A Comparative Morphometric Study on Odontobuthus bidentatus and Odontobuthus doriae (Scorpionida: Buthidae) in Iran

Scorpions are one of the most venomous animals which cause serious public health problems. The sting of scorpions can sometimes be fatal depending on the scorpion species involved. So far, sixty-six (66) scorpion species have been identified in Iran. Annually, about 40-50000 cases of scorpionism are reported in Iran. Odontobuthus doriae and O. bidentatus are among the most medically important scorpion species in Iran, and they are very similar to each other in coloration, carination, and trichobotrial patterns. This morphometric study aimed to compare some of the important morphological characteristics in order to identify the key differences between these two species. A total of 45 morphological characters were measured using calipers and stereomicroscope, and 55 morphological characters and ratios (relative of length to width ratio of morphological characters of scorpions) were analyzed. The independent sample t-test in SPSS software (version 24) was used for the statistical analyses in this study. The mean total length, carapace width, length of fixed and moveable fingers, and chelicerae length of O. doriae were greater than those of O. bidentatus in our study area. The morphological measurements displayed a clear distinction between O. doriae and O. bidentatus in our study area; therefore, they can be used as morphological identification keys for distinguishing between these two species.