Scorpion envenomation in the neotropical savannah: Environmental predictors and years of lost life.

Scorpion stings envenomation (SSE) is a growing medical concern in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais, which has recorded a significant number of incidents. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictors of scorpion sting incidence and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions in Minas Gerais. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were constructed using socioeconomic and environmental variables as predictors and scorpion sting incidence as the response variable. The analysis revealed that mean annual temperature and major land use type were significant predictors of scorpion sting incidence, while precipitation and socioeconomic variables showed no relationship with incidence. The total number of cases and annual incidence of scorpion stings overlapped with regions experiencing higher forest conversion and agricultural land use, as well as higher temperatures. The estimated Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for scorpion sting incidents in Minas Gerais was substantial, indicating the need for effective prevention and treatment measures. The cost per DALY averted varied among municipalities, with some requiring minimal investment while others needing significant funding to address the scorpion risk. Mean annual temperature emerged as the main risk factor for scorpion stings, contributing to increased costs associated with antivenom treatment. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate scorpion sting incidents and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Two new cave-dwelling pseudoscorpion species (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) from Northeastern Brazil.

In a study of pseudoscorpions in caves from the northeastern Brazil, eight species of Pseudoscorpiones were identified. The known distribution of the species Pseudochthonius biseriatus Mahnert, 2001, Cryptoditha aff. elegans, Parachernes (P.) nitidimanus (Ellingsen, 1905), Petterchernes brasiliensis Heurtault, 1986, Ceriochernes foliaceosetosus Beier, 1974, and Progarypus setifer Mahnert, 2001 is extended to include the State of Pernambuco. Additionally, Geogarypus gollumi sp. nov. (Geogarypidae) and Progarypus smaugi sp. nov. (Hesperolpiidae) are described as new species.

How Can Climate Change Limit the Distribution of Cooperative Pseudoscorpions in Brazil?

Pseudoscorpions are arachnids that inhabit all terrestrial ecosystems, and are distributed in the tropical, subtropical, and even circumpolar regions. Paratemnoides nidificator (Balzan, 1888) was originally distributed in the continental zone of South America, but subsequently dispersed to Central and North America and the Caribbean. This species was also recorded in coastal marine environments and forest areas in continental and insular regions. Paratemnoides nidificator is the only cooperatively social pseudoscorpion species recorded in South American. However, its distribution limitations are poorly understood. In this study, we used ecological niche models to investigate this species' current and future distribution potential. Similarly, we defined range limits and demonstrated the potential species distribution towards the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes in the Brazilian territory in future scenarios of climate change, and land use and land cover changes. The annual mean temperature was the most important variable, suggesting that a physiological limitation prevents P. nidificator from occupying areas with extreme mean temperatures. Furthermore, the loss of vegetation cover and the expansion of agricultural frontiers may reduce the occurrence of P. nidificator in environmentally unstable areas because P. nidificator is sensitive to anthropogenic activities. Therefore, the biological response is the relationship between the tolerance limit of P. nidificator and the predicted amplitude of the factor, which appears to lie in its maximum tolerance range.

Can morphological and behavioral traits predict the foraging and feeding dynamics of social arachnids?

Complex social insect species exhibit task specialization mediated by morphological and behavioral traits. However, evidence of such traits is scarce for other social arthropods. We investigated whether the social pseudoscorpion Paratemnoides nidificator exhibits morphologically and behaviorally specialized individuals in prey capture. We measured body and chela sizes of adult pseudoscorpions and analyzed predation processes. Larger individuals spent more time moving through the colony and foraging than smaller pseudoscorpions. Individuals that captured prey had increased body and absolute chelae sizes. Although larger individuals had relatively small chelae size, they showed a higher probability of prey capture. Larger individuals manipulated prey often, although they fed less than smaller pseudoscorpions. Individuals that initiated captures fed more frequently and for more time than the others. Natural selection might be favoring individuals specialized in foraging and colony protection, allowing smaller and less efficient adults to avoid contact with dangerous prey. To our knowledge, there is incipient information regarding specialized individuals in arachnids, and our results might indicate the emergence of a morphologically specialized group in this species.

Report of Sphenochernes camponoti (Beier, 1970) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) in phoresy on Fanniidae (Diptera) / Relato de Sphenochernes camponoti (Beier, 1970) (Pseudoscorpiones, Chernetidae) em forésia em Fanniidae (Diptera)

Phoresy is a common dispersal behavior among pseudoscorpions. Neotropical pseudoscorpions, mainly from the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, are known for their dispersal relationships with beetles and flies. Here, we report phoretic association among nymphs of Sphenochernes camponoti (Chernetidae) and Fannia flies (F. pusio, F. yenhedi, and F. canicularis) (Diptera, Fanniidae). Twelve flies, each carrying a young pseudoscorpion, were collected in Caatinga vegetation in Pernambuco State, Brazil. Sphenochernes camponoti is a myrmecophilous pseudoscorpion that lives in Camponotus and Acromyrmex colonies. Despite its association with ants, this pseudoscorpion uses other winged arthropods to disperse. This is the first report of phoresy by Sphenochernes camponoti.

A forésia é um comportamento de dispersão comum entre os pseudoescorpiões. Os pseudoescorpiões neotropicais, principalmente das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, são conhecidos por sua relação de dispersão com besouros e moscas. Neste estudo, relata-se a associação forética entre as ninfas de Sphenochernes camponoti (Chernetidae) e Fannia (F. pusio, F. yenhedi e F. canicularis) (Diptera, Fanniidae). Foram coletadas doze moscas em vegetação de caatinga, no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil, cada uma delas transportando um pseudoescorpião jovem. Sphenochernes camponoti é um pseudoescorpião mirmecólifo, encontrado anteriormente em colônias de formigas Camponotus e Acromyrmex. Embora se associem com formigas, esses pseudoescorpiões utilizam outros artrópodes alados para se dispersarem. Este é o primeiro relato de forésia de Sphenochernes camponoti.