Liocheles similipalensis (2026): Discovery of a New Scorpion Species in Odisha, Scientific Features, Biodiversity Significance and Conservation

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Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

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Liocheles similipalensis (2026): Discovery of a New Scorpion Species in Odisha, Scientific Features, Biodiversity Significance and Conservation

1. Background and Recent Discovery

• In November 2026, researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation and Similipal Tiger Reserve identified a new scorpion species, Liocheles similipalensis.
• The research team included Saurabh Kininge, Tejas Thackeray, Akshay Khandekar and Prakash Chand Gogineni.
• The discovery was published in the scientific journal Euscorpius, Issue 443 (2026).

2. Discovery Location and Classification

• Discovered in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
• Classification: Order Scorpiones, Family Hormuridae, Genus Liocheles.
• Named after Similipal, it represents the first confirmed record of this genus in Odisha.
• The discovery increases the genus's recognised species to seven.

3. Major Scientific Features