14 DAY TRIAL // Experts from the Celal Bayar University in Manisa, Turkey, announce the discovery of a new species of scorpions in the ancient province of Lycia, which makes up the modern-day Muğla and Antalya provinces in the southwestern part of the country.
With the discovery of Euscorpius lycius, the total number of scorpions in this genus discovered in Turkey goes up to five. Euscorpius are informally called small wood-scorpions, since the largest recorded individual in this genus measured just 5 centimeters (some 2 inches), e! Science News reports.
After analyzing the 26 specimens the research team collected, it was determined that E. lycius ranges in size from 2 to 2.5 centimeters (about an inch), and that it features claws of a different color than the rest of its reddish-brown body. Its venom has about the same strength as a mosquito bite.
The research team led by expert Ersen Aydın Yağmur published details of the new scorpion species in the latest issue of the open-access scientific journal ZooKeys. The group will now focus on analyzing the distribution of this creature across its habitat, as well as its relationships with other members of the genus.