New Species of Scorpion Discovered in Lycia

Scientists have recently unearthed a new species of scorpion known as Euscorpius lycius and it's coming from an area of ancient Lycia or what's nowadays referred to as regions of Mugla and Antalya Provinces of Southern Turkey. This incredible discovery from this genus shows the total of five known species in the scorpion group.

"Euscorpius is a genus of scorpions, commonly called small wood-scorpions. As their name suggest these scorpions don't impress with a large size, the biggest representative being around 5 cm long," notes the a press release regarding the study. "The group is widespread in North Africa and across Europe.Euscorpius scorpions are relatively harmless, with poison that has effects similar to a mosquito bite."

This new species is named after the historical region of Ancient Lycia that's referenced in Egyptian and Ancient Greek myths. As mystical history writes via the region of the new species, it's rather secretive and can be found in hidden areas of pine forests, crawling on rocks or sitting on stone garden rolls. It may also be found in cool humid areas where moss is located.

This creature is relatively small, reaching a size between two and two and a half centimeters at a brown reddish color with pedipalps, or claws, usually darker than the rest of the body.

"A total of 26 specimens belonging to the new species were collected from Antalya and Muğla Province, in the south-west of Turkey." explains Dr. Yağmur, the lead author of the study, via the release. Further studies are in progress to understand the quantity and distribution of the different species and populations of the genus Euscorpius in Turkey and their relationship with the Greek populations."

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal ZooKeys.