Molecular data do not support the traditional morphology-based groupings in the scorpion family Buthidae (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

The family Buthidae represents an early-diverging and most species-rich lineage of extant scorpions, but its internal phylogenetic relationships are still poorly understood. The family is traditionally divided into six morpho-groups; however, the monophyly of some of them remains unclear. We combined multilocus sequence data with extensive taxon sampling to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships among Buthidae and assess the validity of the morphology-based groupings. We recovered a monophyletic Buthus group as a sister clade to all the remaining Buthidae. We also found support for the monophyly of the Tityus group, but the remaining morpho-groups were recovered as para-/polyphyletic. Our results also suggest that some genera are in need of a taxonomic revision.

Automated summary

The family Buthidae is an early diverging and highly diverse lineage of scorpions, but its internal phylogenetic relationships are not well understood. Through the use of multilocus sequence data and extensive taxon sampling, this study reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships within Buthidae and assessed the validity of morphology-based groupings. The results suggest that some morpho-groups within Buthidae are not monophyletic and that taxonomic revisions may be needed for certain genera.