About This Project

California is a global hotspot of scorpion biodiversity. My preliminary surveys have revealed 20+ potentially novel species. Additional fieldwork is necessary to test which unique populations represent distinct undescribed species, collect type series, and record descriptive data on morphology, behavior, distribution, and habitat. This study seeks to describe the undescribed scorpion biodiversity in California, prioritizing species of conservation concern.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

California is a global hotspot of scorpion biodiversity with over 60 species recorded. My preliminary research has revealed 20+ scorpion populations across the state that likely represent undescribed species.

California scorpions frequently exhibit extreme habitat specialization and short-range endemism (1), (2), (3). Targeting unique habitats and using citizen-science data from iNaturalist allows researchers to efficiently survey novel populations.

Our investigation will begin with a Kovarikia population and two Paruroctonus populations, all three of which live in southern California. Later phases of this project will continue into central and eastern California. Following collection, species hypotheses will be tested through an integrative approach (4).

Valid undescribed species will be described in a publication including detailed morphological and ecological data such as behavioral observations, distribution models, and discussion of habitat.

What is the significance of this project?

In many cases, undescribed or recently described scorpions in California are rare or endangered, for instance Paruroctonus conclusus (critically endangered), Paruroctonus tulare (endangered), and Graemeloweus maidu (very rare, not assessed). For this project, we am primarily focusing on rare and range-restricted species that are especially susceptible to local extirpation or global extinction due to habitat degradation, climate change, and other anthropogenic threats. A species description is typically a necessary first step before conservation action can occur.

Scorpions in California present a compelling model system to study the evolution of specialization and endemism. In addition, they can offer insights into the biogeographic history of California's complex landscapes (1), (2), (3). Understanding the true scorpion biodiversity of California is a necessary first step to investigating these broader ideas.

What are the goals of the project?

My preliminary analyses have offered compelling evidence that a number of scorpion populations across California are unique and represent undescribed species. Collections from this study will be used to further test species hypotheses through analysis of morphology, genetics, and ecology. For each undescribed species, we will collect a type series, determine the extent of its distribution, and record careful observations of its behavior and ecological setting. We will then compile all relevant information into a manuscript for publication. Sampling for this project will begin in spring 2026 and continue into 2027. We intend to begin submitting species descriptions for scorpions collected during this project in 2026 and continue into 2028. We intend to sample 5-10 unique and potentially novel populations over the course of this study. 2-10 specimens will be collected per population in accordance with the density at the site. I plan to submit two species descriptions in the first year.