Morphometric morphology of Androctonus crassicauda in central regions of Iran (Isfahan and Fars provinces)

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of habitat on morphometric characteristics of Androctonus crassicauda in two provinces of Isfahan and Fars, located in central Iran. Matherials & Methods: From a total of 20 collected scorpions, 10 specimens of Androctonus crassicauda scorpion were isolated in Isfahan province (6 males and 4 females) and 10 in Fars province (5 males and 5 females). In this study, 30 morphometric traits and 18 morphometric ratios were used to compare the scorpions of the two provinces. Results: Morphometric results showed that the species of Isfahan province are larger than Fars (P<0.05). In males, 48 morphometric traits and in females 19 morphometric traits were not significantly different between the scorpions of the two provinces (P<0.05). The morphometric ratios (CL / CAW, CAW / PW, X / Y, MTIL / H, MTIIL / H, MTIIIL / H, MTIVL / H, MTVL / H, MTIL / W, MTIIL / W, MTIIIL / W, MTIVL / W, CHL / ML, MFL / ML, TIL / H, TIL / W, CL / CPW) and scorpion pigments. MTVL / W, MTIIIL, Y, X and MESO ratios were not significantly different in males and TIH ratios were not significantly different in females of the two provinces (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that the species of Isfahan province are larger than Fars.