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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Biodiversity of scorpion from Balaghat hill range of Beed to Dharashiv
Authors
Dhananjay D Tigote, Dr. Mandakini M Thorat, Dilip H Dudhmal
Abstract
Scorpions are an essential part of the
ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining ecological balance. However, their
diversity and distribution remain underexplored in many regions. This study
investigates the scorpion diversity in the Balaghat Range of Beed, Latur, and
Dharashiv regions of Maharashtra, an area previously undocumented for scorpion
fauna. The research was conducted across summer, winter and rainy seasons using
UV light detection, night surveys, and hand collection methods. Two species
were identified: Hottentotta pachyurus and Hottentotta tamulus.
Morphological identification was carried out based on existing taxonomic
literature. Hottentotta pachyurus was predominantly found on the bark of
Azadirachta indica, whereas Hottentotta tamulus was located in
red soil, rocky plateaus, and hilly terrains. Diversity analysis revealed that
the regions of Beed had both the species in hilly ranges, typically H.
tamulus occupying the niche in higher altitudes. Many regions lacked
occurrences probably due to scorpion predators in that region. The study
revealed low scorpion diversity and abundance in the region, probably due to
increased human presence in those regions, highlighting the need for further
research and conservation awareness.
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Pages:247-253
How to cite this article:
Dhananjay D Tigote, Dr. Mandakini M Thorat, Dilip H Dudhmal "Biodiversity of scorpion from Balaghat hill range of Beed to Dharashiv". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 247-253
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