Scorpions of Jordan

A total of 18 species and subspecies representing 10 genera within two families (Buthidae and Diplocentridae) have been recorded in Jordan (Vachon, 1966; Levy et al., 1973; Kinzelbach, 1984; Amr et al., 1988; Amr and El-Oran, 1994; Stathi and Mylonas, 2001; Lourenço et al., 2002 and 2010, Kovařík, 2003 and 2012; Kovařík and Whitman, 2004).

Family Buthidae includes eight genera (Androctonus, Birulatus, Buthacus, Buthus, Compsobuthus, Hottentotta, Leiurus, and Orthochirus) and 15 species and subspecies. Scorpionidae are represented by a two genera (Nebo and Scorpio) with three species and subspecies

Key for the scorpions in Jordan

The present key is based on several keys with addition of descriptions of newly described species from Jordan (Levy and Amitai, 1980; Amr et al., 1988; El-Hennawy, 1988; Amr and El-Oran, 1994; Lourenço et al., 2002 and 2010; Kovařík, 2012).

1.a Sternum triangular (Fig. 1A)

1.b. Sternum pentagonal (Fig. 1B)

2.a. Telson lacks subaculear tubercle (Fig. 2A)

2.b. Telson equipped with a subaculear tubercle (Fig. 2B)

3. a. Anterior tergal crests of mesosoma distinct (Fig. 3A)

3.b. Anterior tergal crests of mesosoma not distinct or absent (Fig. 3B)

4.a. Tergal crests of mesosoma projecting beyond the posterior margins (Fig. 4A left)

4.b. Tergal crests of mesosoma not projecting beyond the posterior margins (Fig. 4B right)

5. a. Sole of tarsi with spines (Fig. 5A)

5.b . Sole of tarsi with hairs and bristles (Fig. 5B)

6.a. Metasoma with several rows of small depressions (Fig. 6A)

6.b Metasoma without several rows of small depressions (Fig. 6B)