Comparison of Various Methods of Collecting Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran

Abstract

Background: Scorpions have evermore received considerable attention in Iran due to their medical importance, richness, and frequency. In order to the study scorpions' behavior and bio-ecology, it is important to use the proper method for scorpion catching. The collection and maintenance of the specimens are among the most important parts of every study. Objectives: This article investigated different techniques suitable for capturing scorpions in residential and non-residential areas of Khuzestan province, Southwestern Iran. Methods: Various scorpion species were captured from rural and urban areas of six counties of this province during 26 sampling sessions, using five methods, namely the black light, rock-rolling, scorpion nest digging, old mud walls destruction, and demolition dry mud wall on the edge of channels. Information pertaining to the number of captured samples in each hunting session, geographical locations under investigation and their specifications, number of sampling sessions and hunting site was recorded. Results: In total, 391 scorpions of different species were captured. In this study, six different species were collected using different techniques: rock-rolling (53.7%), destruction dry mud wall on the edge of channels (19.7%), old mud walls destruction (13.6%), black light (11.5%), and scorpion nest digging (1.5%). The most frequent species were Hemiscorpius lepturus (60.4%) and Mesobuthus phillipsi (21.5%). Conclusions:The rock-rolling and black light techniques are respectively, recommended for collecting scorpions during the day and at night from both residential and non-residential areas. The combination of these two methods in different areas improves efficiency.

Effects of different pitfall trap designs on capture efficiency of scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones), towards an optimized trap

“…Pitfall trapping is considered an important method for collecting scorpions (Williams 1968, Druce et al 2004, Shehab et al 2011Dehghani et al 2019). Capture efficiency of pitfall traps, for collecting ground-active invertebrates, can be affected by trap material (Luff, 1975), use of trap covers (Spence & Niemelä, 1994), trap shape (Spence & Niemelä, 1994), size of trap diameter, preservative solutions, use of funnels, sampling intervals, and distance between adjacent traps (Brown and Matthews 2016).…”

“…To date, about ten different methods have been used to collect scorpions, including stone rolling, pitfall trapping, water-pan traps, using UV light, destroying mud walls, pouring water into scorpion burrows, excavating channels, using rubber bands, using soaked cloth as traps, and collecting scorpions by stung patients (Dehghani et al 2019). Dehghani et al (2019) evaluated different methods, except pitfall trapping, for collecting these arthropods in Khuzestan province, and their results showed that using UV light and turning stones were the most efficient methods for collecting scorpions at night and during the day, respectively.…”

The effect of different pitfall trap designs on catch size and species composition of scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones), towards an optimized trap

“…Pitfall trapping is considered an important method for collecting scorpions (Williams 1968, Druce et al 2004, Shehab et al 2011Dehghani et al 2019). Capture efficiency of pitfall traps, for collecting ground-active invertebrates, can be affected by trap material (Luff, 1975), use of trap covers (Spence & Niemelä, 1994), trap shape (Spence & Niemelä, 1994), size of trap diameter, preservative solutions, use of funnels, sampling intervals, and distance between adjacent traps (Brown and Matthews 2016).…”

“…To date, about ten different methods have been used to collect scorpions, including stone rolling, pitfall trapping, water-pan traps, using UV light, destroying mud walls, pouring water into scorpion burrows, excavating channels, using rubber bands, using soaked cloth as traps, and collecting scorpions by stung patients (Dehghani et al 2019). Dehghani et al (2019) evaluated different methods, except pitfall trapping, for collecting these arthropods in Khuzestan province, and their results showed that using UV light and turning stones were the most efficient methods for collecting scorpions at night and during the day, respectively.…”

A Brief Review on Biting/Stinging of Animals and Its Risk of Infection

“…Due to the type of climate, Iran is very rich in scorpions, so far, scorpions from three families have been reported in Iran. Iran is among the countries where many species of scorpions, especially dangerous ones, have been reported (18). A scorpion sting causes infection as well as poisoning.…”