Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Abstract Background: Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpions telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.

A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 (Amphipoda, Phoxocephalidae) from the Brazilian northeastern continental slope

A new species of Leptophoxoides Barnard, 1962 is described with material from the continental slope of Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern Brazil at three different depths: 150, 400 and 2,500 meters. Leptophoxoides longisetae sp. nov. can be diagnosed and distinguished from the other two species of the genus, L. molaris Barnard, 1962 and L. marina Senna, 2010, by the following characters: antenna 1 peduncular article 1 ventral apex weakly ensiform; maxilla 1 inner plate longer than outer; maxilliped palp article 3 with blunt and extremely protuberant apex; gnathopods 1-2 carpus almost cryptic; gnathopod 2 palm defined by a large and sharply produced palmar hump; pereopod 6 basis posterodistal corner produced as a blunt lobe; and telson with two dorsal long plumose setae on each side. This is the first record of the genus for northeastern Brazilian waters, uncovering a higher biodiversity in deep waters.(AU)

Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects: (1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpion's telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.(AU)

A description of the first zoeal stage of Pilumnus vinaceus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 (Decapoda, Pilumnidae), with a revision of the first zoea morphology of Pilumnus Leach, 1815

The morphology of the first zoeal stage of Pilumnus vinaceus is described and compared with the zoea I of Pilumnus all species in the literature. Two ovigerous females of P. vinaceus were maintained in the aquarium facilities until the larvae hatch. The larvae of each ovigerous female were dissected using a stereoscopic microscope. The zoea I of P. vinaceus has common characteristics among the Pilumnidae as: [1] antenna of type 2; [2] maxilliped 1 with 2+2+3+3 setae on the basis and with 3,2,1,2,5 setae in the endopod; [3] maxilliped 2 with 1+1+1+1 setae on the basis and 1,1,6 setae on the endopod; [4] telson with furcal rami armed with dorsal and lateral spines. Considering the species of Pilumnus that occur in the western Atlantic, it becomes possible to identify P. vinaceus zoea I by means of the verification of the following characteristics: [1] pleonites with mediolateral processes; [2] number of setae on the antennule. It is however, important to consider that there is still a great deficit in the knowledge about the morphology of the larval forms of the species assigned to Pilumnus and we argue in favor of new descriptions to build a more robust dataset on zoeal morphology characters and use it in a phylogenetic context on the genus.(AU)

Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons

Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.(AU)

Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons

Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.(AU)

A new species of Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from extreme high-altitude Lake Tong Tso, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract A new species of the genus Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 is described from Lake Tong Tso, an extreme high-altitude lake in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Gammarus pontual sp. nov. is considered part of the Gammarus lacustris G.O. Sars, 1863 group, which is characterized by having the inner ramus of uropod 3 longer than half the length of the outer ramus, and by having both rami covered with plumose setae. The new species stands apart from their congeners, mainly, by the following combination of characters: head with cephalic lateral lobe truncated; gnathopods 1-2 propodus weakly armed, with 1 stout seta defining palm; palm longer than posterior margin of propodus, with 1 main stout seta medially; pereopods 5-7 basis slender, posterior margin crenulate; epimeral plate 1 posterior margin produced into a short spine, facial ridge present; epimeral plates 2-3 posteroventral corner sharply pointed; uropod 3 rami covered with plumose setae, inner ramus about 80% the length of the outer ramus; telson apex with 2 stout setae on each side.

A new species of Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from extreme high-altitude Lake Tong Tso, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Abstract A new species of the genus Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 is described from Lake Tong Tso, an extreme high-altitude lake in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Gammarus pontual sp. nov. is considered part of the Gammarus lacustris G.O. Sars, 1863 group, which is characterized by having the inner ramus of uropod 3 longer than half the length of the outer ramus, and by having both rami covered with plumose setae. The new species stands apart from their congeners, mainly, by the following combination of characters: head with cephalic lateral lobe truncated; gnathopods 1-2 propodus weakly armed, with 1 stout seta defining palm; palm longer than posterior margin of propodus, with 1 main stout seta medially; pereopods 5-7 basis slender, posterior margin crenulate; epimeral plate 1 posterior margin produced into a short spine, facial ridge present; epimeral plates 2-3 posteroventral corner sharply pointed; uropod 3 rami covered with plumose setae, inner ramus about 80% the length of the outer ramus; telson apex with 2 stout setae on each side.

A new species of Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 (Crustacea Amphipoda Gammaridae) from extreme high altitude Lake Tong Tso, Qinghai Tibetan Plateau

A new species of the genus Gammarus Fabricius, 1775 is described from Lake Tong Tso, an extreme high-altitude lake in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Gammarus pontualsp. nov. is considered part of the Gammarus lacustris G.O. Sars, 1863 group, which is characterized by having the inner ramus of uropod 3 longer than half the length of the outer ramus, and by having both rami covered with plumose setae. The new species stands apart from their congeners, mainly, by the following combination of characters: head with cephalic lateral lobe truncated; gnathopods 1-2 propodus weakly armed, with 1 stout seta defining palm; palm longer than posterior margin of propodus, with 1 main stout seta medially; pereopods 5-7 basis slender, posterior margin crenulate; epimeral plate 1 posterior margin produced into a short spine, facial ridge present; epimeral plates 2-3 posteroventral corner sharply pointed; uropod 3 rami covered with plumose setae, inner ramus about 80% the length of the outer ramus; telson apex with 2 stout setae on each side.(AU)

The coevolution between telson morphology and venom glands in scorpions (Arachnida)

As in previous contributions to the JVATiTD, the aim of this note is to bring some general information on a particular aspect of the scorpion biology. An attempt is made to explain the possible coevolution of telson morphology and venom glands, which took place during several hundred million years and in particular since scorpions migrated from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Three components can be directly associated with predation and defensive behaviours: (1) morphology of the chelae and structure of the chelae fingers granulations; (2) morphology of the metasoma and in particular of the telson; (3) evolution of tegumentary glands in the telson toward different types of venom glands. Since a number of recent contributions already treated some of these aspects, I will limit my comments to the possible evolution of the telson in relation to the evolution of venom glands. As in previous contributions, the content of this article is basically addressed to non-specialists on scorpions whose research embraces scorpions in several fields such as venom toxins and public health.(AU)

The coevolution between telson morphology and venom glands in scorpions (Arachnida)

As in previous contributions to the JVATiTD, the aim of this note is to bring some general information on a particular aspect of the scorpion biology. An attempt is made to explain the possible coevolution of telson morphology and venom glands, which took place during several hundred million years and in particular since scorpions migrated from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Three components can be directly associated with predation and defensive behaviours: (1) morphology of the chelae and structure of the chelae fingers granulations; (2) morphology of the metasoma and in particular of the telson; (3) evolution of tegumentary glands in the telson toward different types of venom glands. Since a number of recent contributions already treated some of these aspects, I will limit my comments to the possible evolution of the telson in relation to the evolution of venom glands. As in previous contributions, the content of this article is basically addressed to non-specialists on scorpions whose research embraces scorpions in several fields such as venom toxins and public health.(AU)

A new species of Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from bore wells in Andhra Pradesh, Southern India

A new amphipod species of Bogidiellidae Hertzog, 1936 is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from bore wells in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. The new species is closely related to those belonging to a group of Bogidiella species with inner rami of pleopods reduced or absent. Bogidiella totakura sp. nov. differs from all the other species in the group mainly by the shape, size and ornamentation on gnathopods and telson. This is the second Indian species of Bogidiella.

A new species of Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from bore wells in Andhra Pradesh, Southern India

A new amphipod species of Bogidiellidae Hertzog, 1936 is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from bore wells in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. The new species is closely related to those belonging to a group of Bogidiella species with inner rami of pleopods reduced or absent. Bogidiella totakura sp. nov. differs from all the other species in the group mainly by the shape, size and ornamentation on gnathopods and telson. This is the second Indian species of Bogidiella.

A new species of Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from bore wells in Andhra Pradesh, Southern India

A new amphipod species of Bogidiellidae Hertzog, 1936 is described and illustrated based on specimens collected from bore wells in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Southern India. The new species is closely related to those belonging to a group of Bogidiella species with inner rami of pleopods reduced or absent. Bogidiella totakura sp. nov. differs from all the other species in the group mainly by the shape, size and ornamentation on gnathopods and telson. This is the second Indian species of Bogidiella.

Fine structural analysis of the stinger in venom apparatus of the scorpion Euscorpius mingrelicus (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

In this study, the morphology, histology and fine structure of the stinger, a part of the venom apparatus of Euscorpius mingrelicus (Kessler, 1874) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) were studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stinger, located at the end section of the telson, is sickle-shaped. The venom is ejected through a pair of venom pores on its subterminal portion. Both venom ducts extend along the stinger without contact with each other since they are separated by connective tissue cells. The stinger cuticle is composed of two layers. Additionally, there are many pore canals and some hemolymph vessels in the cuticle. This work constitutes the first histological and fine structure study on Euscorpius mingrelicus stinger.(AU)

Fine structural analysis of the stinger in venom apparatus of the scorpion Euscorpius mingrelicus (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

In this study, the morphology, histology and fine structure of the stinger, a part of the venom apparatus of Euscorpius mingrelicus (Kessler, 1874) (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) were studied by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The stinger, located at the end section of the telson, is sickle-shaped. The venom is ejected through a pair of venom pores on its subterminal portion. Both venom ducts extend along the stinger without contact with each other since they are separated by connective tissue cells. The stinger cuticle is composed of two layers. Additionally, there are many pore canals and some hemolymph vessels in the cuticle. This work constitutes the first histological and fine structure study on Euscorpius mingrelicus stinger.(AU)

Post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta (Crustacea: Amphipoda): stages 1-4

The goal of this study is to describe and compare the initial stages of the post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta González, Bond-Buckup & Araujo, 2006, prior to the development of sexual dimorphism. Ovigerous females were collected in São José dos Ausentes, RS, Brazil and kept in laboratory. Juveniles were kept separately after emerging from the marsupium and were monitored daily for the presence of exuvia. Individuals from post-marsupial stages (S) 1 to 4 were dissected and illustrated. Cuticular structures were observed through SEM. Twenty three types of setae, one type of setule, two types of pores, two types of denticles and one type of penicilium were found. Cuticular structures undergo modification through development in the matters of haste size, number and size of setules, and formation of the polygonal pattern, although there is no change from one type to another. Gnathopods and antennae are the appendages that go through more modifications. The articles number of the flagellum is constant until S2. The size of the coxal plate of gnathopods in relation to the propodus has a tendency to increase throughout the stages. The uropod proportion becomes smaller in S3 when compared to S1. The number of serrate setae in the external plate of maxilla 1 varies up to S4, being different from the adult whose number is 9. The telson modifies its shape but its setae number is constant.

Post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta (Crustacea: Amphipoda): stages 1-4

The goal of this study is to describe and compare the initial stages of the post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta González, Bond-Buckup & Araujo, 2006, prior to the development of sexual dimorphism. Ovigerous females were collected in São José dos Ausentes, RS, Brazil and kept in laboratory. Juveniles were kept separately after emerging from the marsupium and were monitored daily for the presence of exuvia. Individuals from post-marsupial stages (S) 1 to 4 were dissected and illustrated. Cuticular structures were observed through SEM. Twenty three types of setae, one type of setule, two types of pores, two types of denticles and one type of penicilium were found. Cuticular structures undergo modification through development in the matters of haste size, number and size of setules, and formation of the polygonal pattern, although there is no change from one type to another. Gnathopods and antennae are the appendages that go through more modifications. The articles number of the flagellum is constant until S2. The size of the coxal plate of gnathopods in relation to the propodus has a tendency to increase throughout the stages. The uropod proportion becomes smaller in S3 when compared to S1. The number of serrate setae in the external plate of maxilla 1 varies up to S4, being different from the adult whose number is 9. The telson modifies its shape but its setae number is constant.

Post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta (Crustacea: Amphipoda): stages 1-4

The goal of this study is to describe and compare the initial stages of the post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta González, Bond-Buckup & Araujo, 2006, prior to the development of sexual dimorphism. Ovigerous females were collected in São José dos Ausentes, RS, Brazil and kept in laboratory. Juveniles were kept separately after emerging from the marsupium and were monitored daily for the presence of exuvia. Individuals from post-marsupial stages (S) 1 to 4 were dissected and illustrated. Cuticular structures were observed through SEM. Twenty three types of setae, one type of setule, two types of pores, two types of denticles and one type of penicilium were found. Cuticular structures undergo modification through development in the matters of haste size, number and size of setules, and formation of the polygonal pattern, although there is no change from one type to another. Gnathopods and antennae are the appendages that go through more modifications. The articles number of the flagellum is constant until S2. The size of the coxal plate of gnathopods in relation to the propodus has a tendency to increase throughout the stages. The uropod proportion becomes smaller in S3 when compared to S1. The number of serrate setae in the external plate of maxilla 1 varies up to S4, being different from the adult whose number is 9. The telson modifies its shape but its setae number is constant.

Post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta (Crustacea: Amphipoda): stages 1-4

The goal of this study is to describe and compare the initial stages of the post-marsupial development of Hyalella pleoacuta González, Bond-Buckup & Araujo, 2006, prior to the development of sexual dimorphism. Ovigerous females were collected in São José dos Ausentes, RS, Brazil and kept in laboratory. Juveniles were kept separately after emerging from the marsupium and were monitored daily for the presence of exuvia. Individuals from post-marsupial stages (S) 1 to 4 were dissected and illustrated. Cuticular structures were observed through SEM. Twenty three types of setae, one type of setule, two types of pores, two types of denticles and one type of penicilium were found. Cuticular structures undergo modification through development in the matters of haste size, number and size of setules, and formation of the polygonal pattern, although there is no change from one type to another. Gnathopods and antennae are the appendages that go through more modifications. The articles number of the flagellum is constant until S2. The size of the coxal plate of gnathopods in relation to the propodus has a tendency to increase throughout the stages. The uropod proportion becomes smaller in S3 when compared to S1. The number of serrate setae in the external plate of maxilla 1 varies up to S4, being different from the adult whose number is 9. The telson modifies its shape but its setae number is constant.