Smith P.1,2*, Borges A.3,4,5, Santacruz Ayala J.1, Owen M.1 2026. Catalogue of the scorpions of Paraguay, with an illustrated key and biogeographical assessment (Arachnida: Scorpiones: Ananteridae, Bothriuridae, Buthidae) // Invert. Zool. Vol.23. No.3: 453–504 [in English].
1 Fundación Para La Tierra, Centro IDEAL, Pilar, Paraguay.
2 FAUNA Paraguay, Encarnación, Paraguay.
3 Universidad Central del Paraguay, Núcleo de Investigación en Fauna Venenosa, Toxinología Aplicada y Salud Pública, Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.
4 Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción, Paraguay.
5 Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
* Corresponding author
Paul Smith: faunaparaguay@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8758-4816
Adolfo Borges: borges.adolfo@gmail.com https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5827-2410
Jorge Ayala Santacruz: jorge@paralatierra.org https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8111-2196
Matthew Owen: matthew@paralatierra.org https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7250-685X
doi: 10.15298/invertzool.23.3.07
ABSTRACT: We review and map the current distribution of the Paraguayan scorpion fauna using a hierarchical system of reliability, differentiating specimens examined, specimens not examined and photographic records. One new species (Bothriurus sp.), two new national records (Brachistosternus simoneae and Ananteris mariaterezae), and nineteen new departmental distribution records are reported. The national fauna is concluded to be composed of at least fifteen species in five genera and three families, with one other species considered to be of hypothetical occurrence and a further two of probable occurrence. An illustrated key suitable for identifying Paraguayan material is included, and comments regarding taxonomy and systematic problems that remain to be resolved, together with proven and potential medical significance, are provided.
KEY WORDS: Ananteris, biogeography, Bothriurus, Brachistosternus, Timogenes, Tityus.
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