Abstract Background: 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. Methods: 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. Conclusion: 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. Background Colombia coexist lifethreatening life threatening toxicity Methods Here C T n sp aff phospholipases hyaluronidases Results Conclusion envenomation

Abstract Tityus serrulatus scorpion is responsible for a significant number of envenomings in Brazil, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, leading to fatalities. While supportive care is the primary treatment modality, moderate and severe cases require antivenom administration despite potential limitations and adverse effects. The remarkable proliferation of T. serrulatus scorpions, attributed to their biology and asexual reproduction, contributes to a high incidence of envenomation. T. serrulatus scorpion venom predominantly consists of short proteins acting as neurotoxins (α and β), that primarily target ion channels. Nevertheless, high molecular weight compounds, including metalloproteases, serine proteases, phospholipases, and hyaluronidases, are also present in the venom. These compounds play a crucial role in envenomation, influencing the severity of symptoms and the spread of venom. This review endeavors to comprehensively understand the T. serrulatus scorpion venom by elucidating the primary high molecular weight compounds and exploring their potential contributions to envenomation. Understanding these compounds' mechanisms of action can aid in developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies, ultimately mitigating the impact of scorpion envenomation on public health in Brazil. Brazil fatalities modality effects T scorpions reproduction α β, β , β) channels Nevertheless metalloproteases proteases phospholipases hyaluronidases strategies

ABSTRACT Scorpion envenoming is considered a public health problem in Brazil. A recent study described a variation in the clinical outcome of envenoming by Tityus obscurus in two populations separated by 850 km in the northeastern Amazon region. Our aim was to evaluate whether such clinical and toxinological variations are associated with underlying differences in genetic diversity between these two T. obscurus populations. We obtained DNA from five individuals of each population, in the municipalities of Belém and Santarém, located east and west of the state of Pará, Brazil, respectively. Gene regions encoding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and ribosomal 16S RNA (16S) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inferences (BA) for both molecular data (COI and 16S). The sampled T. obscurus populations corresponded to two distinct mtDNA lineages (genetic distance COI K2 P = 0.08 to 0.13; 16S K2 P = 0.10 to 0.11) with no shared mutations between groups and well supported by ML and BA inferences. Based on the divergence values found between eastern and western populations (COI, 0.07 to 0.12; 16S, 0.10), our study confirms the genetic heterogeneity of T. obscurus populations within the state of Pará, which correlates with observed venom and clinical differences, and reinforces the need for mapping the distribution of haplotypes throughout the geographic range of T. obscurus, to aid in future epidemiological, toxinological, and evolutionary studies. Brazil 85 region T population Santarém Pará respectively (mtDNA S (16S sequenced (ML (BA 16S. . 16S) K 008 0 08 0.0 0.13 013 13 010 10 0.1 0.11 011 11 COI, 007 07 0.12 012 12 0.10, , 0.10) epidemiological studies 8 00 0. 01 1

RESUMO O envenenamento por escorpiões é considerado um problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Um estudo recente descreve a variação do quadro clínico de envenenamento por Tityus obscurus em duas populações separadas por uma distância de 850 km no nordeste da Amazônia. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se tais variações clínicas e toxicológicas estão associadas a diferenças subjacentes na diversidade genética entre essas duas populações de T. obscurus. Obtivemos DNA de cinco indivíduos de cada população nos municípios de Belém e Santarém, localizados a leste e oeste do estado do Pará, Brasil, respectivamente. Regiões gênicas que codificam marcadores de DNA mitocondrial (mtDNA) citocromo oxidase subunidade I (COI) e RNA ribossômico 16S (16S) foram amplificadas e sequenciadas. As análises filogenéticas foram realizadas por máxima verossimilhança (ML) e inferência Bayesiana (BA) para ambos os dados moleculares (COI e 16S). As populações de T. obscurus amostradas corresponderam a duas linhagens distintas de mtDNA (distância genética COI K2 P = 0,08 a 0,13; 16S K2 P = 0,10 a 0,11) sem mutações compartilhadas entre os grupos, e bem corroboradas por inferências ML e BA. Com base nos valores de divergência encontrados entre as populações oriental e ocidental (COI, 0,07 a 0,12; 16S, 0,10), nosso estudo confirma a heterogeneidade genética das populações de T. obscurus no estado do Pará. Os resultados são congruentes com as diferenças observadas no quadro clínico dos acidentes e toxicidade do veneno, e reforçam a necessidade de mapear a distribuição de haplótipos em toda a distribuição geográfica de T. obscurus, para auxiliar em futuros estudos epidemiológicos, toxinológicos e evolutivos. Brasil 85 Amazônia T Santarém Pará respectivamente (mtDNA S (16S sequenciadas (ML BA (BA 16S. . 16S) K 008 0 08 0,0 0,13 013 13 010 10 0,1 0,11 011 11 grupos COI, 007 07 0,12 012 12 0,10, , 0,10) veneno epidemiológicos evolutivos 8 00 0, 01 1

Abstract In this work, we analyzed cytogenetically eight Chactidae and Buthidae, including the localization of repetitive DNA sequences. The chactids possess monocentric chromosomes and the highest diploid numbers (2n=50 in Brotheas amazonicus, 2n=36 in Chactopsis amazonica, 2n=30 in Neochactas sp.) when compared with buthids (2n=10 in Tityus bahiensis, 2n=14 in Tityus apiacas and Tityus metuendus, 2n=18 in Tityus aba, 2n=26 in Ischnotelson peruassu). The localization of rDNA genes and (TTAGG)n sequences exhibited a conserved pattern of two terminal/subterminal ribosomal cistrons and terminal telomere signals. However, the comparison between the data of C-banding, DAPI after FISH and Cot-DNA fraction indicated a variable quantity and distribution of these regions, as follow: (i) positive heterochromatin and Cot-DNA signals (B. amazonicus and I. peruassu), (ii) small blocks of heterochromatin with large Cot-DNA signals (T. metuendus), (iii) positive heterochromatic regions and absence of Cot-DNA signals (T. aba and T. apiacas), and (iv) negative heterochromatin and Cot-DNA signals (T. bahiensis). Therefore, our results revealed that there still is not a clear relation between quantity of heterochromatin and presence of monocentric or holocentric chromosomes and occurrence of chromosomal rearrangements, indicating that repetitive regions in scorpions must be analyzed using different cytogenetic approaches. work Buthidae 2n=50 2n50 n 2n 50 (2n=5 2n36 36 2n=3 amazonica 2n30 30 sp. sp 2n=10 2n10 10 (2n=1 bahiensis 2n14 14 2n=1 metuendus 2n18 18 2n26 26 2n=2 peruassu. peruassu . peruassu) TTAGGn TTAGG terminalsubterminal subterminal However Cbanding, Cbanding C banding, banding C-banding CotDNA Cot follow i (i B. B (B I peruassu, , ii (ii T (T metuendus) iii (iii apiacas, apiacas) iv (iv bahiensis. bahiensis) Therefore rearrangements approaches 2n=5 2n5 5 (2n= 2n3 3 2n= 2n1 1 2n2 2 (2n

ABSTRACT Background: Scorpions are a leading cause of envenomation in Brazil. The species Tityus serrulatus is associated with the most severe cases, especially in children. Despite not being endemic to the state of Santa Catarina, such occurrences have increased more than 500% in the state recently. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the occurrence of envenomation by T. serrulatus, attended by the Center for Toxicological Information and Assistance of Santa Catarina. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of the occurrence of T. serrulatus, identified by the agency, from 2014 to 2021 in Santa Catarina, using data obtained by the BI-DATATOX system. Results: A total of 112 occurrences were classified as envenomation. Of these cases, 48.2% were recorded in the Itajaí Valley region and 33% in Greater Florianópolis. Men were involved in 59.8% of these, and the most common age group was 20-39 years (39.3%). Most envenomation occurred in urban areas (89.3%) under non-occupational circumstances (83%). Stings were more frequent on the hands (50.9%). Care was sought within 1 h after the event in 75.9% of the cases, and 94.6% were classified as mild. Conclusions: Occurrence of envenomation involving T. serrulatus in Santa Catarina increased significantly during the study period. Most cases occurred in urbanized areas, which suggests that they might have been transported from other states, and it must be considered that, in the urban environment, scorpions find a large supply of food and shelter and a reduced number of specific predators, allied to parthenogenesis. Background Brazil children 500 recently Therefore T Methods agency 201 202 BIDATATOX BI DATATOX system Results 11 482 48 2 48.2 33 Florianópolis 598 59 8 59.8 2039 20 39 20-3 39.3%. 393 39.3% . 3 (39.3%) 89.3% 893 89 (89.3% nonoccupational non occupational 83%. 83 83% (83%) 50.9%. 509 50.9% 50 9 (50.9%) 759 75 75.9 946 94 6 94.6 mild Conclusions period states environment predators parthenogenesis 4 48. 5 59. 203 20- 39.3 (39.3% 89.3 (89.3 (83% 50.9 (50.9% 7 75. 94. 39. (39.3 89. (89. (83 50. (50.9 (39. (89 (8 (50. (39 ( (50 (3 (5

RESUMEN Objetivo: Caracterizar los accidentes de escorpiones en el Centro de Información y Asistencia Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, analizar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la clasificación moderada y severa y determinar el grupo etario de mayor riesgo para esta clasificación. Método: Estudio transversal y retrospectivo, con pacientes atendidos presencialmente por el CIATox, que sufrieron un accidente de escorpión, desde enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2019. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Para la variable edad se construyó una curva ROC con el fin de determinar puntos de corte en relación a la clasificación de severidad. Los modelos de regresión de Poisson se ajustaron considerando la clasificación de severidad como variable dependiente. Resultados: Se analizaron 754 casos con edad media de 36,05 años, en su mayoría mujeres y accidentes no laborales ocurridos en la zona urbana. El escorpión más frecuente fue el Tityus serrulatus. Los factores de riesgo encontrados para mayor gravedad fueron el grupo etario hasta 22 años y la atención previa en otros servicios de salud. Conclusión: El grupo etario hasta los 22 años debe ser utilizado como factor predictivo de severidad en la evaluación clínica de los pacientes picados por escorpiones para realizar un manejo adecuado de los casos. Objetivo CIATox (CIATox Campinas Método retrospectivo 201 2019 inferencial dependiente Resultados 75 3605 36 05 36,0 urbana serrulatus 2 salud Conclusión 20 7 360 3 0 36,

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize scorpion accidents at the Information and Toxicological Assistance Center (CIATox) in Campinas, to analyze risk factors related to the moderate and severe classification, and to determine the age group at greatest risk for this classification. Method: Cross-sectional and retrospective study, with patients assisted in person at CIATox, who had a scorpion accident, from January 2015 to December 2019. Descriptive and inferential analysis was conducted. For the age variable, a ROC curve was constructed to determine cutoff points in relation to the severity classification. Poisson regression models were adjusted considering severity classification as the dependent variable. Results: A total of 754 cases with a mean age of 36.05 years, mostly female and non-occupational accidents that occurred in the urban area, was analyzed. The most frequent scorpion was the Tityus serrulatus. The risk factors found for greater severity were age group up to 22 years and previous care in other health services. Conclusion: The age range up to 22 years old should be used as a predictive factor of severity in the clinical evaluation of patients stung by scorpions to carry out adequate management of cases. Objective CIATox (CIATox Campinas Method Crosssectional Cross sectional study accident 201 2019 conducted variable Results 75 3605 36 05 36.0 nonoccupational non occupational area analyzed serrulatus 2 services Conclusion 20 7 360 3 0 36.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os acidentes escorpiônicos do Centro de Informação e Assistência Toxicológica (CIATox) de Campinas, analisar fatores de risco relacionados à classificação moderada e grave e determinar faixa etária de maior risco para esta classificação. Método: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, com pacientes atendidos presencialmente pelo CIATox, que sofreram acidente escorpiônico, de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2019. Foi realizada análise descritiva e inferencial. Para a variável idade foi construída uma curva ROC com o intuito de determinar pontos de corte em relação à classificação de gravidade. Foram ajustados modelos de regressão Poisson considerando a classificação de gravidade como variável dependente. Resultados: Foram analisados 754 casos com idade média de 36,05 anos, maioria do sexo feminino e acidentes não ocupacionais ocorridos na zona urbana. O escorpião mais frequente foi o Tityus serrulatus. Os fatores de risco encontrados para maior gravidade foram faixa etária até 22 anos e atendimento prévio em outros serviços de saúde. Conclusão: A faixa etária até 22 anos deve ser usada como fator preditivo de gravidade na avaliação clínica dos pacientes picados por escorpião para realização de manejo adequado dos casos. Objetivo CIATox (CIATox Campinas Método retrospectivo escorpiônico 201 2019 inferencial dependente Resultados 75 3605 36 05 36,0 urbana serrulatus 2 saúde Conclusão 20 7 360 3 0 36,

Abstract Leishmaniasis is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by different species of the genus Leishmania, with a wide clinical spectrum. It is a public health problem aggravated by a series of limitations regarding treatment. In the search for new therapeutic alternatives, scorpion venoms are a source of multifunctional molecules that act against the natural resistance of pathogens. This work evaluated the antileishmanial potential of Brotheas amazonicus and Tityus metuendus venoms against the promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. The venoms of B. amazonicus and T. metuendus were evaluated for their constituents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Growth inhibition and death of promastigotes were evaluated in the presence of diferente crude venom concentrations (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) after one hour of incubation at 25 °C. The FTIR spectra of both venoms exhibited bands in approximate regions, revealing that both exhibit similar functional groups. Crude venom from both scorpion species showed similar or superior leishmanicidal effects to the standart drug N-methylglucamine antimoniate. At the highest concentration of 100 µg/mL, cultures of L. guyanensis treated with the venom of B. amazonicus showed the highest mortality percentages, above 28%, while T. metuendus venom showed the highest activity against L. amazonensis, with mortality above 7%. This preliminar study demonstrates that B. amazonicus and T. metuendus venoms can be important tools in the search for new drugs Against leishmaniasis. Next step involves evaluating the activity against the amastigote forms and purifying the venom proteins in order to identify the best anti-leishmania candidates. vectortransmitted vector transmitted spectrum treatment alternatives pathogens B T FTIR. . (FTIR) (10 µgmL µg mL µg/mL 5 2 C °C regions groups Nmethylglucamine N methylglucamine antimoniate L percentages 28 28% 7 7% leishmaniasis antileishmania anti leishmania candidates (FTIR (1 (

Resumo A leishmaniose é uma zoonose de transmissão vetorial causada por diferentes espécies do gênero Leishmania, com amplo espectro clínico. É um problema de saúde pública agravado por uma série de limitações quanto ao tratamento. Na busca por novas alternativas terapêuticas, os venenos de escorpiões são uma fonte de moléculas multifuncionais que atuam contra a resistência natural dos patógenos. Este trabalho avaliou o potencial antileishmania dos venenos de Brotheas amazonicus e Tityus metuendus contra as formas promastigotas de Leishmania amazonensis e Leishmania guyanensis. Os venenos de B. amazonicus e T. metuendus foram avaliados quanto aos seus constituintes usando espectrometria no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier (FTIR). A inibição do crescimento e a morte de promastigotas foram avaliadas na presença de diferentes concentrações de veneno bruto (100 µg/mL, 50 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL) após uma hora de incubação a 25 °C. Os espectros de FTIR de ambos os venenos exibiram bandas em regiões aproximadas, revelando que ambos exibem grupos funcionais semelhantes. O veneno bruto de ambas as espécies de escorpiões mostrou efeitos leishmanicidas semelhantes ou superiores ao antimoniato de N-metilglucamina padrão. Na maior concentração de 100 µg/mL, as culturas de L. guyanensis tratadas com o veneno de B. amazonicus apresentaram os maiores percentuais de mortalidade, acima de 28%, enquanto o veneno de T. metuendus apresentou a maior atividade contra L. amazonensis, com mortalidade acima de 7%. Este estudo preliminar demonstra que os venenos de B. amazonicus e T. metuendus podem ser ferramentas importantes na busca de novos fármacos contra a leishmaniose. O próximo passo envolve avaliar a atividade contra as formas amastigotas e purificar as proteínas do veneno para identificar os melhores candidatos anti-leishmania. clínico tratamento terapêuticas patógenos B T FTIR. . (FTIR) (10 µgmL µg mL µg/mL 5 2 C °C aproximadas Nmetilglucamina N metilglucamina padrão L 28 28% 7 7% antileishmania. anti leishmania. leishmania anti-leishmania (FTIR (1 (

Resumen: El escorpionismo, como se denomina al cuadro clínico producido por la picadura de escorpiones tóxicos en humanos, es un problema de salud pública en áreas urbanas y rurales de la América Tropical, incluyendo Paraguay, asociado a pobreza y a la falta de acceso a antivenenos específicos. Aunque su prevalencia en Paraguay no ha sido aún evaluada, la presencia de especies de reconocida toxicidad que son propias del país junto a otras especies compartidas con los países limítrofes y el registro de envenenamientos severos en niños en el Departamento Central, demandan la revisión de esta patología para su conocimiento por los profesionales de salud y de investigación sobre el tema. En esta revisión, se describen el conocimiento actual sobre esta patología en Paraguay, las alteraciones fisiopatológicas ocasionadas por los componentes tóxicos presentes en el veneno escorpiónico en los principales sistemas fisiológicos que sirven de blanco farmacológico de las toxinas, además de aportar a su diagnóstico diferencial, con el fin de contribuir con el adecuado tratamiento de las víctimas de estos envenenamientos y a la comprensión holística de esta emergente enfermedad desatendida en el país.

Abstract: Scorpionism, or the medical consequence of scorpion stings in humans, is a public health problem in urban and rural areas of Tropical America, including Paraguay, associated with poverty and the lack of access to specific antivenoms. Despite its prevalence, scorpionism in Paraguay has not been assessed before. The local distribution of toxic scorpion species that are endemic to Paraguay and shared with neighboring countries, and also the record of severe cases in children from the Central Department, demand a review of this pathology to enlighten health professionals and biomedical researchers on the subject. In this review, the current status of scorpionism in Paraguay is presented, along with the physiopathological alterations elicited by scorpion venoms on the various organ systems targeted by the toxins, and its differential diagnosis, with the intent to contribute with the adequate treatment of victims and the holistic understanding of this emerging neglected disease in the country.

Abstract An error in Figure 2 of the work: Braga JRM, Ramalho RD, Sousa JCC de, Almeida IL de. 2022. Scorpions from Ceará State, Brazil: Distribution and ecological comments. Revista Peruana de Biología. 29(1):e21205-e21205. https://doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v29i1.21205. Due to an editorial mistake, the latest authors version of figure 2 was not considered. The correction refers to the image of Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922. Image: Relrison Dias. The article files that indicate in the dates of the editorial process: “Correction [Fig 2]: 05/10/2022”, already include the change.

Resumen Un error en la Figura 2 del trabajo: Braga JRM, Ramalho RD, Sousa JCC de, Almeida IL de. 2022. Scorpions from Ceará State, Brazil: Distribution and ecological comments. Revista Peruana de Biología. 29(1):e21205-e21205. https://doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v29i1.21205. Por error editorial no se consideró la última versión de la figura 2 que los autores enviaron. El cambio se refiere a la imagen de Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922. Image: Relrison Dias. Los archivos del articulo que indican en las fechas del proceso editorial: “Corrección [Fig 2]: 10/05/2022”, ya incluyen el cambio.

Abstract Scorpions are venomous synanthropic arachnids, in 2019 they were responsible for more than 37000 cases of envenomation in the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. To update the knowledge about the scorpiofauna in Ceará, a distribution list of scorpions collected/received by municipal agents of the Health Surveillance Service was performed in 165 municipalities (89%) of Ceará (2018 - 2019) and deposited in the Dr. Thomaz Corrêa Aragão Entomology Laboratory scientific collection, including species distribution maps and ecological data. This study included a total of 999 scorpions from two families (Buthidae and Bothriuridae) and eleven species. The most abundant species were: Tityus stigmurus (40.1%), Jaguajir rochae (37.2%), Bothriurus asper (8.3%) and Bothriurus rochai (6.7%), mainly inhabiting municipalities in the Caatinga biome. The first record of Tityus confluens and Tityus maranhensis in the Sobral mesoregion is herein presented, expanding the distribution of these species in Brazil.

Resumen Los escorpiones son arácnidos sinantrópicos venenosos; durante el año 2019 fueron responsables de más de 37000 casos de envenenamiento en el estado de Ceará, noreste de Brasil. Para actualizar el conocimiento sobre la escorpiónofauna en Ceará, se realizó una lista de distribución de escorpiones recolectados / recibidos em las agencias municipales del Servicio de Vigilancia de Salud de 165 municipios (89%) de Ceará (2018 - 2019), y depositados en la colección científica de Entomología del laboratorio Dr. Thomaz Corrêa Aragão, junto con mapas de distribución de especies y datos ecológicos. Este estudio incluyó un total de 999 escorpiones pertenecientes a dos familias (Buthidae y Bothriuridae) y once especies. Entre ellos, los más abundantes fueron: Tityus stigmurus (40.1%), Jaguajir rochae (37.2%), Bothriurus asper (8.3%) y Bothriurus rochai (6.7%), que habitan principalmente municipios en el bioma Caatinga. Aquí se presenta el primer registro de Tityus confluens y Tityus maranhensis en la mesorregión de Sobral, ampliando la distribución de estas especies en Brasil.

Abstract A synopsis on the historical, geographical and ecological aspects related to the most conspicuous scorpion species of the genus Tityus known from Brazil is proposed. Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 was described precisely one century ago, nevertheless many questions related to its ecological adaptations and geographical expansion remain without a precise response. This species, well known for its infamous reputation of noxious species, is also known for its capacity to reproduce asexually, by parthenogenesis. Although the individuals of a given population are considered clones, a new hypothesis could suggest the occurrence of mutations within isolated individuals, leading to distinct subpopulations that could present better phenotypic performances in ecological habitats distinct from those of the original area of distribution of the species.

Abstract Background: Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpion’s telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.

Abstract Background: Scorpions can use their pincers and/or stingers to subdue and immobilize their prey. A scorpion can thus choose between strategies involving force or venom, or both, depending on what is required to subdue its prey. Scorpions vary greatly in the size and strength of their pincers, and in the efficacy of their venom. Whether this variability is driven by their defensive or prey incapacitation functionis unknown. In this study, we test if scorpion species with different pincer morphologies and venom efficacies use these weapons differently during prey subjugation. To that end, we observed Opisthacanthus elatus and Chactas sp. with large pincers and Centruroides edwardsii and Tityus sp. with slender pincers. Methods: The scorpion pinch force was measured, and behavioral experiments were performed with hard and soft prey (Blaptica dubia and Acheta domesticus). Stinger use, sting frequency and immobilization time were measured. Results: We found that scorpions with large pincers such as O. elatus produce more force and use the stinger less, mostly subjugating prey by crushing them with the pincers. In C. edwardsii and Tityus sp. we found they use their slender and relatively weak pincers for holding the prey, but seem to predominantly use the stinger to subjugate them. On the other hand, Chactas sp. uses both strategies although it has a high pinch force. Conclusions: Our results show that scorpionspecies with massive pincers and high pinch force as O. elatus use the stinger less for prey subjugation than scorpionspecies with slenderpincers.

Abstract 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.

Abstract Background: Scorpions are arachnids that have a generalist diet, which use venom to subdue their prey. The study of their trophic ecology and capture behavior is still limited compared to other organisms, and aspects such as trophic specialization in this group have been little explored. Methods: In order to determine the relationship between feeding behavior and venom toxicity in the scorpion species Tityus fuhrmanni, 33 specimens were offered prey with different morphologies and defense mechanisms: spiders, cockroaches and crickets. In each of the experiments we recorded the following aspects: acceptance rate, immobilization time and the number of capture attempts. The median lethal dose of T. fuhrmanni venom against the three different types of prey was also evaluated. Results: We found that this species does not have a marked difference in acceptance for any of the evaluated prey, but the number of capture attempts of spiders is higher when compared to the other types of prey. The immobilization time is shorter in spiders compared to other prey and the LD50 was higher for cockroaches. Conclusions: These results indicate that T. fuhrmanni is a scorpion with a generalist diet, has a venom with a different potency among prey and is capable of discriminating between prey types and employing distinct strategies to subdue them.