The First Data on the Fauna and Geographical Distribution of Medically Important Scorpions in Golestan Province, Northeast of Iran

Objectives: this study was conducted to determine the medically relevant scorpion’s species and produce their geographical distribution in Golestan Province for the first time, to collect basic information to produce regional antivenom. Because for scorpion treatment a polyvalent antivenom is use in Iran, and some time it failed to treatment, for solve this problem govement decide to produce regional antivenom.Scorpions were captured at day and night time using ruck rolling and Ultra Violet methods during 2019. Then specimens transferred to a 75% alcohol-containing plastic bottle. Finally the specimens under a stereomicroscope using a valid identification key were identified. Distribution maps were introduced using GIS 10.4. Results: : A total of 111 scorpion samples were captured from the province, all belonging to the Buthidae family, including Mesobuthus eupeus (97.3%), Orthochirus farzanpayi (0.9%) and Mesobuthus caucasicus (1.8%) species. M. eupeus has the highest distribution and abundance in the region and is introduced as the leading cause of scorpion sting in the region. This species was captured from all-mountainous, forest and lowland areas. O. farzanpayi and M. caucasicus species are new for the scorpion fauna of golestan province. Mesobuthus eupeus is the most prevalence species in Golestan province and regarded as the most medically important scorpion species in this region.