The intention of The Scorpion Files is to present an updated list of all extant scorpion species and the current situation in scorpion taxonomy. Small species biographies are presented for a selection of species which are common in research and/or in captivity (hobby). It will not be possible to make extensive biographies, but to have some basic information like distribution, habitat perferences, medical significance etc. New species biographies will be added regularly.

The Scorpion Files will also include a section about scorpions of medical importance. The work with this section has not started yet, but will hopefully begin in October/November 2001.

A list of the species biographies can be found HERE.

It is not possible to do all this alone (at least this will take a lot of time). My hope is, therefore, that all scorpion enthusiasts on the Net (both professionals and hobbyists) will contribute with information and pictures. Together, we can make these pages a unique information resource for scorpionresearch and hobby. Please notify me about errors in the pages.

I can be contacted at: jan.rein@ub.ntnu.no

These webpages follow the classification/phylogeny presented in Fet, et al. (2000), which includes all scorpion species described until 1998, and Prendini (2000). Several groups are now working with scorpion systematics (taxonomy and phylogeny), and I expect large and small changes in the time to come. Opinions also vary among the scorpion taxonomists of the world, and it is not always easy for a non-taxonomist to know which alternative to choose. I will try my best to keep The Scorpion Files current (but I'm glad to get information of changes that I haven't noticed).

I thank the University Library in Tronheim for hosting these pages.