Scorpion Species Research Articles

Revisiting the scorpion central nervous system using microCT.

The central nervous system (CNS) of Chelicerata has remained conserved since the Cambrian, yet few studies have examined its variability within chelicerate orders including Scorpiones. The scorpion CNS comprises the prosomal ganglion and opisthosomal ventral nerve cord. We visualize the scorpion CNS with microCT, explore morphological variation across taxa, compare the scorpion CNS to other arachnids, and create a terminology glossary and literature review to assist future studies. Six scorpion species were microCT scanned. Scan quality varied and most structures in the prosomal ganglion could only be observed in Paruroctonus becki (Vaejovidae). Major nerves and the first opisthosomal ganglion were visible in nearly all taxa. We present the most detailed 3D-rendering of the scorpion prosomal ganglion to date. Our results corroborate existing research and find the scorpion CNS to be conserved. Nearly all structures reported previously in the prosomal ganglion were located in similar positions in P. becki, and nerve morphology was conserved across examined families. Despite similarities, we report differences from the literature, observe taxonomic variation in prosomal ganglion shape, and confirm positional variation for the first opisthosomal ganglion. This study serves as a starting point for microCT analysis of the scorpion CNS, and future work should include more distantly related, size variable taxa to better elucidate these findings.

Venom characterization of Venezuelan scorpion Tityus caripitensis.

Tityus caripitensis is an endemic scorpion species found in the northeastern region from Venezuela, being responsible for sting accidents in this area. This study describes for the first time a biological, biochemical and electrophysiological partial characterization of Tityus caripitensis scorpion venom. The venom is toxic to mice with a LD50 of 20.2 μg/gr mouse. Animals experimentally envenomed with Tityus caripitensis venom gradually manifested clinical signs in response to sublethal doses. SDS-PAGE of the venom resulted in 7 fractions ranging in size from ∼3.5 to ≥ 38 kDa. The 6-8 kDa proteins could correspond to neurotoxins. In addition, the components of Tityus caripitensis venom were similar to those obtained in the electrophoretic profile of Tityus discrepans. The commercial anti- Tityus discrepans IgG showed reactivity against Tityus caripitensis venom. Tityus caripitensis venom could induce hematological changes such as hyperamylasemia and hyperglycemia. The venom modified voltage dependent Na+v1.4 channels and blocked Kv+ channels. Although Tityus caripitensis venom is less toxic than Tityus discrepans, they share molecular and antigenic components. This aspect should be considered in the application of antivenom treatment.

Environmental determinants of venom variability in captive scorpions: A comprehensive analysis of diet, temperature, and humidity effects

This study examines the effects of environmental conditions on venom production in four prevalent scorpion species in Morocco: Androctonus amoreuxi, Androctonus mauretanicus, Buthus mardochei, and Scorpio maurus. The research focuses on how climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and diet—specifically mealworm consumption—affect physical parameters including size and weight, and ultimately venom yield. We conducted a comprehensive investigation involving the capture, acclimatization, and systematic venom extraction from 480 scorpions. Our findings indicate considerable variations in venom volumes, with Scorpio maurus showing a reduced yield compared to Androctonus amoreuxi. Key determinants of venom production were identified as humidity and dietary intake, pointing to significant implications for interspecific diversity and acclimatization processes. These insights have crucial implications for medical and pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing the need for species-specific husbandry protocols to optimize venom extraction for therapeutic use.

Spatial Connectivity Through Mountains and Deserts Drove South American Scorpions Dispersal

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of this study is to infer the geographic dispersal paths and the environmental conditions that shaped the historical biogeography of Brachistosternus scorpions in South America. We evaluated the role that altitude and aridity had on the geographic distance that each species dispersed from the location of the genus common ancestor. Based on the previous studies, we evaluated the hypothesis postulating that species geographic expansion was promoted by arid conditions in high altitudes.LocationSouth America.TaxonBrachistosternus genus.MethodsWe integrated two methodological approaches in this study, the phylogenetic Geographical model and the Conductance model, considering the uncertainty associated with the phylogenetic relationship and the species classification. The Geo model infers the locations of ancestral species in a phylogenetic tree, assuming a spherical space and using samples of georeferenced locations for every species as input data. It allows us to estimate the species dispersal routes and distances from the location of the genus common ancestor. The Conductance model is based on the circuit theory and infers the geographic route and distance of least resistance between an origin and destination point. We defined the origin as the location of the genus common ancestor obtained from the Geo model and a destination point as the current geographic location of each species. This model infers the geographic routes with the least cost of resistance for dispersal in a landscape of varying altitude and aridity. Finally, we evaluated the correlation between the two dispersal distances each species have moved from the location of the common ancestor, that is, the distance inferred from the Geo model and from the Conductance model.ResultsThe Geo model shows that Brachistosternus's geographical origin was most likely along the coast of south Peru, and central Chile. From this location, extant species dispersed thorough routes ranging from 873 to 2800 km in average. The Conductance model that considers the routes with least resistance to elevation and aridity simulated dispersal distances that are highly correlated with the species dispersal distances obtained from the Geo model.Main ConclusionsWe revealed the geographic dispersal routes, with the least resistance to the pressures imposed by changes in altitude and aridity, that 55 species of scorpions have probably followed in the last 30 million years in South America. These geographic routes that went along the Andean Mountains and the arid zones of South America shaped the current spatial distribution of the genus Brachistosternus.

Alpiscorpius orgeli sp. nov., a new scorpion species from Manisa Province, Turkey (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

A new species Alpiscorpius orgeli sp. nov. is described based on morphological evidence from Demirci District of Manisa Province in western Turkey. With this addition, the number of scorpion species recorded in Turkey now stands at 22 for the Euscorpiidae family and five for the genus Alpiscorpius. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AAB28EC5-501C-4681-B780-8193F211EFED

Scorpion Envenoming as an Emerging Public Health Problem in Paraguay, Bolivia, and Midwest Brazil: Involvement of Tityus confluens and the Need for a Panregional Evaluation of Available Antivenoms.

This contribution highlights the emergence of a newly endemic region for scorpion envenoming in South America, covering eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and the midwestern Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. These areas have not historically been known to harbor life-threatening scorpion species. Tityus confluens, a parthenogenetic species of medical significance in Argentina, has been identified in severe and lethal human cases in Bolivia and Paraguay. Given that the clinical use of scorpion antivenom preparations in the region has often lacked preclinical data and considering the significant burden of scorpion envenoming, we propose a panregional evaluation of available anti-Tityus antivenoms. This evaluation, along with interdisciplinary efforts at a multinational scale to control scorpionism, aims to determine their true neutralization capacity and potential clinical efficacy against known culprits in the Southern Cone of South America and other regions endemic for scorpion envenoming on the continent.

A multigene approach to identify the scorpion species (Arachnida: Scorpiones) of Colima, Mexico, with comments on their venom diversity

Scorpion species diversity in Colima was investigated with a multigene approach. Fieldwork produced 34 lots of scorpions that were analyzed with 12S rDNA, 16S rDNA, COI, and 28S rDNA genetic markers. Our results confirmed prior phylogenetic results recovering the monophyly of the families Buthidae and Vaejovidae, some species groups, and genera. We recorded 11 described species of scorpions and found 3 putatively undescribed species of Centruroides, 1 of Mesomexovis, and 1 of Vaejovis. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that Centruroides elegans, C. infamatus, and C. limpidus do not occur in Colima, contrary to prior reports. Seven genetically different and medically relevant species of Centruroides for Colima are recorded for the first time. We used the InDRE database (Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos), which contains georeferenced points of scorpions, to estimate the distribution of the scorpion species found in our fieldwork. Finally, we discuss from a biogeographical, ecological, and medical point of view the presence and origin of the 14 scorpion species found in Colima.

Distribution mapping of deadly scorpions in Iran

Scorpion sting is a problem all over the world and becomes an acute problem when it is associated with death. Iran is known as a region with a large number of scorpions and, of course, with many cases of scorpion stings per year. So far, 11 scorpion species in Iran have been identified as dangerous, of which there are only three species for which deaths have been reported. Due to the importance of these three species, we prepared a distribution map of these three types of scorpions and discuss the implications of these findings in the larger context of dangerous scorpion stings in Iran.

Taxonomic identification of Morocco scorpions using MALDI-MS fingerprints of venom proteomes and computational modeling

The venom of scorpions has been the subject of numerous studies. However, their taxonomic identification is not a simple task, leading to misidentifications. This study aims to provide a practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprint (MFP). Specimens (251) belonging to fifteen species were collected from different regions in Morocco. Their MFPs were acquired using MALDI-MS. These were used as a training dataset to generate predictive models and a library of mean spectral profiles using software programs based on machine learning. The computational model achieved an overall recognition capability of 99 % comprising 32 molecular signatures. The models and the library were tested using a new dataset for external validation and to evaluate their capability of identification. We recorded an accuracy classification with an average of 97 % and 98 % for the computational models and the library, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to demonstrate the potential of MALDI-MS and MFPs to generate predictive models capable of discriminating scorpions from family to species levels, and to build a library of species-specific spectra. These promising results may represent a proof of concept towards developing a reliable approach for rapid molecular identification of scorpions in Morocco. Significance of the studyWith their clinical importance, scorpions may constitute a desirable study model for many researchers. The first step in studying scorpion is systematically identifying the species of interest. However, it can be a difficult task, especially for the non-experts. The taxonomy of scorpions is primarily based on morphometric characters. In Morocco, the high number of species and subspecies mainly endemic, and the morphological similarities between different species may result in false identifications. This was observed in many reports according to the scorpion experts. In this study, we describe a reliable practical approach for identifying scorpions based on the venom molecular mass fingerprints (MFPs). By using two software programs based on machine learning, we have demonstrated that these MFPs contains sufficient inter-specific variation to differentiate between the scorpion species mentioned in this study with a good accuracy. Using a drop of venom, this new approach could be a rapid, accurate and cost saving method for taxonomic identification of scorpions in Morocco.

Managing scorpion envenomations: A Gabes emergency department case study of 60 patients.

Scorpion envenomation constitutes a major public health issue in Tunisia, especially in arid regions such as the Gulf of Gabes. It is necessary to understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of this condition and the importance of early management. This study aims to assess the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients admitted to the emergency department of Gabes University Hospital for scorpion envenomation, as well as the timing of management and intra-hospital evolution. A retrospective descriptive study of 60 patients admitted for scorpion envenomation to the Acute Assessement unit at the Emergency Department of the Gabes University Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023. The average age was 35 years [1-85 years]. A slight male predominance (51.7%) was noted. Patients with chronic somatic diseases accounted for (25%) of our series. The predominant scorpion species was Androctonus australis (71.7%). The majority of incidents occurred during the nighttime (71.7%). Most patients were of rural origin (58.3%). The most common sting sites were the lower limbs (48.8%) and upper limbs (36.7%). Scorpion envenomation stages at admission were: Stage I (3.3%), Stage II (83.3%), and Stage III (8.33%). The average time to management was 2 hours. Patients classified as Stage II at admission or afterward were seen after an average of 3 hours. Patients initially classified as Stage III were seen after an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and those classified as Stage III during the hospitalization were seen after an average of 4 hours. The average time to management for patients transferred from the Emergency Department to the Intensive Care Unit was 4 hours. This study highlights the importance of early management of scorpion envenomation.

Urbanization impact on scorpion stings: An epidemiological study

Accidents caused by venomous animals, especially scorpions, are a major public health problem due to the increase in incidence in recent decades, since scorpion species have become well adapted to urbanized environments. Nonetheless, the impact of urbanization in scorpionism is not clear. The objective of this study is to correlate the variation in the incidence of scorpion accidents with the rate of urbanized area. This was a retrospective, epidemiological study of accidents by scorpions in 376 of the most populous Brazilian cities in 2019 and compared to ten years earlier, using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Data were obtained by accessing DATASUS/TABNET and IBGE Cidades platforms. A weak negative correlation between scorpion stings and urbanization was found in 2009 (rs = −0.145). The correlation between the variation in the incidence of scorpionism and the percentage of urbanized area was not significant. Although the highest incidence of scorpionism occurs in-more urbanized environments, there is a wide distribution of scorpion accidents, especially in tropical and subtropical regions due to climatic conditions, the level of urbanization of Brazilian municipalities was not the major factor in the increase of scorpion accidents.

Hidden in the cracks, a new species of Scorpion from Michoacan, Mexico (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae)

A new species of Vaejovis is described for Michoacan, Mexico belonging to the nigrescens/nitidulus group, the less diverse group of species from the genus. This species has a preference for synanthropic environments and inhabits rock walls within the city limits. Additionally, the pictures of the hemispermatophore are presented and characters are named according to new terminology. This species is named honoring Dr. Gabriela Castaño Meneses for her great contributionsto arthropods research in Mexico and the world.

The role of social media in public health awareness during times of war in Sudan: snakebites and scorpion stings

BackgroundSnakebite envenomation (SBE) and scorpion sting envenomation (SSE) are significant neglected tropical diseases that primarily affect impoverished communities in rural areas of developing nations. A lack of understanding about snake and scorpion species and their distribution exacerbates the disabilities and fatalities caused by SBE and SSE. In Sudan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing conflicts where healthcare resources are scarce, social media platforms offer a cost-effective approach to addressing public health challenges. Our aim in this study is to highlight the benefits of using social media for data collection and health promotion in such environments.MethodsWe present a cost-effective communication and data collection strategy implemented at the Toxic Organisms Research Centre (TORC) of the University of Khartoum, focusing on a Facebook group, “Scorpions and Snakes of Sudan”, as our primary social media platform. Additionally, we discuss the lessons learned and the initial impact of this strategy on enhancing population health literacy.ResultsThe group community is composed of ~ 5000 members from 14 countries. During the period from January 2023 to January 2024, we received 417 enquiries about snakes and scorpions belonging to 11 families and composed of 55 species. In addition, 53 other enquiries covered a range of organisms and their tracks (e.g., spiders, skinks, chameleons, foxes, sun spiders, centipedes, lizards, moth larvae, and insect tracks). The first photographic evidence of Malpolon monspessulanus in Sudan was via the group activities. The rare species Telescopus gezirae, the Blue Nile cat snake, is also documented via the group member’s queries. Recognizing the evolving nature of social media use in public health, we also address the current limitations and evidence gaps that need to be addressed to effectively translate best practices into policy.ConclusionIn conclusion, utilizing Facebook as an institutional platform to share scientific information in simple Arabic language underscores the proactive roles that citizens, scientists, and public health stakeholders can play in leveraging social media for eHealth, eAwareness, and public health initiatives. This approach highlights the potential for collaborative efforts, particularly during crises, to maximize the benefits of social media in advancing public health.

Hide and seek: chemical cues drive site preference among potential mates and intraguild competitors

Abstract Chemical perception is essential among arthropods for mate recognition, prey search, and predator avoidance, especially for solitary predators which are often aggressive. Such mechanisms may be intensified in environments like the Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest in Brazil, characterized by low habitat complexity and high seasonal variation. Thus, we investigated chemical perception between two scorpion species from this environment, involved in intraguild competition. Experiments assessed their response to chemical cues from prey, predators, and potential mates. We use Y-mazes to test the time spent by the scorpions between Y-arms with or without a given substrate-borne chemical cue (site preference) and the number of active individuals during trials (presence of activity). Scorpions’ activity was not influenced by chemical stimuli, although they clearly exhibit site preferences. The smaller predators avoided sites with the larger species’ chemical cues, while the larger predators preferred sites with the smaller species’ cues. Additionally, both species trailed female chemical cues. These findings suggest a dual-oriented arms race where prey and predator modulate their behaviour to avoid and hunt heterospecifics, respectively. This study provides the first evidence of a scorpion using chemical cues to detect a heterospecific scorpion and highlights the importance of this trait in arachnids.

Scorpions of the State of Kuwait

This is the first preliminary study on the scorpions of Kuwait. Three species of scorpions were identified, described and illustrated from the State of Kuwait. Identified species belong to family Buthidae: Apistobuthus susanae, Androctonus crassicauda and Compsobuthus pallidus. Measurements were given for Apistobuthus susanae. Morphometric measurements were given for the three species, along with comparison of Apistobuthus susanae and Apistobuthus pterygocercus.

Clinical outcomes in a murine model after envenoming by the Amazonian scorpions Tityus strandi and Tityus dinizi

The Brazilian Amazon is home to a rich fauna of scorpion species of medical importance, some of them still poorly characterized regarding their biological actions and range of clinical symptoms after envenoming. The Amazonian scorpion species Tityus strandi and Tityus dinizi constitute some of the scorpions in this group, with few studies in the literature regarding their systemic repercussions. In the present study, we characterized the clinical, inflammatory, and histopathological manifestations of T. strandi and T. dinizi envenoming in a murine model using Balb/c mice. The results show a robust clinical response based on clinical score, hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, increased cytokines, and histopathological changes in the kidneys and lungs. Tityus strandi envenomed mice presented more prominent clinical manifestations when compared to Tityus dinizi, pointing to the relevance of this species in the medical scenario, with both species inducing hyperglycemia, leukocytosis, increased cytokine production in the peritoneal lavage, increased inflammatory infiltrate in the lungs, and acute tubular necrosis after T. strandi envenoming. The results presented in this research can help to understand the systemic manifestations of scorpion accidents in humans caused by the target species of the study and point out therapeutic strategies in cases of scorpionism in remote regions of the Amazon.

Unveiling Tst3, a Multi-Target Gating Modifier Scorpion α Toxin from Tityus stigmurus Venom of Northeast Brazil: Evaluation and Comparison with Well-Studied Ts3 Toxin of Tityus serrulatus.

Studies on the interaction sites of peptide toxins and ion channels typically involve site-directed mutations in toxins. However, natural mutant toxins exist among them, offering insights into how the evolutionary process has conserved crucial sequences for activities and molecular target selection. In this study, we present a comparative investigation using electrophysiological approaches and computational analysis between two alpha toxins from evolutionarily close scorpion species of the genus Tityus, namely, Tst3 and Ts3 from T. stigmurus and T. serrulatus, respectively. These toxins exhibit three natural substitutions near the C-terminal region, which is directly involved in the interaction between alpha toxins and Nav channels. Additionally, we characterized the activity of the Tst3 toxin on Nav1.1-Nav1.7 channels. The three natural changes between the toxins did not alter sensitivity to Nav1.4, maintaining similar intensities regarding their ability to alter opening probabilities, delay fast inactivation, and induce persistent currents. Computational analysis demonstrated a preference for the down conformation of VSD4 and a shift in the conformational equilibrium towards this state. This illustrates that the sequence of these toxins retained the necessary information, even with alterations in the interaction site region. Through electrophysiological and computational analyses, screening of the Tst3 toxin on sodium isoform revealed its classification as a classic α-NaTx with a broad spectrum of activity. It effectively delays fast inactivation across all tested isoforms. Structural analysis of molecular energetics at the interface of the VSD4-Tst3 complex further confirmed this effect.

Evaluation of the immunoprotective power of a multiple antigenic peptide against Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion

Scorpion envenoming (SE) is a public health problem in developing countries. In Algeria, the population exposed to the risk of SE was estimated at 86.45% in 2019. Thus, the development of a vaccine to protect the exposed population against scorpion toxins would be a major advance in the fight against this disease.This work aimed to evaluate the immunoprotective effect of a Multiple Antigenic Peptide against the Aah II toxin of Androctonus australis hector scorpion, the most dangerous scorpion species in Algeria. The immunogen MAP1Aah2 was designed and tested accordingly. This molecule contains a B epitope, derived from Aah II toxin, linked by a spacer to a universal T epitope, derived from the tetanus toxin.The results showed that MAP1Aah2 was non-toxic despite the fact that its sequence was derived from Aah II toxin. The immunoenzymatic assay revealed that the 3 immunization regimens tested generated specific anti-MAP1Aah2 antibodies and cross-reacted with the toxin. Mice immunized with this immunogen were partially protected against mortality caused by challenge doses of 2 and 3 LD50 of the toxin. The survival rate and developed symptoms varied depending on the adjuvant and the challenge dose used. In the in vitro neutralization test, the immune sera of mice having received the immunogen with incomplete Freund’s adjuvant neutralized a challenge dose of 2 LD50.Hence, the concept of using peptide dendrimers, based on linear epitopes of scorpion toxins, as immunogens against the parent toxin was established. However, the protective properties of the tested immunogen require further optimizations.

Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological alterations induced in Swiss mice by Buthus boumalenii scorpion venom

The yellow scorpion, Buthus boumalenii, has long been recognized as a potentially dangerous species endemic to Morocco. However, there is currently no data on the in vivo toxicity or effects of Buthus boumalenii venom, as it has not been studied to the best of our knowledge. In order to achieve the objective of this study, the LD50 of B. boumalenii venom will be initially calculated, followed by determining its impact on vital organs using histological, biochemical, and behavioral analyses. The investigation also explores potential neurobehavioral impairments in Swiss mice at intervals of 3 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours post-envenomation. The LD50 for Buthus boumalenii scorpion venom in mice was determined to be 353 µg/kg based on body weight. The findings of the study highlight the potential lethality of B. boumalenii. Observations related to the poisoning provide indications of potential tissue damage in specific vital organs. To sum up, the venom from this scorpion has the potential to result in considerable medical complications, including fatalities, particularly in individuals at risk. Consequently, healthcare practitioners should be knowledgeable about the diverse scorpion species in their regions and adhere to contemporary medical protocols when addressing scorpion envenomation.

Mosaic Evolution of Grasping and Genital Traits in Two Sympatric Scorpion Species with Reproductive Interference

Mosaic Evolution of Grasping and Genital Traits in Two Sympatric Scorpion Species with Reproductive Interference