Distribution of endemic relict groups of Saharan scorpions, with the description of new genus and species from Mauritania

C R Biol. 2007 Jan;330(1):80-5. doi: 10.1016/j.crvi.2006.09.005. Epub 2006 Oct 18.

Abstract

A new genus and species of Saharan buthid scorpion is described on the basis of a single specimen collected in the desert of Mauritania. This new scorpion taxon represents yet another endemic relict in the Saharan fauna. Comments are also included on the evolution of the Sahara desert and the possible consequences of this on the distribution of the extant scorpion fauna.

MeSH terms

  • Africa, Northern
  • Animals
  • Geography
  • Mauritania
  • Scorpions / anatomy & histology
  • Scorpions / classification*
  • Scorpions / genetics*