Checklist and review of the scorpion fauna of Iraq (Arachnida: Scorpiones)
Hamid Saeid Kachel, Azhar Mohammed Al-Khazali, Fenik Sherzad Hussen, Ersen Aydın Yağmur
Abstract
The scorpion fauna of Iraq is one of the least known in the Middle East. The fauna and geographical distribution of scorpions in Iraq have not been comprehensively investigated. Based on available data from the literature, it appears that several independent researchers collected specimens from various provinces of Iraq. The records of some of the identified scorpion species and their distribution are dubious and unclear, which requires further verifications. In addition, their taxonomy may need to be adjusted based on current systematic revisions. For instance, taxonomy of members of the genera Androctonus, Compsobuthus, Mesobuthus and Orthochirus still presents the main challenge despite the efforts of many researchers. The aim of this work is to review the literature on the research history of the Iraqi scorpions and provide an updated checklist for the scorpion fauna of Iraq and their geographical distribution.