Species identification and geographic distribution of scorpions in Jask town county, Hormozgan province

Introduction: Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpionida) are the main causative agents of envenomation and deaths among venomous animals in Iran. The present study was aimed to identify the fauna and geographic distribution of scorpions in Jask town of Hormozgan province. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during 2008-10 in the mountainous and low land areas of Jask town county, south eastern Iran. Scorpions were caught by hand catch and UV black lights in a random cluster sampling method. Specimens were transferred to the entomology lab in the separate containers in 70% Ethanol. Species were morphologically identified using Iran scorpions’ identification key. Results: Totally, 215 specimens were caught including 90 (41.86%) male and 125 (58.14%) female. Six species were identified from two families (Buthidae and Liochelidae), among which, Mesobuthus eupeus was the dominant species by 53.93%. The Hemiscorpius lepturus (Local name is Gaadim) was the second more dominant species (25.58%). Habibiella persicus is reported for the first time in Hormozgan province. Conclusion: Scorpions are active in this part of the country in high abundance and rich fauna. The most dangerous species of Iran, H. lepturus and Androctonus crassicauda are also active in all parts of Jask town country. The scorpion fauna in mountainous regions was reacher than low lands