While people who fear scorpions will not be pleased to know that they have to worry about another arachnid, science has expanded its list with the discovery of Euscorpius lycius, a new scorpion species found in the ancient region of Lycia in Turkey. The new small-wood scorpion can be found in the provinces of Antalya and Muğla in the modern day map.
The E. lycius is about two to 2.25 centimeters in length with the adult sporting a pale brown or reddish body with its claws having a darker shade. Scientists who discovered the new scorpion published their study in the journal "Zookeys."
According to the study, the bite of the new scorpion would feel like a bite of a mosquito. The poison is also not lethal and will just trigger the same signs and symptoms as mosquito bites.
"A total of 26 specimens belonging to the new species were collected from Antalya and Muğla Province, in the south-west of Turkey. 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," said lead author Dr. Ersen Yağmur in a press statement.
According to the experts, the scorpions belonging to the genus of Euscorpius are found in Europe and parts of North Africa. The biggest samples collected are only about five centimeters long.
The Euscorpia lycius can be found in the forests of Southwestern Turkey, usually trying to blend with the pine forest, hiding in cracks, or sitting on rocks. It prefers cool or humid conditions such as places with moss-covered rocks are abundant.
"Like the mystical history of the region the new species is rather secretive and can be found mainly in pine at night," the proponents described.
WIth the new discovery, the Euscorpia genus now has five known species of scorpions in Turkey. The other four are E. italicus, E. mingrelicus, E. avcii, and E. rahsenae.
The proponents pointed to the diversification and the distribution of the scorpions in the region. They are also looking into the relationship of the scorpions found in Turkey to populations of scorpions found in Greece.
