Scorpion Genus Research Articles

Venomics of Scorpion Ananteris platnicki (Lourenço, 1993), a New World Buthid That Inhabits Costa Rica and Panama.

Ananteris is a scorpion genus that inhabits dry and seasonal areas of South and Central America. It is located in a distinctive morpho-group of Buthids, the 'Ananteris group', which also includes species distributed in the Old World. Because of the lack of information on venom composition, the study of Ananteris species could have biological and medical relevance. We conducted a venomics analysis of Ananteris platnicki, a tiny scorpion that inhabits Panama and Costa Rica, which shows the presence of putative toxins targeting ion channels, as well as proteins with similarity to hyaluronidases, proteinases, phospholipases A2, members of the CAP-domain family, and hemocyanins, among others. Venom proteolytic and hyaluronidase activities were corroborated. The determination of the primary sequences carried out by mass spectrometry evidences that several peptides are similar to the toxins present in venoms from Old World scorpion genera such as Mesobuthus, Lychas, and Isometrus, but others present in Tityus and Centruroides toxins. Even when this venom displays the characteristic protein families found in all Buthids, with a predominance of putative Na+-channel toxins and proteinases, some identified partial sequences are not common in venoms of the New World species, suggesting its differentiation into a distinctive group separated from other Buthids.

Taking the sting out of scorpions: Electrophysiological investigation of the relative efficacy of three antivenoms against medically significant Centruroides species

In this study, we report the innovative application of whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology in assessing broad-spectrum neutralisation by three different antivenoms, of venoms from the medically significant scorpion genus Centruroides. Envenomations by as many as 21 species from the Centruroides genus result in up to 300,000 envenomations per year in Mexico, which poses significant and potentially life-threatening pathophysiology. We first evaluated the in vitro manifestation of envenomation against two human voltage-gated sodium (hNaV) channel subtypes: hNaV1.4 and hNaV1.5, which are primarily expressed in skeletal muscles and cardiomyocytes, respectively. The neutralisation of venom activity was then characterised for three different antivenoms using a direct competition model against the more potent target, hNaV1.4. While broad-spectrum neutralisation was identified, variation in neutralisation arose for Centruroides elegans, C. limpidus, C. noxius and C. suffusus venoms, despite the presence of a number of these venoms within the immunising mixture. This raises questions regarding the truly “broad” neutralisation capacity of the antivenoms. This study not only extends previous validation of the in vitro investigation of antivenom efficacy utilising the whole-cell patch-clamp technique but also underscores the potential of this animal-free model in exploring cross-reactivity, experimental scalability, and most importantly, informing clinical management practices regarding the administration of antivenom in Mexico.

Beyond the venom: Exploring the antimicrobial peptides from Androctonus species of scorpion.

Prevalent worldwide, the Androctonus scorpion genus contributes a vital role in scorpion envenoming. While diverse scorpionisms are observed because of several different species, their secretions to protect themselves have been identified as a potent source of antimicrobial peptide (AMP)-like compounds. Distinctly, the venom of these species contains around 24 different AMPs, with definite molecules studied for their therapeutic potential as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic agents. Our review focuses on the therapeutic potential of native and synthetic AMPs identified so far in the Androctonus scorpion genus, identifying research gaps in peptide therapeutics and guiding further investigations. Certain AMPs have demonstrated remarkable compatibility to be prescribed as anticancer drug to reduce cancer cell proliferation and serve as a potent antibiotic alternative. Besides, analyses were performed to explore the characteristics and affinities of peptides for membranes. Overall, the study of AMPs derived from the Androctonus scorpion genus provides valuable insights into their potential applications in medicine and drug development.

An overview of some enzymes from buthid scorpion venoms from Colombia: Centruroides margaritatus, Tityus pachyurus, and Tityus n. sp. aff. metuendus.

In Colombia, several species of Buthidae scorpions belonging to the genera Centruroides and Tityus coexist, and their stings are considered life-threatening to humans because of their venom neurotoxins. Despite previous studies focusing on neurotoxins from these scorpion genera, little is known about the enzymes present in their venoms and their relationship with whole venom toxicity. Here, using proteomic and biochemical protocols the enzymatic activities of the venoms of three Colombian scorpion species, C. margaritatus, T. pachyurus, and T. n. sp. aff. metuendus, were compared to establish the presence and absence of enzymes such as phospholipases, hyaluronidases, and proteases that could be related to venom toxicity. Results: C. margaritatus was positive for hyaluronidases, T. n. sp. aff. metuendus for proteases, and T. pachyurus exhibited activity for all three mentioned enzymes. This information provides valuable insights into the specific enzyme diversity of each species' venom and their potential role in venom toxicity, which could contribute to the development of better treatments and prevention strategies for scorpion envenomation.

The status of two fossils assigned to the scorpion genus Palaeophonus and its interpretation as a senior synonym of Allopalaeophonus

The status of two fossils assigned to the scorpion genus Palaeophonus and its interpretation as a senior synonym of Allopalaeophonus

A new genus of whip scorpion (Arachnida: Thelyphonida: Thelyphonidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar

Familiar animals today, whip scorpions are rather rare in the Mesozoic and only three species are recognized from the Cretaceous. Here we describe a new genus and species, Crethypoctonus kachinus gen. et sp. nov. from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, clearly belonging to Thelyphonidae. It is characterized by its stout and long patellar apophysis of the pedipalps with attached microteeth and setae, and the absence of an ommatoid on tergite XII of the opisthosoma. Significantly, it lacks a keel and its abdomen is not divided. It not only augments the rare Mesozoic occurrence of whip scorpions with their distinct morphology, but reveals the long history of their evolution.

Scorpion Detection and Classification Systems Based on Computer Vision as a Prevention Tool

In this paper, automatic and real-time systems were developed to detect and classify two different genera of scorpions using computer vision and deep learning techniques, with the purpose of providing a prevention tool. The images of scorpions were obtained from an arachnology laboratory in Argentina. YOLO (you only look once) and MobileNet models were implemented. The data augmentation technique was applied to significantly increase the amount of training data. High accuracy and recall values have been achieved for both models, which guarantees that they can early and successfully detect scorpions. In addition, the MobileNet model has shown to have excellent performance to detect scorpions within an uncontrolled environment, to carry out multiple detections, and to recognize their danger in case of accidents. Finally, a comparison has been made with other different machine learning-based models used to identify scorpions.

Toxins from Venomous Arthropods in Brazil: Patents and Potential Biotechnological Applications

Background: The diversity of components in arthropod venoms constitute a rich source of bioactive molecules. Brazil is the most biodiverse country of the world, comprising 15 to 20% of the total catalogued species, with approximately 103,870 animal species including arthropods. Although many articles mention the biotechnological potential of these venoms and toxins, only few studies compile the patented uses of these molecules. Objective: This review describes the knowledge about the molecular mechanism of venoms and toxins with biotechnological potential, and list the patents deposited up to 2021 related to the main medical relevant arthropods in Brazil including the orders Araneae (spider genus Phoneutria, Loxosceles, Latrodectus), Scorpiones (scorpion genus Tityus), Lepidoptera (caterpillar genus Lonomia), and Hymenoptera. Methods: The international patent search engine “Espacenet” and the “Brazilian patent office” were used to search the patents described in this article. Results: Up to date, 34 patents have been filled involving these Brazilian arthropods' venoms or toxins. Most of them (20) claimed biotechnological inventions with spider toxins, mainly from the genus Phoneutria. Only seven inventions involved venom or toxins from scorpions, one from bee, three from wasps, and three from caterpillars. Conclusions: Brazil is one of the main references in venoms and toxins’ studies; however, the limited number of deposited patents related to this area by Brazilian researchers do not reflect their pioneer position in this field. On the other hand, patents were well described and made with purified toxins, rather than with the whole venom. Nevertheless, the vast publication record of venom and toxin characterization that leads to a better understanding of their molecular mechanisms paves the way for turning these promising molecules into possible products.

Tracking the trends of karyotype differentiation in the phylogenetic context of Gint, a scorpion genus endemic to the Horn of Africa (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Abstract To determine the mechanisms of karyotype differentiation in scorpions of the genus Gint, we employed an integrative approach, combining cytogenetic data and sequence-based phylogeny. We cytogenetically examined six species with emphasis on multivalent meiotic configurations, 18S rDNA and (TTAGG)n distribution and compared chromosomal data with genetic divergence based on analysis of 16S rRNA and COI gene markers. Our results show that Gint species exhibit substantial karyotype diversity (2n = 18–45) and a high incidence of chromosome heterozygosity. Meiotic chromosome chains formed by up to six elements were found in 85% of analysed individuals, causing intraspecific chromosome variation in three species. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that the 18S rDNA distribution pattern differed in Gint species, including at the intrapopulation level, but the chromosomal localization of (TTAGG)n motif was stable across species. Conspicuous interspecific differences in chromosome counts broadly corresponded with genetic divergence among Gint species. Our findings indicate that Gint karyotypes have undergone dynamic reorganization through independent fusions, fissions and reciprocal translocations. Owing to present chromosomal polymorphism, such structural changes shaping the genome architecture appear to be still ongoing in the populations of some Gint species.

Arboreal gems: resurrection of Isometrus sankeriensis Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 and descriptions of two new species of Isometrus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from the Western Ghats, India

The Western Ghats of India is considered one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world. Documenting scorpion diversity has always been of paramount importance due to their species richness, ecological role and endemism, which calls for conservation priority. Scorpion diversity of the Western Ghats is probably underestimated given the ancestry of the group, and more field work in the region is very likely to uncover numerous undescribed taxa. Several new Indian species have recently been discovered in the scorpion genus Isometrus Ehrenberg, 1828 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). In this communication, we resurrect I. sankeriensis Tikader & Bastawade, 1983 and describe two new species from the Western Ghats of India, I. nakshatra sp. nov. and I. wayanadensis sp. nov., using an integrative taxonomic approach. In order to replace the lost holotype of I. sankeriensis, we designate a neotype and reassess the identity of this species. This work elevates the number of species of Isometrus found in India to eight and we expect many more scorpion discoveries from India with continued research.

Toxinology in the proteomics era: a review on arachnid venom proteomics.

The word venomics was coined to acknowledge the studies that use omics to investigate venom proteins and peptides. Venomics has evolved considerably over the last 20 years. The first works on scorpion or spider venomics were published in the early 2000’s. Such studies relied on peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) to characterize venom complexity. After the introduction of new mass spectrometers with higher resolution, sensitivity and mass accuracy, and the next-generation nucleotide sequencing, the complexity of data reported in research on scorpion and spider venomics increased exponentially, which allowed more comprehensive studies. In the present review article, we covered key publications on scorpion venomics and spider venomics, presenting historical grounds and implemented technologies over the last years. The literature presented in this review was selected after searching the PubMed database using the terms “(scorpion venom) AND (proteome)” for scorpion venomics, and “(spider venom) AND (proteome)” for publications on spider venomics. We presented the key aspects related to proteomics in the covered papers including, but not restricted to, the employed proteomic strategy (i.e., PMF, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, shotgun/bottom-up and/or top-down/peptidome), and the type of mass spectrometer used. Some conclusions can be drawn from the present study. For example, the scorpion genus Tityus is the most studied concerning venomics, followed by Centruroides; whereas for spiders the studied genera were found more equally distributed. Another interesting conclusion is the lack of high throughput studies on post-translational modifications (PTMs) of scorpion and spider proteins. In our opinion, PTMs should be more studied as they can modulate the activity of scorpion and spider toxins.

A New Troglomorphic, Leaf-litter Scorpion from Ecuador (Troglotayosicidae: Troglotayosicus)

For several decades, Troglotayosicus Lourenço, 1981, remained an enigmatic, monotypic scorpion genus believed to be troglobitic. The discovery and description in recent years of several endogean species of the genus, inhabiting the leaf litter of tropical rainforests in Colombia and Ecuador, advanced knowledge about these scorpions. The known distribution of Troglotayosicus was considerably expanded along the Andes, and it was demonstrated that, despite the absence of median ocelli, the genus is composed primarily of species that inhabit leaf litter. In the present study, Troglotayosicus ballvei, sp. nov., is described from Sacha Huagra Lodge, adjacent to Archidona Municipality, in Napo Province, Ecuador, raising the number of Troglotayosicus species to six, three each in Colombia and Ecuador. An updated map of the known distribution of the genus is presented.

Sit-and-wait prey: first field observations of scorpions preying on antlions (Neuroptera)

Abstract Antlions (Neuroptera) are a group of sit-and-wait predator insects, with some species further specializing in digging conical pit-traps in the ground in order to catch prey. Studies on antlions’ predators are scarce with only few generalist predators known to feed on them. Here we report for the first time on field observations of antlions’ predation by three scorpion genera. We suggest that scorpions may be common predators of antlions, at least in the hyper-desert environment of southern Israel. The effects of predation risk on the behavior of sit-and-wait and particularly on trap-building predators received little attention in the literature. In light of our observations, we posit that predation risk must be taken into serious consideration in future research of antlions in particular, and sit-and-wait predators in general.

Phylogenetic analysis of the winter and southernmost scorpion genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with the description of two new Patagonian species

The first phylogenetic analysis of genus Urophonius is performed based on morphological characters. Three monophyletic species groups are recovered. Species of the granulatus species group and Urophonius mondacai have summer or spring activity patterns. The exochus and brachycentrus species groups form a monophyletic group with a winter activity pattern, which is so far unique in scorpions from temperate and cold areas. Additionally, two new Patagonian species of Urophonius are described, one from Argentina and one from Chile. Finally, we discuss the southernmost distributions of scorpions in continental Patagonia. We suggest that the southern limit of the group could be related not only with a decrease in temperature, but also with an increase of precipitation.

Niche partitioning in congeneric scorpions

AbstractSpecies in the scorpion genus Centruroides (Scorpiones: Buthidae) are good candidates for the study of ecological niche partitioning because of their habitat plasticity, widespread geographic distribution, and presence of cryptic species. Currently, three species belonging to three subgroups of Centruroides are distributed along the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southern Mexico, presenting a rare opportunity to study niche partitioning within a single genus. We examined the environmental, substrate, and habitat conditions of Centruroides flavopictus, Centruroides gracilis, and Centruroides rileyi within Estación de Biología Los Tuxtlas, west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Our results demonstrate habitat partitioning occurs along humidity, temperature, and elevational gradients: individuals of C. gracilis were found in habitats of low humidity and high temperature, and were predominantly found on the substrate in human‐mediated habitats; individuals of C. flavopictus were found in a larger range of humidity and temperature conditions within secondary and primary forest; and individuals of C. rileyi had the greatest habitat specificity, and were found in conditions of low temperature and high humidity on trees within primary forest. Furthermore, individuals of C. rileyi were found significantly higher in trees than those of C. flavopictus. This study represents the first example of niche partitioning within a genus of scorpion, and the first description of the ecological niche in an arboreal‐specialist scorpion.

Venom diversity in the Neotropical scorpion genus Tityus: Implications for antivenom design emerging from molecular and immunochemical analyses across endemic areas of scorpionism

Scorpions of the Neotropical genus Tityus are responsible for most severe envenomations in the Caribbean, South America, and Lower Central America (LCA). Although Tityus is taxonomically complex, contains high toxin polymorphism, and produces variable clinical manifestations, treatment is limited to antivenoms produced against species with restricted distributions. In this study, we explored the compositional and antigenic diversity of Tityus venoms to provide improved guidelines for the use of available antivenoms at a broader geographic scale. We used immunoblotting, competitive ELISA, and in vivo studies to compare reactivity against commercial antivenoms from Brazil, Venezuela, and Mexico, as well as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, cDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses to assess venom sodium channel-active toxin (NaTx) content from medically important Tityus populations inhabiting Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela. Additionally, we raised rabbit antibodies against Tityus venoms from LCA to test for cross-reactivity with congeneric species. The results suggest that Tityus spp. possess high venom antigenic diversity, underlying the existence of four toxinological regions in Tropical America, based on venom composition and immunochemical criteria: LCA/Colombia/Amazonia (Region I), Venezuela (Region II), southeast South America (Region III), and a fourth region encompassing species related to toxinologically divergent Tityus cerroazul. Importantly, our molecular and cross-reactivity results highlight the need for new antivenoms against species inhabiting Region I, where scorpions may produce venoms that are not significantly reactive against available antivenoms.

Taxonomic revision of the "mexicanus" group of the genus Vaejovis C. L. Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae).

Within the scorpion genus Vaejovis C.L. Koch, the "mexicanus" group is composed of species distributed in the mountains of México. This group presents taxonomic problems, because its characterization and the species included in the group have varied through the years. In the present work, we redefine this group based on several morphological characters, and we differentiate it from the other two species groups within the genus: "vorhiesi" and "nit dulus+nigrescens". Additionally, five new species are described: Vaejovis ceboruco sp. nov., Vaejovis nanchititla sp. nov., Vaejovis santibagnezi sp. nov., Vaejovis talpa sp. nov. and Vaejovis tapalpa sp. nov; the males of three species are described for the first time (V. dugesi, V. nigrofemoratus and V. tesselatus); and the updated diagnosis for all species is included. Keys for the identification of males and females of the 30 species included in this group are given. Lastly, notes on the natural history and distribution of some species are provided, with maps of known distribution for all the species.

A new semidesert Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Southeast Cuba, Greater Antilles

A new species of the buthid scorpion genus Microtityus Kjellesvig-Waering, 1966, is herein described from specimens of both sexes collected at three nearby localities in the western part of the Guantánamo Bay Area, southeast Cuba. It belongs in the "jaumei" species-group of the subgenus Microtityus (Parvabsonus) Armas, 1974 and is very peculiar not only by its external morphology (very distinct from its other Cuban congeners), but also by the unusual habitat where it occurs in and seems to be restricted to (dry and hot cactus scrub on volcanic sandy plain). The present contribution reinforces the position of this genus as the second most diverse in Cuba, with 10 nominal species.

The cave-dwelling false scorpion genus Pseudoblothrus Beier, 1931 (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones: Syarinidae) in the Crimean Peninsula.

Based on morphological and molecular studies of material from caves in three karst regions of Crimea, the small, apparently relictual, Euro-Mediterranean and Macaronesian false scorpion genus Pseudoblothrus Beier, 1931 is shown to contain only one troglobiont species there, P. roszkovskii (Redikorzev, 1918), of which P. ljovuschkini Krumpál, 1984 and Obisium tauricum Lebedev, 1927 are junior subjective synonyms. A detailed redescription of the adults and tritonymph of P. roszkovskii is provided, together with phylogenetic and zoogeographical analyses.

Revision of the Mesobuthus caucasicus complex from Central Asia, with descriptions of six new species (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

A widespread Mesobuthus caucasicus complex, which includes some of the most common scorpions found from the Caucasus to China, is revised for the first time based on new extensive collections from Central Asia, using both morphological and DNA marker data. Mesobuthus caucasicus (Nordmann, 1840), s.str. is restricted to the Caucasus Mts. Four taxa are elevated to species rank: M. fuscus (Birula, 1897) (Tajikistan), M. intermedius (Birula, 1897) (Tajikistan), M. kaznakovi (Birula, 1904) (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), and M. parthorum (Pocock, 1889) (Afghanistan, Iran, Turkmenistan). Six new species are described: M. brutus sp. n. (Iran), M. elenae sp. n. (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), M. gorelovi sp. n. (Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan), M. kreuzbergi sp. n. (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan), M. mischi sp. n. (Afghanistan), and M. nenilini sp. n. (Uzbekistan). The most common species in Central Asia is a psammophilic Mesobuthus gorelovi sp. n., widespread through lowland sand deserts across Turkmenistan (Karakum), Uzbekistan (Kizylkum), and Kazakhstan (north to Baigakum and Moyinkum). A key to all studied species is provided. A DNA phylogeny based on COI and 16S rRNA markers is presented including nine Central Asian species (M. elenae sp. n., M. fuscus, M. gorelovi sp. n., M. intermedius, M. kaznakovi, M. kreuzbergi sp. n., M. mischi sp. n., M. nenilini sp. n., and M. parthorum) and M. caucasicus from Turkey. A deep phylogenetic diversity across Central Asia is revealed. Historical biogeographic scenarios for this scorpion group are discussed, including fragmentation in mountain valleys and expansion across sand deserts in Central Asia. The monotypic scorpion genus Afghanobuthus Lourenco, 2005 and its single species A. naumanni Lourenco, 2005, from Afghanistan, are demonstrated to be junior synonyms, respectively, of Mesobuthus Vachon, 1950, and M. parthorum (Pocock, 1889) from the same area.