Sex Role–Dependent Behavioral and Architectural Divergence in a Jumping Spider

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  Sex Role–Dependent Behavioral and Architectural Divergence in a Jumping Spider ABSTRACT Sex differences in behavior and functional traits are often attributed to differences in mating effort intensity, but the role of sex-specific parental demands remains poorly understood. Using the jumping spider Toxeus maxillosus —where males engage in mate searching and courtship without providing parental care, while females provide extended maternal care from egg attendance to offspring maturity (around 3 months)—we conducted an exploratory investigation into whether these distinct selective pressures led to divergence in spatial behaviors and nest architecture. Results revealed that males and females showed equivalent accuracy, latency, and learning-related performance in both a route-planning test under water stress and a color-pattern associative memory task. In contrast, during nest-construction assays, females built complex, multi-entrance structures that closely matched the container'...

Epidemiological and Geodemographic Patterns of Scorpionism in Ecuador: A Nationwide Analysis (2021–2024)

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Epidemiological and Geodemographic Patterns of Scorpionism in Ecuador: A Nationwide Analysis (2021–2024)

Abstract

Background

Approximately 1.2 million scorpion stings are reported globally each year, resulting in an estimated 3,000 deaths. Of the 2500 known scorpion species, about 40 are considered medically significant. In Ecuador, where at least 47 scorpion species exist, information on scorpion stings remains scarce.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional analysis was conducted on all officially reported cases of scorpion stings documented in the epidemiological surveillance reports from the Ministry of Public Health in Ecuador between 2021 and 2024.

Results

A total of 1,633 cases were identified, with women accounting for 52% of cases (n = 849). The highest incidence was observed among children aged one to four years old, with rates of 18.16 and 19.11 per 100,000 inhabitants for males and females, respectively. Geographically, the Amazon region was the most affected, with the province of Morona Santiago reporting the highest incidence at 284.14 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Conclusion

Scorpion stings represent a significant and underreported public health threat in Ecuador. This study highlights the considerable disease burden, particularly in specific regions of the country, and underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and policy changes, including the local production of antivenoms.

Vasconez-Gonzalez, J., Izquierdo-Condoy, J. S., Miño, C., De Lourdes Noboa-Lasso, M., & Ortiz-Prado, E. (2025). Epidemiological and Geodemographic Patterns of Scorpionism in Ecuador: A Nationwide Analysis (2021–2024). Toxicon: X, 100218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2025.100218