Phlebotomus neglectus (Diptera: Psychodidae): New Insights on Its Presence in Iran Based on Three Independent Genetic Loci.

The idea of the existence of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) neglectus (Diptera: Psychodidae) Tonnoir, 1921 in Iran and the skepticism about the existence of Phlebotomus major s.str. Annandale, 1910 had been grown recently in the country. This study reports a combined analysis of mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA target regions of P. major s.l.Annandale, 1910, specimens collected from different parts of Iran. Two different morphotypes were found among the collected samples based on the shape of the aedeagus, ventrally located hairs of the coxite, and parameral sheets. One morphotype seemed similar to P. neglectus Tonnoir 1921 or P. major krimensis Perfiliv1966 (called here MI.N.K.); the other one was similar to P. neglectus and to some extent to P. notus Artemiev & Neronov 1984 (here called MII.N.NO). Cytochrome B, elongation factor 1-alpha, and internal transcribed spacer II loci were amplified, sequenced, and characterized. High sequence homology (98-100%) was observed between P. neglectus and these morphotypes, and phylogenetic analysis was also concordant. Phlebotomus neglectus sequences available in GenBank are located as the sister group of sequences here, particularly near to morphotype MII.N.NO. Moreover, ITS2 locus provides the maximum resolution for differentiation of two morphotypes. Based on achieving results, although a strong support for the presence of P. neglectus was provided, but it is too early to say that P. major s.str. does/does not exist in Iran. This question could be resolved by studying more samples and, most importantly, by comparing the topotypes of P. neglectus and P. major s. str. if possible in the future.

New Data on Two Subspecies of Mesobuthus eupeus, the Most Medically Important Scorpion Species in Northwestern Iran.

Scorpions are among the most medically important arthropods in Iran, particularly northwestern areas. To date, five scorpion species, i.e. Mesobuthus eupeus, Mesobuthus caucasicus, Androctonus crassicauda, Hottentotta saulcyi, and scorpio maurus, have been identified. The family Buthidae is responsible for most cases of scorpionism in Iran. The Mesobuthus eupeus species belong to this family and is commonly distributed from Turkey to China, including Iran. Among these species, Mesobuthus eupeus is regarded as the most medically important species and responsible for most cases of envenomation in this area. Morphological differences between some species collected in the study area have been reported. The present study, thus, aimed to identify the subspecies of Mesobuthus eupeus in northwestern Iran. Scorpions were captured in the summer months from 37 localities in three northwestern provinces in Iran: West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil. Scorpion collection was carried out using rock rolling and ultraviolet methods. A total of 376 specimens of Mesobutus eupeus (177males and 199 females) were collected and identified as Mesobuthus eupeus (98.4%) and Mesobuthus eupeus philippovitschi (1.6%). Owing to the findings of our study, M.e.philippovitschi has been added to the scorpion fauna of northwestern parts of Iran for the first time. Unlike M.e. eupeus which is widely distributed from plains to mountainous regions, M.e.philippovitschi has limited distribution and is found mostly along the borders with neighboring countries. This subspecies is the most medically important and most prevalent one in the region. The findings of the present study also provide the basis for future consideration of regional antivenom production for this medically important species.

New Data on Latrodectus tredecimguttatus Rossi, 1790, the Medically Important Spider Species (Araneae: Theridiidae) from Iran.

Spiders are one of the most important orders of Arachnida comprising more than 48,000 species in the world. Except for families Uloboridae and Holarchaeidae, all others are classified as the venomous spider. However, only about 200 species are medically relevant and cause public health problems or even death. In Iran, there are 51 families and 763 species of spiders, of which the families, Theridiidae and Sicariidae are dangerous for the human being, and the first one is more prevalent. The Latrodectus is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in the world and Iran. This genus has five species in Iran, among which Latrodectus tredecimguttatus (black widow spider or “Dolmak”) is considered one of the most poisonous spiders in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate this species in the Northwest of Iran (West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil provinces, Iran). Spatial distribution maps were prepared using GIS 9.4. In the current study, five adult female spiders were collected from Germi and Ardabil cities (Ardabil Province), Ahar County (East Azerbaijan province), and Urmia city (West Azerbaijan province) of Iran. These species were first observed in Ardabil province, Iran. Therefore, the presence of Latrodectus species under the rocks in wheat farms in this corner of Iran may be a threat to farms and visitors. People in these areas should wear gloves and avoid any activity that disturbs the spiders and make them aggressive.