THE SCORPION FAUNA OF THE CENTRAL KYZYLKUM DESERT IS MAINLY ABOUT SPECIES THAT SPECIALIZE IN LIVING IN SANDY ENVIRONMENTS (PSAMMOPHILIC).

This article is devoted to the study of the species composition, ecological adaptations, and phylogeographic structure of scorpions (Scorpiones) in the Central Kyzylkum Desert. Scorpions living in extreme desert conditions are mainly psammophilic species that specialize in sand, among which Mesobuthus gorelovi is the most common species. The region is also home to rare genera such as Anomalobuthus and Liobuthus. Studies show that the Amu Darya River has acted as a significant biogeographic barrier, limiting gene flow between these scorpion populations and leading to genetic differentiation of the species. Molecular analyses have revealed the presence of several cryptic species among scorpions previously considered to be a single species. The article summarizes the latest scientific data on the habitat of scorpions, their response to environmental factors, and the origin and distribution of species.