A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation?

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  A pseudoscorpion clinging to a cave salamander: phoresy or failed predation? Abstract Pseudoscorpions are well known for phoretic associations with arthropods, but interactions with amphibians are rarely documented. Here we report a pseudoscorpion attached to the left palpebral region of an adult male Italian cave salamander, Speleomantes italicus , observed during a visual survey in a karst cave in Tuscany, Italy. The pseudoscorpion, assigned on the basis of visible morphology and locality to Chthonius cf. elongatus , was grasping a minute cutaneous fold on the lower margin of the left upper eyelid with one chela while the salamander moved slowly over the rock surface. No handling was performed and the initial contact between the two animals was not observed. The event therefore cannot be interpreted unambiguously, but may represent opportunistic phoresy or defensive attachment following a failed predation attempt. To our knowledge, this is the first published observation of a ...

Exploring the diversity of scorpions in Lahore Division, Punjab: an ecological approach

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Exploring the diversity of scorpions in Lahore Division, Punjab: an ecological approach

Abstract

The present study investigates the scorpion fauna of Lahore Division, Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on species diversity, distribution patterns, and ecological adaptations. A total of 124 specimens, comprising 92 adults, and 22 juveniles were sampled from 25 sites using pitfall traps, stone turning, and UV light detection methods. Identified species included Hottentotta tamulus, Odontobuthus odonturus, and Androctonus finitimus. Animals were categorized by sex, developmental stages, and habitat associations. Males accounted for 36.29%, females 45.96%, and juveniles 17.74% of the total sample. H. tamulus was documented across Kasur, Sheikhupura, Lahore, and Nankana Sahib, predominantly inhabiting rock crevices, brick walls, and mud walls. A. finitimus was confined to sandy substrates in Kasur, displaying aggressive predatory behavior and cannibalism. O. odonturus occurred in arid zones with sparse vegetation, exhibiting semi-social burrowing tendencies. All species exhibited nocturnal activity, with peak movements recorded between 8 and 11 PM. Spatial distribution hotspots were identified and mapped at a quarter-degree square resolution. This study provides a detailed assessment of scorpion species diversity, distribution, and ecological adaptations within Lahore Division. The findings highlight their habitat preferences and behavioral strategies, contributing to a broader understanding of scorpion ecology.

Ahsan, M.M., Khalaq, A., Tahir, H.M. et al. Exploring the diversity of scorpions in Lahore Division, Punjab: an ecological approach. Int J Trop Insect Sci (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42690-024-01425-z