Novruzov N.E. 2019. [Distribution and morphometric variability of Mesobuthus eupeus (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Arachnida, Scorpiones, Buthidae) in Eastern Azerbaijan] // Euroasian Entomological Journal. Vol.18. No.1: 27–38 [in Russian, with English summary].
Institute of Zoology of National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, passage 1128, district 504, Baku AZ 1073 Azerbaijan. E-mail: niznovzoo@mail.ru
doi: 10.15298/euroasentj.18.1.05
ABSTRACT. Contemporary data on the distribution, numbers and variability of the morphometric characteristics of the mottled scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus) in six regions that make up most of the territory of Eastern Azerbaijan are provided. In the investigated sites, in view of the heterogeneity of the biotopes, the distribution of M. eupeus was mainly aggregated. The territorial disunity of the population groups of the species throughout Eastern Azerbaijan is associated with geographical barriers and recreational transformations. The significant variability of most of the morphometric characteristics of the scorpion observed in all studied samples were revealed. It was found that sexual dimorphism, manifested in seven traits and three indices, is not equally expressed in individuals in different samples. The variability of morphometric characteristics of M. eupeus was less pronounced in samples from more remote regions with similar biotopes and environmental conditions. It is more clearly manifested in samples from regions that are less remote but different in biotope spectrum and environmental conditions. It seems that both geographical and environmental factors impact on variability of the morphometric characteristics of M. eupeus which may indicate a high degree of adaptability of the species.
KEY WORDS: mottled scorpion, Mesobuthus eupeus, distribution, numbers, morphometrical variability, Eastern Azerbaijan.