BELISARIIDAE
Lourenco, 1998*

The members in this very small family, which includes only 2 genera and 3 species [Updated 02.03.20]. The Pyrenean genus Belisarius Simon, 1879 are found in France/Spain and was previously placed in the Family Troglotayosicidae. With the discovery of the new genus Sardoscorpius Tropea & Onnis, 2020 in Sardinia (Italy), the family Belisariidae Lourenco, 1998 has been elevated to family status with the two above mentioned genera until further investigations clarifies the taxonomy of these genera.

The species in this family are are either cavernicolous (cave dwelling species) or living in areas just outside caves. Belisarius has troglomorphies like loss or reduction of eyes, depigmentation and appendage attenuation, while this is not present in Sardoscorpius. The family is distributed in limited areas in France, Spain and Italy

Belisarius xambeui photo by Dr. Wilson Lourenço (C) and The Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins/ CEVAP (C)

SPECIES FILES:
This list of genera and species is based on Fet et al.(2000). Subspecies are included in the list. I try to update the list as additions and changes are published. * denotes changes after Fet et al. (2000). I will be grateful for information about new development in the taxonomy of this family. For information about synonyms and bibliographies, see Fet et al. (2000)

Belisarius Simon, 1879 (2)
B. ibericus Lourenco, 2015*
B. xambeui Simon, 1879
Sardoscorpius Tropea & Onnis, 2020* (1)
S. troglophilus Tropea & Onnis, 2020*

Jan Ove Rein (C) 2024