![]() ![]() Scorpion diversity in Mexico, with 281 species described (until October 2015), represents more than 12% of the worldwide diversity ( Table 1). Several authors have summarized the diversity of scorpions in Mexico (for previous works before 1970 of Mexican scorpions refer to ). The remarkable scorpion diversity of Mexico has been recognized for more than 30 years. However, recent phylogenetic and phylogenomic approaches to reveal species evolutionary history are contrasting with the morphological phylogenetic indications. Therefore, several taxonomic revisions on different scorpions’ genera are more common these days and the number of species has increased rapidly, along with changes in their classification. Prendini and Wheeler proved that a more detailed study on scorpion phylogenetics is necessary to achieve uniformity in the taxonomy and a stable classification. Scorpion systematics is problematic and in continual change. Īlthough they are not as morphologically diverse as opilionids, spiders and mites, the order comprises nearly 2231 species in 208 genera and 20 families, including the species enlisted in this contribution. The greatest diversity of scorpions occurs in subtropical areas and decreases towards the equator and the poles. ![]() Scorpions are distributed worldwide except in Antarctica, the boreal areas and some oceanic islands. Despite this conservative morphology, scorpions successfully colonize different ecosystems, from the deepest caves in Mexico (e.g., Alacran tartarus Francke, 1982 at 900 m below ground level ) to some of the highest peaks in the Andes Cordillera ( Orobothriurus huascaran at 4910 m ), and some harsh environments such as dunes or deserts with high temperatures. Scorpion groundplan has remained almost unchanged ever since they became fully terrestrial. The order Scorpiones is a distinctive group of arachnids including the oldest fossils in the class, dating back to almost 433–438 mya. A map with hotspots showing the current knowledge on scorpion distribution and areas explored in Mexico is also provided. A graphical representation of the different types of components found in these venoms is also revised. A list containing the most important peptides identified from 16 different species is included. Commentaries on recent venomic, ecological and behavioral studies of Mexican scorpions are also provided. In the present contribution, the diversity of scorpion species in Mexico is revised and updated based on several new systematic contributions 281 different species are recorded. Given the presence of several medically important scorpion species, the study of their venom in the country is also important. The systematics and diversity of Mexican scorpion fauna has not been revised in the past decade and due to recent and exhaustive collection efforts as part of different ongoing major revisionary systematic projects, our understanding of this diversity has changed compared with previous assessments. ![]() Mexico harbors the highest diversity of scorpions in the world, including some of the world’s medically important scorpion species. ![]() Scorpion envenomation represents a public health problem in several parts of the world. Scorpions are among the oldest terrestrial arthropods, which are distributed worldwide, except for Antarctica and some Pacific islands. ![]()
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