# Molecules, Morphometrics and Modeling of the Medically Important Genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in Iran Reveal New Species from Kerman

## TL;DR

Researchers in Iran discovered a new scorpion species, Hemiscorpius aratta, using DNA, physical traits, and environmental data, highlighting the region's biodiversity and public health importance.

## Contribution

The discovery of a new Hemiscorpius species and the integration of morphological, molecular, and ecological data to clarify taxonomy and distribution.

## Key findings

- A new Hemiscorpius species, Hemiscorpius aratta sp. n., was identified in southern Iran.
- Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed distinct species and revealed intraspecific variation.
- Environmental factors like temperature and rainfall strongly influence Hemiscorpius distribution.

## Abstract

Eight species of the dangerous scorpion genus Hemiscorpius have been identified in Iran, three of which are responsible for most of the severe cases of envenomation. Due to their marked morphological similarity, accurately distinguishing between these species is difficult. In the present study, researchers examined the morphological traits, DNA sequences, and habitat models of Hemiscorpius species in southern Iran. The results revealed clear differences among the species and led to the discovery of a new one named Hemiscorpius aratta sp. n. Southern Iran, especially the coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, was identified as a hotspot for these scorpions. Mountain ranges such as the Zagros, Makkoran, and Jebal Barez have contributed to the isolation and formation of new species. Temperature and rainfall were found to be the main environmental factors influencing their distribution. Species with specialized habitat requirements are more vulnerable to environmental changes.

Eight species of the medically important scorpion genus Hemiscorpius Peters, 1861 have been reported in Iran, three of which are responsible for most of the severe clinical cases of envenomation. However, morphological similarity complicates species delimitation in this genus, hindering the identification of species implicated in envenomations. The present study integrates morphology, DNA sequences, and ecological niche modeling to clarify the taxonomy and distribution of Hemiscorpius in southern Iran, providing taxonomic insights relevant to public health and biodiversity conservation. Morphometric analyses were performed to evaluate size and shape differences; molecular phylogenetic analyses were conducted on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I gene; and species distribution models, based on occurrence records and bioclimatic variables, were developed. Morphometric analyses revealed significant interspecific differences and sexual dimorphism. A new species was identified and described as Hemiscorpius aratta sp. n. Molecular phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distinctiveness of the new species and revealed intraspecific variation in the type species, Hemiscorpius lepturus Peters, 1861, suggesting possible cryptic diversity. Southern Iran, particularly the coastline of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, represents a diversity hotspot for Hemiscorpius. Topographical barriers such as the Jebal Barez, Makkoran, and Zagros Mountain ranges promoted isolation and speciation, leading to high levels of endemism in the genus. Ecological niche models revealed that the distributions of Hemiscorpius species are strongly influenced by temperature and precipitation. Coastal species are restricted to thermally stable maritime habitats, whereas semi-arid species occupy regions with higher temperature seasonality. Range-restricted species are habitat specialists, vulnerable to environmental change. This study reinforces the importance of integrating morphological, molecular, and ecological data for resolving taxonomic ambiguity.