Review of Tunisian species of the genus Buthus with descriptions of two new species and a discussion of Ehrenberg’s types (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract

Buthus chambiensis, sp. n. and Buthus dunlopi, sp. n. from Tunisia are described. Presented is also a key to four 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. israelis Shulov & Amitai, 1959, syn. n..