Molecular study of Hemiscorpius Peters (Scorpiones: Hemiscorpiidae) in Hormozgan province, South of Iran

Résumé fourni par la source

Background: Three species of Hemiscorpius reported from Hormozgan province for which the available antivenoms do not have the proper effect for treating patients, so it was necessary to do an exact identification of the existing species, as the first step to manage the treatment procedures. Objective: Considering the morphological similarity of the species, the aim of this research is the molecular study of the samples to accurately identify the species. Methods: Hemiscorpius specimens were collected from various locations of Hormozgan province in 2021 to 2023. Cytochrome oxidase I gene was amplified and sequenced. Four sequences obtained from Hemiscorpius specimens collected from Hormozgan province and three sequences from NCBI were analyzed. Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees constructed and discussed. Result: Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees showed similar results. Hemiscorpius acanthocercus placed at the base of the tree as an older species. Hemiscorpius enischnochela is placed next to H. lepturus as the newest species at the tip of the tree. The results confirmed the validity of three species, H. acanthocercus, H. enischnochela and H. lepturus. Hemiscorpius lepturus is placed as a sister group of H. enischnochela, while H. lepturus morphologically is similar to H. acanthocercus. Conclusions: Molecular data from COI gene confirmed the validity of three independent species consisting: H. acanthocercus, H. enischnochela and H. lepturus. Hemiscorpius acanthocercus and H. lepturus are known having dangerous venom for humans and there are reports of death due to their stings. Considering the importance of the members of this genus from the medical point of view, it is necessary to examine all the species of this genus.

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