New paper on Mesobuthus eupeus in Turkey

The highly polymorphic buthid Mesobuthus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) is a very wide-ranging species in the the Palearctic being found from Turkey to China. It is probable that this species is a species complex hiding several species, but extensive dna-analysis are necessary to be able to investigate this.

Frantisek Kovarik and co-workers have done a thorough analysis of appr. 2000 specimens of the subspecies of Mesobuthus eupeus in Turkey. They conclude that there are two allopatric subspecies of M. eupeus in Turkey.

Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839)
M. euepus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889)

The subspecies Buthus (=Mesobuthus) eupeus philippovitschi Birula, 1905 is synonymized with Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) and Buthus (=Mesobuthus) euepus mesopotamicus Penther, 1912 is synonymized with M. euepus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889).

An identification key for the Mesobuthus of Turkey is provided.

Abstract:
Examination of 268 specimens of Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) and 1765 specimens of M. eupeus phillipsii (Pocock, 1889) from 163 localities, 92 of them in Turkey, has enabled us to establish distribution of the two subspecies and limits of their ranges in southeastern Turkey. A map of distribution of these subspecies in Turkey and a key to Turkish Mesobuthus species and subspecies are provided. Buthus eupeus philippovitschi Birula, 1905 is synonymized with Mesobuthus eupeus eupeus, and Buthus eupaeus mesopotamicus Penther, 1912 is synonymized with Mesobuthus eupeus phillipsii.

Reference:
Kovarik F, Yagmur EA, Fet V, Navidpour S. On two subspecies of Mesobuthus eupeus (C. L. Koch, 1839) in Turkey (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Euscorpius. 2011(109):1-15. [Free fulltext]

Thanks to Ersen Yagmur for sending me this paper!

Family Buthidae