Envenomization with Snake Versus Scorpion Venom: Postmortem Repercussions on the Successional Dynamics of Carcass-Attracted Flies in a Forensic Context

Posted by
  Envenomization with Snake Versus Scorpion Venom: Postmortem Repercussions on the Successional Dynamics of Carcass-Attracted Flies in a Forensic Context Abstract Background: Animal venoms may alter postmortem carcass conditions and thereby influence carrion-associated insects. However, it remains unclear whether lethal envenomization affects adult Diptera as a broad assemblage-level response or as taxon-specific changes during decomposition. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were assigned to control, snake-envenomized, or scorpion-envenomized treatments (with five carcasses each). Carcasses were exposed under semi-natural conditions, until complete dryness, over 11 days postmortem. Adult flies were collected daily for analyzing abundance at total, family, and selected species levels, using negative GLMM, with carcass identity as a random effect and postmortem day as a nonlinear predictor. Results: A total of 5497 adult flies representing 13 species in seven families was recorded. Total fly...

Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Posted by

 


Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Abstract

Morocco has a rich and diverse fauna of scorpions. However, certain regions such as Boulaouane remain underdocumented despite their importance for public health. Against this backdrop, our research aims to describe the local fauna of scorpions and evaluate the potential risks of envenomation. Systematic surveys were conducted in four distinct habitats, combining nocturnal UV detection with diurnal manual collection. The collected specimens were taxonomically identified, and their distribution analyzed in relation to environmental factors.

A total of 56 specimens belonging to the families Scorpionidae and Buthidae were collected. Scorpio maurus (36%) was the most commonly reported species in the region, with limited medical significance, while Buthus occitanus (16%) and Androctonus mauritanicus (12%) were unevenly distributed but were known to be responsible for the most serious cases of envenomation, particularly in children. These results provide essential reference data for assessing localized risks, developing antivenom production strategies, and guiding public health management in Morocco.


Field study on scorpions and scorpionism in the southeast of El Jadida, Morocco

Khawla Ammouch, Nihal Mesmoudi, Noureddine Hammani, Samir Ibenmoussa, Abdellah Moustaghfir and Naoual Oukkache, BIO Web Conf., 215 (2026) 01007, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621501007