), S. dastychi sp. n. (India, Uttar Pradesh), S. feti sp. n. (India, Sikkim and West Bengal), S. margerisonae sp. n. (China, Tibet), S. problematicus sp. n. (Thailand), and S. sejnai sp. n. (Vietnam) are described and a key to the genera and species of the family Scorpiopidae is provided. First records are established for S. hardwickii (Gervais, 1843) in China and Pakistan, and S. asthenurus in Bhutan.

Abstract. The monotypic family Chaerilidae Pocock, 1893 is revised, with diagnostic characters and geographic distributions given for all of its species. Lectotypes are designated for Chaerilus anthracinus Pocock, 1900, C. cavernicola Pocock, 1894, C. gemmifer Pocock, 1894, C. rectimanus Pocock, 1899, C. truncatus Karsch, 1879, and C. variegatus nigricolor Pocock, 1899. C. gemmifer Pocock, 1894 is synonymized with C. pictus (Pocock, 1890); C. granosus Pocock, 1900, C. anthracinus Pocock, 1900, C. a. rufescens Pocock, 1900, C. granifrons Kraepelin, 1913, and C. hirsti Kraepelin, 1913 are synonymized with C. truncatus Karsch, 1879; and C. variegatus nigricolor Pocock, 1899 is synonymized with C. variegatus Simon, 1877. Chaerilus petrzelkai sp. n., C. tichyi sp. n., and C. tryznai sp. n. are described and a key to the family Chaerilidae is provided. First records are established for C. cavernicola Pocock, 1894 in Malaysia and Thailand, and C. chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 in the Philippines.

Abstract. The genus Babycurus Karsch, 1886 is revised, with diagnostic characters and geographic distributions given for all of its species. Neotype is designated for B. buettneri, the type species of the genus. Lectotypes are designated for B. johnstonii Pocock, 1896, B. centrurimorphus Karsch, 1886, B. gigas Kraepelin, 1896, B. neglectus Kraepelin, 1896, B. ornatus Werner, 1936, and B. wituensis Kraepelin, 1913. B. crassicaudatus Roewer, 1952 is synonymized with B.ansorgei Hirst, 1911; B. johnstonii Pocock, 1896 is synonymized with B.buettneri Karsch, 1886; B. johnstoni ochraceus Masi, 1912, B. patrizii Borelli, 1925, and B. crassimanus Caporiacco, 1936 are synonymized with B. taramassoi Borelli, 1919, which is hereby regarded as Babycurus wituensis taramassoi Borelli, 1919. B. melanicus sp. n., B. multisubaculeatus sp. n., and B. ugartei sp. n. are described and a key to the species of the genus Babycurus is provided. First records are established for B. centrurimorphus Karsch, 1886 in Mosambique and Rwanda, B. kirki (Pocock, 1890) in Guinea, B. pictus Pocock, 1896 in Angola, and B. wituensis taramassoi Borelli, 1919 in Ethiopia.

Abstract. Lanzatus gen. n. (type species L. somalicus sp. n.) from Somalia is related to cosmotropical genus Isometrus Ehrenberg, 1828 and to the Central Asian (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) genera Anomalobuthus Kraepelin, 1900 and Pectinibuthus Fet, 1987. It differs from Isometrus in having telson without a subaculear tooth or tubercle. From Pectinibuthus and Anomalobuthus it differs in having tibia and tarsomere of legs I-III with setae not arranged into a bristlecomb.

Abstract. 2941 specimens of scorpions deposited in the collection are determined and revised. The collection contains 229 species, 62 genera, and 14 families and includes types of 26 species and subspecies, of which 13 are valid. Heterometrus petersi luzonensis Couzijn, 1981 is synonymized with Heterometrus (Javanimetrus) cyaneus (C. L. Koch, 1836). Revision of specimens identified by Roewer makes doubtful the occurrences of Parabuthus capensis (Ehrenberg, 1831) in Namibia, Parabuthus granulatus (Ehrenberg, 1831) in Kenya, Tityus androcottoides (Karsch, 1879) in Venezuela, Tityus carinatoides Mello-Leităo, 1945 in Brazil, Tityus lutzi Giltay, 1928 in Argentina, Tityus magnimanus Pocock, 1897 in Venezuela, Opisthacanthus asper (Peters, 1862) in Tanzania, Heterometrus liurus (Pocock, 1897) in Sri Lanka, and Pandinus militaris Pocock, 1900 in Sudan. Comparison of types leads to the conclusion that Pandinus militaris Pocock, 1900 is a junior synonym of Pandinus cavimanus (Pocock, 1888).

Introduction. Lychas buchari has hitherto been known only from the holotype without locality data. I am thus delighted to be able to report on a new specimen that to some extent clarifies the occurrence of this species. It was collected together with Isometroides vescus (Karsch, 1880) by Dr. S. Bílý of the Czech National Museum, and I am grateful to him for making these specimens available.

Material. Holotype female, Australia, locality and collector unknown, Muséum National d´Histoire Naturelle, Paris no. RS 4416. Immature female, Western Australia, Coolgardie, leg. S. Bílý 18.X.2001, author´s collection.

Abstract. Eight new species of the genus Compsobuthus are described. C. becvari sp. n. from Pakistan, C. jakesi sp. n. from Iraq and C. sobotniki sp. n. from Iran belong to the acutecarinatus group; and C. kafkai sp. n. and C. kaftani sp. n. from Iran, C. kabateki sp. n. from Egypt, C. plutenkoi sp. n. from Iran and C. seicherti sp. n. from Sudan belong to the werneri group. These two groups are discussed and lists of all species of Compsobuthus and of all specimens in the author’s collection are presented.

Abstract. Butheoloides cimrmani sp. n. is described and compared with the closely related B. charlotteaeLourenço, 2000 from Nigeria, which differs from B. cimrmani sp. n. by the absence of black spots on femur of all legs. Distribution-wise, the nearest species is B. annieae Lourenço, 1986 from the Ivory Coast, which differs from B. cimrmani sp. n. in having the fifth metasomal segment granulate, whereas in B. cimrmani sp. n. it is punctate. B. cimrmani sp. n. is the first species of the genus recorded from Ghana.

Abstract. Taurepania trezzii sp. n. from Venezuela, is described and compared with other species and genera of family Chactidae. It is characterized by trichobothria pattern of type C, absence of retrolateral and prolateral pedal spurs and of tibial spurs, presence of two pairs of lateral eyes and reduction of median eyes.

Summary. This work contains the results of the zoological expedition of the Societŕ Romana di Scienze Naturali to Kashan, in Iran. Four days of intensive field research provided interesting to the family Buthidae, are listed and ecological notes are included. Iranobuthus krali Kovařík, 1997, Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903) and Polisius persicus Fet, Capes & Sissom, 2001 were found for the first time in the examinated localities. The species collected belong to different ecomorphotypes, characteristic for the particular geographic position of Kashan. We report presence of two species with a wide Middle eastern distribution (Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905); Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807)), Asian distribution (Mesobuthus eupeus C. L. Koch, 1839) as well as presence of endemic Iranian and Central Asian taxa (Kraepelinia palpator (Birula, 1903); Polisius persicus Fet, Capes & Sissom, 2001; Compsobuthus kaftani Kovařík, 2003; Iranobuthus krali Kovařík, 1997; Mesobuthus vesiculatus (Pocock, 1899)). Thus, Kashan seem to be situated in the region where several types of geographic ranges overlap and could be regarted as a “hot spot“ for scorpiofauna. Some biogeographic considerations, and a checklist of the scorpion species known for Kashan are given.

Abstract. Scorpions of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia are revised, with a key and geographic distributions given for all the species. Lectotypes and/or paralectotypes are designated for Buthus minax L. Koch, 1875, Buthus hottentotta tigrinus Caporiacco, 1937, Parabuthus granimanus Pocock, 1895, Parabuthus granimanus fuscicauda Caporiacco, 1947, Parabuthus mixtus obscurior Caporiacco, 1941, Parabuthus mixtus Borelli, 1925, Scorpio cavimanus Pocock, 1888, Pandinus intermedius Borelli, 1919, Scorpio pallidus Kraepelin, 1894, and Scorpio smithi Pocock, 1897. Neobuthus Hirst, 1911 is synonymized with Butheolus Simon, 1882. The following species are synonymized: Neobuthus berberensis Hirst, 1911 with Butheolus ferrugineus Kraepelin, 1898; Buthus hottentotta tigrinus Caporiacco, 1937 with Hottentotta minax (L. Koch, 1875); Buthus fuscitruncus Caporiacco, 1936 with Hottentotta trilineatus (Peters, 1862); Parabuthus granimanus fuscicauda Caporiacco, 1947 with Parabuthus granimanus Pocock, 1895; Parabuthus heterurus stefaninii Caporiacco, 1927 with Parabuthus heterurus Pocock, 1897; Parabuthus leiosoma abyssinicus Pocock, 1901 and Parabuthus leiosoma dmitrievi Birula, 1903 with Parabuthus leiosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828); Parabuthus mixtus Borelli, 1925, Parabuthus mixtus obscurior Caporiacco, 1941, and Parabuthus zavattarii Caporiacco, 1939 with Parabuthus pallidus Pocock, 1895; Uroplectes fischeri caporiaccoi Fet, 1997 and Uroplectes patrizii Caporiacco, 1936 with Uroplectes fischeri (Karsch, 1879); Scorpio gregoryi Pocock, 1896 with Pandinus (Pandinurus) exitialis (Pocock, 1888); Brotheas hirsutus L. Koch, 1875 and Scorpio africanus subtypicus Kraepelin, 1894 with Pandinus (Pandinurus) magrettii Borelli, 1901; and Pandinus intermedius Borelli, 1919 and Pandinus citernii Borelli, 1919 with Pandinus (Pandinus) phillipsii (Pocock, 1896). Uroplectes pardii sp. n. from Somalia and Parabuthus eritreaensis sp. n. and Pandinus (Pandinops) eritreaensis sp. n. from Eritrea are described. Hottentotta minax niloticus Birula, 1928 is elevated to a full-species status. First records are established for Leiurus quinquestriatus Ehrenberg, 1828 in Somalia, Lychas obsti Kraepelin, 1913 in Ethiopia and Somalia, Pandinus (Pandinops) hawkeri Pocock, 1900 in Ethiopia, and Pandinus (Pandinurus) exitialis (Pocock, 1888) in Somalia.

Abstract. A disjunct scorpion population of Euscorpius italicus (Herbst, 1800) is reported for the first time from Iraq. Morphology, ecological conditions, and possible source of anthropochoric introduction are discussed.

Abstract. The scorpion population recorded from central Bohemia (map square no. 6252), Czech Republic, does not belong to Euscorpius carpathicus (Linné, 1767) as previously maintained in the literature, but to Euscorpius tergestinus (C. L. Koch, 1837).

Abstract. Four new species of the genus Isometrus are described: Isometrus (Reddyanus) bilyi from Australia, I. (R.) petrzelkai from Vietnam and Thailand, I. (R.) problematicus from India and I. (R.) khammamensis from India. Keys are presented to all species of both subgenera of Isometrus. Lectotypes are designated for I. (I.) thurstoni Pocock, 1893 and I. (R.) assamensis Oates, 1888. I. (I.) sankariensis Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 is synonymized with I. (I.) thurstoni Pocock, 1893. First-time records include I. (I.) thurstoni Pocock, 1893 from Kerala (India), I. (R.) assamensis Oates, 1888 from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (India) and Bangladesh, I. (R.) brachycentrus Pocock, 1899 from Tamil Nadu (India), I. (R.) heimi Vachon, 1976 from New Guinea, I. (R.) kurkai Kovařík, 1997 from Sumatra (Indonesia), Kalimantan and Sarawak (Malaysia), I. (R.) navaiae Kovařík, 1998 from Indonesia and I. (R.) rigidulus Pocock, 1897 from Maharashtra and Rajasthan (India). I. (R.) isadensis Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 from India is considered a nomen dubium.

Abstract. Parabuthus cimrmani sp. nov. is described and compared with other species of the genus known from Somalia. The base color is uniformly yellow to yellowish brown, only the fourth and fifth metasomal segments and the telson are dark. This distinguishes the new species from P. heterurus Pocock, 1897 and P. eritreaensis Kovařík, 2003, which have the fifth metasomal segment yellow. The pedipalps of both sexes are very narrow and the movable finger is more than twice as long as the manus, which distinguishes P. cimrmani sp. nov. from P. heterurus, P. granimanus Pocock, 1895 and P. leiosoma (Ehrenberg, 1828). Furthermore, the male of P. cimrmani sp. nov. has an unusually high number of pectinal teeth (61-62).

Abstract. The genus Heterometrus is revised and a key is presented to all species except H. tristis. Subgenera Chersonesometrus Couzijn, 1978, Gigantometrus Couzijn, 1978, Javanimetrus Couzijn, 1981 and Srilankametrus Couzijn, 1981 are synonymized with the subgenus Heterometrus Ehrenberg, 1828. Seven new species of Heterometrus are described: H. beccaloniae sp. n., H. mysorensis sp. n., H. rolciki sp. n. and H. ubicki sp. n. from India, H. nepalensis n. sp. from Nepal, H. sejnai sp. n. from Thailand, and H. cimrmani sp. n. from Thailand and Vietnam. The following species and subspecies are synonymized: H. (Chersonesometrus) fastigiosus Couzijn, 1981 with H. bengalensis (C. L. Koch, 1841); H. (Srilankametrus) indus laevitensus Couzijn, 1981 with H. gravimanus (Pocock, 1894); H. liophysa madoerensis Kopstein, 1921 and H. laevifrons Roewer, 1943 with H. liophysa (Thorell, 1888); H. (H.) longimanus belitungensis Couzijn, 1981 and H. (H.) longimanus tarawakanensis Couzijn, 1981 with H. longimanus (Herbst, 1800); H. (Chersonesometrus) granulomanus Couzijn, 1981 with H. madraspatensis Pocock, 1900; Palamnaeus phipsoni collinus Pocock, 1900 with H. phipsoni (Pocock, 1893); H. (H.) malapuramensis Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 with H. scaber (Thorell, 1876); H. (Gigantometrus) swammerdami titanicus Couzijn, 1981 with H. swammerdami Simon, 1872; and H. (Chersonesometrus) pelekomanus Couzijn, 1981 with H. wroughtoni (Pocock, 1899). H. thorellii (Pocock, 1892) comb. n. is recognized as valid specie. Lectotypes are designated for H. xanthopus (Pocock, 1897) and for H. bengalensis (C. L. Koch, 1841), which invalidate Couzijn’s (1981) neotype designation. H. bengalensis (C. L. Koch, 1841) is for the first time recorded from Orissa, H. fulvipes (C. L. Koch, 1837) from Mysore, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, H. kanaraensis (Pocock, 1900) from Goa, H. phipsoni (Pocock, 1893) from Orissa, H. scaber (Thorell, 1876) from Mysore and Pondichery, H. swammerdami Simon, 1872 from Mysore, and H. wroughtoni (Pocock, 1899) from Mysore (all states of India).

Abstract. The genera Baloorthochirus, Butheolus, Orthochiroides, Pakistanorthochirus and Asian species of the genus Orthochirus are revised and keys are presented to all species of Butheolus and Orthochiroides, Asian species of Orthochirus and to species of all related genera. Afghanorthochirus Lourenço & Vachon, 1997 is synonymized with Orthochirus Karsch, 1892, Nanobuthus Pocock, 1895 is synonymized with ButheolusSimon, 1882, and Pakistanorthochirus Lourenço, 1997 is synonymized with Baloorthochirus Kovařík, 1996. Orthochiroides socotrensis sp. n. from Socotra island and eleven new species of Orthochirus are described: O. afghanus sp. n., O. heratensis sp. n., O. jalalabadensis sp. n. and O. samrchelsis sp. n. from Afghanistan; O. iranus sp. n., O. sobotniki sp. n., O. varius sp. n. and O. zagrosensis sp. n. from Iran; O. iraqus sp. n. from Iraq; O. gromovi sp. n. from Turkmenistan; and O. feti sp. n. from Uzbekistan. Orthochirus luteipes Roewer, 1943 is synonymized with Orthochirus flavescens (Pocock, 1897), Pakistanorthochirus weitschati Lourenço, 1997 is synonymized with Baloorthochirus becvari Kovařík, 1996 and Butheolus insularis Pocock, 1899 is moved to the genus Orthochiroides. Lectotypes are designated for Orthochirus bicolor (Pocock, 1897) and Orthochirus pallidus (Pocock, 1897). Baloorthochirus becvari Kovařík, 1996 is for the first time recorded from India, Orthochirus fuscipes (Pocock, 1900) from Iran and India, and Orthochiroides vachoni Kovařík, 1998 from Socotra island. Orthochirus krishnai Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 from India is considered a nomen dubium.

Abstract. Euscorpiops kubani sp. n. is described and compared with other species of the genus in the form of a key. In the new species external trichobothria on the patella number 18 or 19 (5 or 6 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 4 est, 5 et) and ventral trichobothria on the patella number 10 or 9. Pectinal teeth number 7 or 8. E. kubani sp. n. is closest to E. longimanus (Pocock, 1893) and E. problematicus (Kovařík, 2000). Apart from trichobothrial counts and positions, these three species can also be separated on differences in sexual dimorphism. In the male of E. kubani sp. n. the fingers of pedipalp are flexed, whereas in the female they are nearly straight, only slightly undulate. The same sexual dimorphism is present in E. asthenurus (Pocock, 1900) from Bhutan and India, which however apart from the geographic distribution differs also in the number of ventral trichobothria on the patella (8 or 9) and in number of pectinal teeth (5 or 6). Euscorpiops kubani sp. n. is the first species of the genus recorded from Laos.

Summary. The groups of young chosen for the project were of known dates of birth and between the first and second ecdysis when observations began. The results tabulated below show the development to be fully dependent on the conditions provided by the keeper. The original group (group A) consisted of specimens kept separately at the normal room temperature and fed twice a week. All six specimens were placed in the same terrarium only after the fifth ecdysis of two females. Different conditions were provided for young born to two females 417 and 419 days old (for statistical reasons averaged at 418). These two clutches (altogether 60 young - group B) were placed together in a terrarium after the first ecdysis and leaving their mothers, kept at 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, and offered 40 to 100 acceptable-size crickets every day. The result was an accelerated development clearly evident from the table. The large number of specimens in a relatively small space (60 specimens after 1st ecdysis on 20 x 12 cm, after 2nd ecdysis on 20 x 25 cm, and after 3rd ecdysis on 20 x 35 cm) was apparently beneficial, because despite plenty of hiding places (layered bark) the young chose to clutch together in compact masses of up to 30 individuals to reach conditions optimal for thermoregulation and security.

Adult individuals of B. jacksoni caught in the wild measure from 60 to 87 mm. The specimens born in captivity measured 20 to 22 mm after the first ecdysis, 30 to 35 mm after the second ecdysis, 45 to 50 mm after the third ecdysis, 55 to 67 mm after the fourth ecdysis, and 85 mm (female) after the fifth ecdysis. It can thus be concluded that in captivity the species reaches the same size as in the wild regardless of the rate of growth.

In captivity males reach sexual maturity after the fourth ecdysis and females after the fifth ecdysis. Surprising is a female that reached maturity already after the fouth ecdysis, which however has not been followed by copulation although to this day she lives in the group (see table - group A). The remaining two females went through sixth ecdysis and 131 and 149 days later gave birth. The intervals between the first and second deliveries are 106 and 120 days, respectively, from which needs to be subtracted roughly 20 days during which the females were taking care of the young and therefore had to be kept in isolation. The breeding of group A continues and data on numbers of deliveries and longevity will be available in due time.

Summary. The table is an overview of scorpion taxa described or revived in 2003. The literature is too voluminous for comprehensive presentation, and I have therefore selected only papers which include taxonomic changes and additions or are in my opinion otherwise significant.

Among regional treatments I would like to highlight a book on scorpions of the Republic of South Africa by Jonathan Leeming. It contains photos of most South African species supplemented by maps of their distribution, and illustrates also their reproduction, ontogeny, biotopes and burrows.

A benchmark work on higher taxonomy of scorpions was published by M. Soleglad and V. Fet. It contains important changes such as demotion of Diplocentridae Karsch, 1880 to a subfamily of Scorpionidae Latreille, 1802, and synonymizations of Heteroscorpionidae Kraepelin, 1905 with Urodacidae Pocock, 1893 and of Troglotayosicidae Lourenço, 1998 with Superstitioniidae Stahnke, 1940. The proposed divisions of scorpions are detailed on p. 88, with 14 families, 16 subfamilies, 10 tribes and 164 genera recognized. Those interested in in this important work are referred to the web page of the journal: www.science.marshall.edu/fet/euscorpius

V. Fet and I compared all known voucher specimens of the Bohemian population of Euscorpius tergestinus and have demonstrated their similarity with Austrian populations. Besides this the distribution of Euscorpius sicanus was delineated as encompassing, apart from northern Africa, a large part of Italy, Malta and the northern part of Greece. Of the populations placed in the E. carpathicus complex those of Spain, Portugal, Turkey, the Balkan peninsula and the Greek islands remain to be taxonomically resolved. Unresolved remain also the precise relationships of the subspecies Euscorpius carpathicus candiota Birula, 1903 from Crete and E. c. fanzagoi Simon, 1879 from France.

Continuing is a flood of articles by W. Lourenço, who instead of more extensive studies prefers to publish individual species descriptions. This author described several new species of the Buthus occitanus complex and elevated several subspecies to full species. I believe this complex does contain more species, but unfortunately his work does not include a revision needed to solve this taxonomic problem.

Of my own papers I regard as most consequential a revision of the scorpions of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, which dealt with many inadequately known taxa and resulted in relegating 17 of them to synonymies.

Summary. The scorpion Vaejovis variegatus Pocock, 1898 was considered by Hoffmann (1931) a subspecies of Vaejovis punctatus Karsch, 1879 and since then its status has not changed, although it doubtless it is a valid species. V. variegatus has been recorded from the Mexican states of Guerrero, México, Morelos, Oaxaca and Puebla. In October 2003 a gravid female was captured by R. Kaderka together with specimens of Centruroides limpidus (Karsch, 1879) and Vaejovis occidentalis Hoffmann, 1931 near the town of Iguala, Guerrero, at a locality described as a dry, rocky hillside with limestone bedrock vegetated by grasses, brush and small trees (see photo). On 1st November 2003 the female gave birth to 27 offspring. The most trying time of their rearing ensued between the first and second ecdyses, which took longer than in the wild. Fortunately, nine juveniles managed to survive that period and eventually reached adulthood (see Table). Conditions necessary for successful maintenance in captivity included adequate air circulation and exposure to temperature fluctuations between 22 and 32°C. This species proved territorial and prone to mutual agression, all losses after the second ecdysis were due to cannibalism. It thus became mandatory to continue rearing the remaining specimens individually, in separate enclosures. The males of this species reach maturity after the fourth ecdysis, when they attain ca. 35 mm. The females reach maturity after the fifth ecdysis and in captivity attain about the same size as in the wild, ca. 45 mm. For completeness it may be added that the young measure ca. 12 mm after the first ecdysis, ca. 18 mm after the second ecdysis, and ca. 25 mm after the third ecdysis.

Abstract. Two new species of Chaerilus are described. C. ojangureni sp. n. is most similar to C. laevimanus Pocock, 1899, from which it differs in the presence of keels on the dorsal surface of metasomal segments and in having trichobothrium d2 situated on the dorsal surface of the patella of pedipalps. C. sejnai sp. n. is 16 to 22 mm long, only slightly smaller than C. celebensis Pocock, 1894, C. petrzelkai Kovařík, 2000 and C. rectimanus Pocock, 1899. It is most similar to C. rectimanus from Malaysia, whose males however lack a pronounced internal tubercle on the patella of pedipalps. C. sejnai sp. n. was bred and raised by the author and data on its ontogeny are included in the account. Both males and females matured after the fourth ecdysis, which took place at the age of 11 months in the males and of 18 months in the females. The female allotype gave birth at the age of 28 months.

Abstract. Euscorpiops beccaloniae sp. n. from Myanmar, E. novaki sp. n. from Tibet, and Scorpiops demisi sp. n. from India are described and compared with other species of these and related genera. A key to the species of the Euscorpiopsis provided. In Euscorpiops beccaloniae sp. n. external trichobothria on the patella number 18 (5 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 4 est, 5 et) and ventral trichobothria on the patella number 12. Pedipalp fingers in the male are flexed, female is unknown. In E. novaki sp. n. external trichobothria on the patella number 19 (5 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 5 est, 5 et) and ventral trichobothria on the patella number 9. Pedipalp fingers in the male are flexed, female is unknown. In Scorpiops demisi sp. n. external trichobothria on the patella number 18 (5 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 4 est, 5 et) and ventral trichobothria on the patella number 14 and 15.

Abstract. Lectotypes are designated for Androctonus (Leiurus) leptopchelys Ehrenberg, 1829, Androctonus (Leiurus) thebanus Ehrenberg, 1828 and Androctonus (Leiurus) macrocentrus Ehrenberg, 1828. In recent papers the latter two species have been regarded as synonyms of Buthacus leptochelys, however its type series is composed of seven specimens that in reality belong to three species. The type series of Androctonus leptopchelys includes specimens belonging to Buthacus leptochelys and Buthacus spatzi (Birula, 1911), and the type series of Androctonus macrocentrus includes specimens belonging to Buthacus leptochelys and Buthacus tadmorensis (Simon, 1892). In order to preserve stability, I designate as the lectotype of A. leptochelys a specimen that does not cause changes in the taxonomic position of Buthacus leptochelys and its complex. Upon designation of the lectotype of A. macrocentrus (Fig. 8), it becomes a valid species Buthacus macrocentrus (Ehrenberg, 1828) stat. n. with the synonyms Buthus tadmorensis Simon, 1892, Buthus pietschmanni Penther, 1912 and Buthacus yotvatensis Levy, Amitai & Shulov, 1973. Buthacus mahraouii Lourenço, 2004 from Morocco is considered a nomen dubium because its description is confused and characters unclear, which precludes determination of whether it belongs to the Buthacus leptochelys complex or the Buthacus arenicola complex. Buthacus ehrenbergi sp. n. from Mauritania is described. This new species belongs in the Buthacus leptochelys complex and has tibial spurs moderate on legs IV and extremely reduced on legs III, which distinguishes it from the other two species of Buthacus known to occur in Mauritania. B. huberi Lourenço, 2001 has tibial spurs on legs III and IV reduced, and B. occidentalis Vachon, 1953 has them moderately well developed. Presented is also a key to species of the genus Buthacus.

Summary. We began our journey from the south, that is from the Sahara Desert, which has most of the 14 species of Tunisian scorpions. The typically desert scorpions are Buthacus leptochelys (Ehrenberg, 1829), B. spatzi (Birula, 1911), Buthiscus bicalcaratus Birula, 1905, Orthochirus innesi Simon, 1910 and Scorpio maurus Linné, 1758. Especially species of Buthacus and Buthiscus are physiologically and morphologically adapted to life in sand dunes, in which they move with ease on the surface as well as in the subsurface.

The Sahara realm also hosts Androctonus amoreuxi (Audouin, 1825), A. australis (Linné, 1758), A. bicolor Ehrenberg, 1828, A. crassicauda (Olivier, 1807) and Buthus occitanus (Amoreux, 1789) (whose subspecies occurring in Tunisia, B. o. paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) and B. o. tunetanus (Herbst, 1800), were recently upgraded to species), however these species extend farther north and especially the two most common, Buthus occitanus and Androctonus australis, strive in scrub-covered semi-desert areas such as e.g. the Bou-Hedma National Park established in 1936. In this park were able to observe also some reptiles, namely the gecko Stenodactylus sthenodactylus and the viper Echis cf. pyramidum. Herpetologists disagree on whether the Echis species occurring in Algeria and Tunisia is the west African E. leucogaster Roman, 1972 or the northeast African E. pyramidum (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1827). Whatever the assignment, this viper is most common in semi-arid rocky biotopes.

Traveling to the north of the country, we were stunned by the size and beauty of the Feidja Mountain Range covered by extensive oak forests. The scoprpions inhabiting this region are Buthus occitanus, Scorpio maurus, Euscorpius sicanus (C. L. Koch, 1837), E. italicus (Herbst, 1800) and E. flavicaudis (De Geer, 1778).

Abstract. The collection, excluding Euscorpiinae, consists of 1587 specimens of scorpions belonging to 10 families, 52 genera and 137 species conserved in the Zoology Section "La Specola" of the Florence University Natural History Museum. This checklist does not include specimens belonging to the genus Euscorpius (Euscorpiidae) because, although it contains the largest number of types described by Di Caporiacco (1950), this group is presently being revised by Victor Fet, Michael Soleglad, Benjamin Gantenbein and associates, who are re-evaluating the species-level taxonomy of this genus. It was thus deemed advisable to postpone a checklist of the Euscorpius in the "La Specola" collection until this re-evaluation has been completed. The collection contains the types of 21 species and subspecies, of which 8 are still valid, in an update of the list published in Bartolozzi et al. (1988). Prionurus bicolor longecarinatus Di Caporiacco, 1932 has been established as synonymous of Androctonus bicolor Ehrenberg, 1828 and the presence of Androctonus hoggarensis (Pallary, 1929) in Libya and Lychas scutilus in China are reported for the first time. The 10 families are arranged according to the order proposed by Soleglad & Fet (2003). Indicated for every taxon is the genus, species (and subspecies), author, year of description, sex, catalog number (in parenthesis), nation, locality, date and collector. Specimen data are given as they appear on the original labels, integrating them wherever necessary with further information in brackets. An additional label with the generic and species name, author and year of the original description, whether the specimen was determined or revised, and the reviser’s name and date (year) of the examination was placed with each examined specimen (except for some already well-labeled holotypes and paratypes). Regrettably, some types of Di Caporiacco and Borelli were not labeled as such and could be identified only by matching them with the information in the original descriptions. Only when the match was certain were such specimens labeled as types. The collection, the earliest specimens of which were collected in the 1860’s and the latest in 2002, was worked on by Pietro Pavesi (1844-1907) and then by the Italian arachnologists Alfredo Borelli (1857-1943) and Lodovico Di Caporiacco (1900-1951) The latter described a number of species chiefly from Africa but some also from South America. Di Caporiacco (1950) also published an important work on the infraspecific systematics of the genus Euscorpius and deposited most of the types in the "La Specola" Museum. Another important figure was Leo Pardi (1915-1990), an Italian biologist who did not work with scorpions but who organized several long-range research projects one of which was the biological exploration of Somalia, which resulted in undoubtedly one of the largest and most important collections of scorpions (440 specimens) from that country (see Kovařík, 1998, 2001 and 2003) The main areas of collection are shown in Table I.

Abstract. Buthus chambiensis sp. n. and Buthus dunlopi sp. n. from Tunisia are described. Presented is also a key to Tunisian species of the genus Buthus. The males of B. chambiensis sp. n. and B. paris (C. L. Koch, 1839) have narrower chela than the females, which distinguishes them from B. tunetanus (Herbst, 1800) and B. dunlopi sp. n.. Uniformly yellowish mesosoma and very narrow chela of pedipalps distinguish B. chambiensis sp. n. from Buthus paris (C. L. Koch, 1839). Morphologically closest to B. chambiensis sp. n. is Buthus barcaeus Birula, 1909 comb. n. from Libya, which has a different color pattern on mesosomal segments, more bulbous telson and more densely pubescent legs. B. dunlopi sp. n. has sexual dimorphism similar to B. tunetanus (Herbst, 1800), but is smaller and has narrower chela of pedipalps. Examination of the holotype results in revalidation of Buthus intumescens (Ehrenberg in Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1829) comb. n. with the synonyms Androctonus (Leiurus) tunetanus intermedius Ehrenberg in Hemprich & Ehrenberg, 1829 syn. n. and Buthus occitanus mardochei var. israelsis Shulov & Amitai, 1959 syn. n..

Breeding of the scorpion Lychas mucronatus. Lychas mucronatus (Fabricius, 1798) is as common as Liocheles australasiae, and these two species doubtless are the most common scorpions of southeast Asia. I first had an opportunity to breed L. mucronatus in 1992, when Mr. Hanzal brought several dozen specimens captured in the vicinity of Hanoi, Vietnam, and again in 2004 when I was able to obtain young from a female captured in southern China. Since this species lives in colonies, I kept 20 juveniles in the same enclosure (96 specimens were kept together in 1992) on moist lignocel substrate provided with several sheltered places to hide. The young brought up in 2004 measured 14 mm after the first, 20 mm after the second, 28 mm after the third, 30-37 mm after the fourth, and 40-45 mm after the fifth ecdysis. The young kept in 1992 all reached maturity after the fifth ecdysis. Of those kept in 2004 all males and most females reached maturity after the fifth ecdysis, but several females underwent sixth ecdysis and reached up to 55 mm. In 1992 the females first gave birth at the age of 203-250 days, whereas in 2004 the females that reached maturity after the fifth ecdysis first gave birth at the age of 250-266 days and one of the females that underwent sixth ecdysis first gave birth at the age of 298 days. The enclosed table presents data obtained from both groups and for comparison also from L.scutilus, and shows that there was no difference in development between the two populations of L. mucronatus.

A rare scorpion Hormiops davidovi Fage, 1933 in captivity. Hormiops davidovi Fage, 1933 was long known only from specimens discovered in 1930-1932 by M. C. Dawydoff in the Poulo-Condore Island (South Vietnam). In 1980s Czech entomologists and arachnologists began to explore the Tioman Island (which belongs to Malaysia) and discovered Hormiops davidovi also in there. First voucher specimens were collected in late February 1988 by S. Beèvář and V. Tichý (Kovařík, 2000), and additional, this time live specimens were brought in 2001 and 2004 by V. Šejna, who supplied me with several juveniles from two broods. It enabled me to breed this species and to study its ontogeny.

The young were at first kept together, but cannibalism during ecdysis eventually forced me to separate them (after the second ecdysis). Comparison of numbers in the enclosed table with data on ontogeny of forest species belonging to the family Buthidae reveals two significant disparities, about twice the amount of time needed to reach maturity and vast differences in the rate of individual development. Although all specimens were kept at the same temperature, humidity and feeding regime, females underwent the fifth ecdysis (which, together with the sixth ecdysis, may be regarded as reaching adulthood) at ages ranging from 274 to 738 days. Whereas the second ecdysis took place in a relatively narrow age span (28th to 48th day), the period between the third and fourth ecdyses varied from 26th to 172nd day of age, and that between the fourth and fifth ecdyses from 111th to 485th day of age. The only instance of sixth ecdysis followed 92 days after the fifth ecdysis. I have similar experiences with developmental rates in laboratory breeding of several species of Opisthacanthus, Iomachus politus and gonochorous species of Liocheles, and believe they will prove applicable also to most species of the family Hemiscorpiidae. It must be emphasized, however, that conditions in captivity cannot duplicate those in the wild and are probably far from ideal for the said representatives of the family Hemiscorpiidae, as is suggested by relatively high mortality rates, especially during ecdysis.

Ananteris terueli sp. n. from Bolivia. Diagnosis. Adult males 19-22 mm long, adult females 29-32 mm long. Entire body, legs and pedipalps blotched, telson red to reddish brown, manus pale yellow, fingers black. Chelicerae mostly yellow to yellowish brown, only tips reticulated in black. Pectinal teeth number 14-17. Movable finger with seven rows of granules (including short apical row) which include external and internal granules, but seventh row without external and internal granules. First and second metasomal segments with 10 carinae; on third and fourth segments carinae not as well developed, ventral and lateral carinae may be absent; fifth segment with only two dorsal carinae clearly demarcated. Chela and patella of pedipalp smooth and without carinae, internal face of patella with six or seven spiniform granules. Affinities.The described features distinguish A. terueli sp. n. from all other species of the genus. The combination of a pale yellow manus with dark fingers distinguishes A. terueli sp. n. from the other two species recorded for Bolivia (A. balzani Thorell, 1891 and A. charlescorfieldi Lourenço, 2001) as well as from other Ananteris species known to inhabit more southern parts of the distributional area, namely the Brazilian A. mariaterezae Lourenço, 1982 and A. evellynae Lourenço, 2004. All the species that can be said to occur in not too distant areas have yellow fingers and dark or blotched manus of pedipalp.

Abstract. Simonoides Vachon et Farzanpay, 1987 is synonymized with Orthochirus Karsch, 1892. Lectotype is designated for Simonoides farzanpayi Vachon et Farzanpay, 1987. Orthochirus sobotniki Kovařík, 2004 is synonymized with Orthochirus farzanpayi (Vachon et Farzanpay, 1987), comb. n. Orthochirus gruberi, sp. n. (Iran) is described and distinguished from all other Iranian species of the genus on a combination of two characters, the presence of rows of granules with internal and external granules on the movable fingers of pedipalps and hirsuteness of the entire metasoma and telson.

Abstract. Sassanidothus Farzanpay, 1987 is a valid genus closely related to Compsobuthus Vachon, 1949, with which it shares most characters including the shape of carinae on the carapace and mesosoma. The main difference is that Sassanidothus has only three proximal to terminal granules on the movable finger of pedipalp, whereas Compsobuthus and also Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950 have four proximal to terminal granules. Sassanidothus Farzanpay, 1987 includes two species, S. zarudnyi (Birula, 1900) from Iran and S. gracilis (Birula, 1900) comb. n. from Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, whose synonym is Buthus zarudnyi sarghadensis Birula, 1903 syn. n.

Breeding of the scorpion Opisthacanthus validus Thorell, 1876. Specimens of Opisthacanthus validus Thorell, 1876 that I had an opportunity to breed were collected from under various articles at forest edges. Three females of O. validus kept in the same enclosure gave birth to 35, 43 and 52 young, which underwent the first ecdysis on their mothers‘ backs after seven days. The females were collected in the Republic of South Africa during December and the larvae were born between the 6th and 13 of February. Th riskiest period came between the first and second ecdyses, when about 20% of the young perished. In contrast, mortality between subsequent ecdyses was rather exceptional. The second ecdysis followed 74 to 156 days after birth (dab), a span whose length surprised me. The third ecdysis followed 140 to 225 dab, the fourth 209 to 291 dab, the fifth 260 to 348 dab and the sixth 332 to 480 dab. After the sixth ecdysis all males reached sexual maturity and copulated with females of the same age. However, to reach sexual maturity, the females had to undergo seventh ecdysis, which I observed in only two females 509 and 544 old. The first female died at the age of 1481 days and the second at the age of 1520 dnù, i.e. four years and two months. Each female gave birth twice during her lifespan.

The enclosed table allows to compare data on ontogeny of O. validus with those of other scorpions belonging to various families. The females of O. validus lived longer than other commonly bred forest species of the family Buthidae, but markedly shorter than species of the families Diplocentridae a Scorpionidae, which I currently breed. The oldest surviving specimen I have is Heterometrus indus (Geer, 1778) collected by Mr. Senft in Sri Lanka in April 1994, which underwent the last ecdysis to reach maturity on 23 March 1996, i.e. more than 10 years ago.

The scorpion Odonturus dentatus in captivity. The genus Odonturus was created for a single species, Odonturus dentatus Karsch, 1879, which is relatively common in Kenya, Tanzania and is known to occur also in southern Somalia. The enclosed table contains data on the development of captive specimens as well as information on subsequent births and longevity of several individuals. The table shows that both males and females reach adulthood after the fourth or even fifth ecdysis, females give birth twice or three times (I believe in the wild the number of clutches may be even higher) and live for nearly three years. For comparison I may add that captive Babycurus jacksoni have a similar life span but up to five clutches of young, and for instance a female of Tityus kaderkai may give birth even six times. Adult specimens of O. dentatus captured in the wild are 50 to 80 mm long. Specimens born in captivity measured ca. 20 mm after the first ecdysis, ca. 30 mm after the second, ca. 45 mm after the third, 55 to 65 mm after the fourth, and 68 mm (male) and 80 mm (female) after the fifth ecdysis. Therefore, it can be concluded that in captivity this species reaches the same size as in the wild, regardless of the rate of growth which may be to some extent accelerated by increasing temperature.

Abstract. Tityus (Archaeotityus) mraceki sp. n. from Colombia is described. It differs from other species of the subgenus Archaeotityus by unique sexual dimorphism expressed in the male having a longer metasoma and a narrower chela of the pedipalp. The synonymization of T. meridanus González–Sponga, 1981 with T. nematochirus Mello–Leitão, 1941 is based on morphological and color variation present in a single litter consisting of 33 individuals.

Abstract.Two new species of Compsobuthus from the werneri group are described and a key for all Asian species of the genus is provided. C. afghanus sp. n. is characterized chiefly by the combination of numerous rows of granules on the on movable finger of pedipalp (14 rows) and a high number of pectinal teeth (29-31). C. pakistanus sp. n. is most similar to C. plutenkoi Kovařík, 2003 from Iran, from which it differs in having internal granules at all rows on the movable finger of pedipalp and 18-19 pectinal teeth.

Abstract. A new species, Thaicharmus lowei sp. n., is described from India. This is the second described species of Thaicharmus, a genus previously known only from Thailand. The genus, a member of the "Charmus" group of the superfamily Buthoidea, is compared to the other genera in its group. The taxonomic placement of the "Charmus" group is discussed in connection with the overall phylogeny of the superfamily Buthoidea.

Abstract. The genus Hottentotta is revised and a key to the species is provided. Subgenera Balfourianus Vachon, 1979 and Deccanobuthus Lourenço, 2000 are synonymized with the subgenus Hottentotta Birula, 1908. Four new species of Hottentotta are described: H. finneganae sp. n. from Pakistan, H. jabalpurensis sp. n. from India (Madhya Pradesh), H. jalalabadensis sp. n. from Afghanistan, and H. stockwelli sp. n. from India (Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra). The following species and subspecies are synonymized: Buthotus alticola kabulensis (Vachon, 1959) with H. buchariensis (Birula, 1897) comb. n.; Hottentotta caboverdensis Lourenço & Ythier, 2006 with H. hottentotta (Fabricius, 1787); H. acostai Lourenço, 2004 with H. minax (L. Koch, 1875); H. (Deccanobuthus) geffardi Lourenço, 2000 with H. pachyurus (Pocock, 1897); Buthus hendersoni Pocock, 1900 with H. rugiscutis (Pocock, 1897); Buthus tamulus concanensis Pocock, 1900, Buthus tamulus gangeticus Pocock, 1900, Buthus tamulus gujaratensis Pocock, 1900 and Buthus tamulus sindicus Pocock, 1900 with H. tamulus (Fabricius, 1798). H. buchariensis (Birula, 1897) comb. n., H. gentili (Pallary, 1924) comb. n., H. penjabensis (Birula, 1897) comb. n., and H. salei (Vachon, 1980) comb. n. are recognized as valid species. Lectotypes are designated for Buthus alticola buchariensis Birula, 1897; Buthus (Hottentotta) franzwerneri Birula, 1914; Buthus hendersoni Pocock, 1900; Buthus jayakari Pocock, 1895; Buthus pachyurus Pocock, 1897; Buthus rugiscutis Pocock, 1897; Androctonus (Prionurus) scaber Ehrenberg, 1828; Buthus tamulus concanensis Pocock, 1900; Buthus tamulus gangeticus Pocock, 1900; Buthus tamulus gujaratensis Pocock, 1900; and Buthus tamulus sindicus Pocock, 1900. Neotypes are designated for Scorpio hottentotta Fabricius, 1787 and Scorpio tamulus Fabricius, 1798. H. buchariensis (Birula, 1897) comb. n. is for the first time recorded from Pakistan, and H. salei (Vachon, 1980) comb. n. from the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Buthus syrticus Borelli, 1914 from Libya is considered a nomen dubium.

Abstract. Leiurus nasheri sp. nov. is described and compared with other species of the genus. The base colour is yellowish grey with black spots. Trichobothrium db on the fixed finger of pedipalp is located between trichobothria est and esb (other species of the genus have db located between est and et). The first and second tarsomeres bear long paired ventral setae (in other species of the genus the tarsomeres bear paired ventral spines, which are usually short).

Abstract. Collections made by a team of Shahrokh Navidpour (Razi Reference Laboratory of Scorpion Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Khoozestan, Iran) include 17 of the 19 species known to inhabit Khoozestan Province, and form the basis of this paper. Among them are two new species (Hottentotta khoozestanus sp. n. and Vachoniolus iranus sp. n.), Compsobuthus jakesi Kovařík, 2003 previously known only from Iraq, and five species representing first records for the province: Buthacus macrocentrus (Ehrenberg, 1828); Odontobuthus bidentatus Lourenço & Pézier, 2002; Orthochirus farzanpayi (Vachon et Farzanpay, 1987); Orthochirus stockwelli (Lourenço et Vachon, 1995) comb. n.; and Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900). In contrast, Orthochirus zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004, as described from Khoozestan, stands corrected to Boyerahmad-va-Kuhgiluyeh, Esfahan, Fars, Kerman, and Yazd Provinces. Occurrences of Hottentotta schach (Birula, 1905) and Compsobuthus garyi Lourenço et Vachon, 2001 could not be verified for Khoozestan, but are nevertheless included, and the uncertain taxonomic position of the latter is discussed. A large collection of Orthochirus iranus Kovařík, 2004 allowed the study of intraspecific variation and resulted in the observation that trichobothrium d2 on the dorsal surface of pedipalp femur may be fully developed, reduced, or absent. Since the presence or absence of trichobothrium d2 is the only character separating Orthochirus Karsch, 1892 from Paraorthochirus Lourenço et Vachon, 1995, it follows that Paraorthochirus is a synonym of Orthochirus, syn. n. Also presented is a key to all species of scorpions found in the province.

Abstract. The Bushehr Province of Iran contains the type localities of three scorpion taxa, Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889), Orthochirus iranus Kovařík, 2004, and Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900). Apart from them, Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), Odontobuthus bidentatus Lourenço & Pézier, 2002, Razianus zarudnyi (Birula, 1903), and Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1862 have also been known to occur in the province. Collections made by a team under Shahrokh Navidpour (Razi Reference Laboratory of Scorpion Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Khoozestan, Iran) reveal four additional species recorded from the province for the first time: Buthacus macrocentrus (Ehrenberg, 1828), Compsobuthus jakesi Kovařík, 2003, Orthochirus farzanpayi (Vachon & Farzanpay, 1987), and Orthochirus stockwelli (Lourenço et Vachon, 1995). In addition, Compsobuthus persicus sp. n. is described as a species new to science, bringing the total species count to 14. A key to all species of scorpions found in Bushehr Province is presented.

AbstractSeven species of scorpions belonging to three families have been previously recorded from the Ilam Province: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889), Razianus zarudnyi (Birula, 1903), Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900), and Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1862. Collections made by a team organized by Shahrokh Navidpour (Razi Reference Laboratory of Scorpion Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Khoozestan, Iran) reveal seven other species recorded from the province for the first time: Apistobuthus susanae Lourenço, 1998, Buthacus macrocentrus (Ehrenberg, 1828), Compsobuthus jakesi Kovařík, 2003, Odontobuthus bidentatus Lourenço et Pézier, 2002, Orthochirus iranus Kovařík, 2004, Polisius persicus Fet, Capes & Sissom, 2001, and Vachoniolus iranus Navidpour, Kovařík, Soleglad et Fet, 2008. Also presented is a key to all species of scorpions found in the province.

Abstract. According to previous surveys, only Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889), Orthochirus zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004, and Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1862 have been recorded from Kohgilouyeh & Boyer Ahmad Province. Collections made by a team under Shahrokh Navidpour (Razi Reference Laboratory of Scorpion Research, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Ahvaz, Khoozestan, Iran) reveal eight other species belonging to two families recorded from the province for the first time: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), Hottentotta zagrosensis Kovařík, 1997, Odontobuthus bidentatus Lourenço et Pézier, 2002, Orthochirus iranus Kovařík, 2004, Razianus zarudnyi (Birula, 1903), and Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900). Also presented is a key to all species of scorpions found in the province.

Abstract. Comparison of the topotype of Chaerilus chapmani Vachon & Lourenço, 1985 from Sarawak (Malaysia) with specimens from the Palawan Island (Philippines) confirms the existence of two separate populations of this species.

Abstract. Diagnostic morphological differences to distinguish between two scorpion species, Tityus ythieri Lourenço, 2007 and T. magnimanus Pocock, 1897 do not exist; moreover, the two easily hybridize to produce fertile offspring. Therefore, we suggest that T. ythieri is a synonym of T. magnimanus. This conclusion is further supported by (1) very similar distribution of relative sizes of chromosome bivalents in both species, (2) regular pairing of homologous chromosomes in meiosis of their hybrids, and (3) identical sequences of mitochondrial DNA (COI) markers.

Abstract. Ten species of scorpions belonging to three families are reported from the montane Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiyari Province of Iran. Of these, only Razianus zarudnyi (Birula, 1903) was formerly reported for this province, while nine species are reported for the first time: Androctonus crassicauda (Olivier, 1807), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (Birula, 1905), Hottentotta saulcyi (Simon, 1880), Hottentotta zagrosensis Kovařík, 1997, Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889), Odontobuthus doriae (Thorell, 1876), Orthochirus zagrosensis Kovařík, 2004, Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861, and Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900). Also presented is a key to all species of scorpions found in the Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiyari Province.

Abstract. The type species of the genus is Lychas scutilus C. L. Koch, 1845 from southeast Asia. The female reaches 45-56 mm and the male up to 90 mm. I kept only five young of L. scutilus, which underwent the second ecdysis 30-40 days after birth and subsequently three of them perished. The remaining two young underwent the third ecdysis at the age of 68 and 74 days, and the fourth ecdysis at the age of 88 and 104 days. Coincidentally, they happened to be a male and a female. The male underwent the final, fifth ecdysis at the age of 135 days, and the female at the age of 141 days. I left the pair together, and the female had a brood at the age of 261 days.

So far the last species of Lychas that I had an opportunity to breed is L. tricarinatus (Simon, 1884). The specimens were from an Indian population (Tamil Nadu, Anaimalai). I bred them three times and kept several specimens until their natural death in order to record the number of broods and longevity. For comparison, I present two tables. One shows that in the three species of Lychas kept captive the time needed to reach maturity and the length of first pregnancy are nearly identical. The second table shows that the females of L. tricarinatus had two or three broods and died at the age of approximately one year. The highest documented age was 470 days for a female and 635 for a male. Some females became mature after the fourth and some others after the fifth ecdysis, whereas males became mature either after the third or the fourth ecdysis. It is worth noting that only the captive females that underwent the fifth ecdysis gave birth, and in contrast those that reached maturity after the fourth ecdysis reached the highest age. However, since the observation concerns only a small number of individuals from a single population, it should not be taken as necessarily valid for the species as a whole.

Abstract. A unique orthobothriotaxic pattern of family Iuridae is examined and illustrated. Significant positional differences in this pattern between two monotypic iurid genera, Calchas and Iurus, are presented. With the analysis of over 100 specimens of genus Iurus, representing many localities in Greece and Turkey, several unique occurrences of neobothriotaxy involving both the chela and patella are discussed and illustrated, representing the first report of neobothriotaxy in family Iuridae.

Abstract. The relict, phylogenetically important scorpion genus Calchas Birula, 1899 (Iuridae) remained monotypic since its description. Its sole species, Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899, was known only from northeastern Turkey until Kinzelbach (1980) published first records from southern and southeastern Turkey. A few more localities have been reported from Turkey; the species was also found on two Greek islands, Samos and Megisti. We analyzed significant material (63 specimens, including a previously unpublished series from Naturhistorisches Museum Wien), and concluded that three distinct, disjunct species exist rather than one widespread species as previously thought. Two new species are described: Calchas birulai sp. nov. (southeastern Turkey; 30 specimens studied) and Calchas gruberi sp. nov. (southern Turkey; Megisti Island and Samos Island, Greece; 23 specimens studied). The type species Calchas nordmanni Birula, 1899 (10 specimens studied) is restricted to northeastern Turkey.

Abstract. Three new species of the genus Scorpiops with 17 external trichobothria on the patella and total length of 50–72 mm are described from Pakistan and compared with other species of the genus. A key to the species of the genus is provided. In S. pakistanus sp. n. ventral trichobothria on the patella number 9–10, manus of tibia is wide and short, and pectinal teeth number 6–8. In S. pseudomontanus sp. n. ventral trichobothria on the patella number 14–18, manus of tibia is narrow and long, and pectinal teeth number 6–9. In S. zubairahmedi sp. n. ventral trichobothria on the patella number 7, manus of tibia is very narrow and long, and pectinal teeth number 6.

Abstract. This revision is based on a comprehensive analysis of largely new, very extensive material encompassing 341 specimens (58 from Greece and 283 from Turkey). The type species Iurus dufoureius (Brullé, 1832) is restricted to Greece. Iurus asiaticus Birula, 1903 is confirmed as a good species, limited to eastern Anatolia. Most widespread in southern Turkey is another species, Iurus kraepelini von Ubisch, 1922, which is here restored from synonymy. We also describe two new species from Turkey: Iurus kadleci, sp. nov. from Antalya and Mersin Provinces (sympatric with I. kraepelini), and Iurus kinzelbachi, sp. nov. from İzmir and Aydın Provinces; therefore, fauna of Turkey includes four species of Iurus. Neotypes of I. dufoureius and I. kraepelini, and lectotype and paralectotypes of I. asiaticus are designated. Status of Iurus populations from the eastern Aegean islands (Greece: Karpathos, Kasos, Rhodes, Samos, Saria, Fourni) remains to be determined. A map of Iurus distribution is presented, based on 198 localities (79 in Greece and 119 in Turkey).

Abstract. The true identity of Centruroides subgranosus (Kraepelin, 1898) is established based on the examination of the type series. A lectotype and paralectotype are designated. A taxonomic discussion on C. vittatus (Say, 1821) and C. suffusus Pocock, 1902 is provided.

Abstract. Ten species of scorpions belonging to three families are reported from the Lorestan Province of Iran. Of these, five species are recorded from the province for the first time: Hottentotta zagrosensis Kovařík, 1997, Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889), Orthochirus iranus Kovařík, 2004, Razianus zarudnyi (Birula, 1903), and Scorpio maurus townsendi (Pocock, 1900). Hottentotta lorestanus sp. n. can be easily distinguished from the other four species of the genus known from Iran by its coloration; it is the only Iranian species which has the entire pedipalps yellow and the metasomal segments I to IV greenish gray. Also presented is a key to all species of scorpions found in the province.