Effect of temperature on the defensive and predatory behavior of the scorpion Hadrurus obscurus (Scorpiones: Hadruridae)

Posted by
  Effect of temperature on the defensive and predatory behavior of the scorpion Hadrurus obscurus (Scorpiones: Hadruridae) Abstract Scorpions employ their stinging mechanism both for defense and predation, and being ectothermic, temperature influences their physiology and behavior. As such, we hypothesized that temperature both affects defensive stinging and prey-capture behavior in scorpions. We tested the effects of body temperature on these behaviors in the desert hairy scorpion, Hadrurus obscurus Williams, 1970. In the first experiment, scorpions were placed in temperature-controlled chambers with either high (26-28°C) or low (21- 22°C) temperatures and probed to elicit a defensive sting. We recorded the reaction time and the number of probes needed to elicit a sting. In the second experiment, we observed and recorded prey capture behavior at three different temperatures (21, 29, and 33°C). Scorpions with higher body temperatures had faster defensive reaction times and require...

Intraguild predation by two species of Hottentotta (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Pakistan

Posted by

 


Intraguild predation by two species of Hottentotta (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Pakistan



Abstract


Intraguild predation constitute an important ecological interaction in many ecosystems. We report two cases of intraguild predation involving scorpion as predator of centipede and assassin bug (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) during a nocturnal search for scorpions in Pakistan. In first case, Hottentotta jalalabadensis scorpion was found on rocks feeding a scolopendromorph centipede. On second, H. alticola individual was found with an assassin bug in their pedipalps and chelicerae also on rocks. In both cases when disturbed, the scorpion tries to flee to rock crevices without releasing its prey. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of intraguild interactions involving Pakistani scorpions. Depredación intragremial por dos especies de Hottentotta (Scorpiones: Buthidae) en Pakistán 


Resumen

La depredación intragremial constituye una importante interacción ecológica en muchos ecosistemas. Se reportan dos casos de depredación dentro de un gremio que involucran a escorpiones como depredadores de ciempiés y chinches asesinas (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) durante una búsqueda nocturna de escorpiones en Pakistán. En el primer caso, el escorpión Hottentotta jalalabadensis fue encontrado en las rocas alimentándose de un ciempiés escolopendromorfo. En segundo lugar, se encontró un individuo de H. alticola con una chinche asesina en sus pedipalpos y quelíceros, también en rocas. En ambos casos, cuando se sintió molestado, el escorpión intentó huir hacia las grietas de las rocas, sin soltar a su presa. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer informe de interacciones entre gremios que involucran escorpiones pakistaníes.


Muhammad Jawad, Sahibzada & Lira, André & De, Felipe & Lira², Araujo & Muhammad, & Sobia, Zahid¹ & Khan¹, Khalid. (2023). Intraguild predation by two species of Hottentotta (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Pakistan. ResearchGate