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Rouhullah Dehghani - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Ecological modeling and distribution analysis of digger Scorpions: Odontobuthus doriae, Odonthubutus bidentatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and Scorpio maurus (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) in Iran using the maximum entropy method
Applied Entomology and Zoology, 2020Co-Authors: Ali Haghani, Mehdi Khoobdel, Rouhullah Dehghani, Amir Adibzadeh, Hossein Sobati, Mansour AliabadianAbstract:Prediction models are essential for the potential geographic distribution of Scorpions, prevention of Scorpion stings and diverse applications in conservation biology. There is limited information about habitat suitability and the factors affecting the distribution of Iranian digger Scorpions. This study was undertaken to model the distribution of three types of digger Scorpion in Iran, Odontobuthus doriae Thorell, Odonthubutus bidentatus Lourenco (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and Scorpio maurus Pocockin (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae), and investigate the factors affecting its distribution using the maximum entropy method. A total of 20 environmental and climate variables were used for modeling and evaluation of the ecological niche. The similarities and differences between the ecological overlap of the digger Scorpions were evaluated using comparative environmental niche model (ENM Tools software). The results showed that the main factors for habitat suitability of O. doriae were soil type, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and slope. The variables for S. maurus were soil type, precipitation of the coldest quarter and slope. Annual temperature range, mean temperature of the driest quarter and land use had the greatest influence on the distribution of O . bidentatus . The ecological niches for O. doriae and O . bidentatus overlapped. The niche of these species differed from the niche of S. maurus . This approach could be helpful for the prediction of the potential distribution of three digger Scorpion species and this model can be an effective for the promotion of health.
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Correction to: Ecological modeling and distribution analysis of digger Scorpions: Odontobuthus doriae , Odontobuthus bidentatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and Scorpio maurus (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) in Iran using the maximum entropy method
Applied Entomology and Zoology, 2019Co-Authors: Ali Haghani, Mehdi Khoobdel, Rouhullah Dehghani, Amir Adibzadeh, Hossein Sobati, Mansour AliabadianAbstract:Prediction models are essential for the potential geographic distribution of Scorpions, prevention of Scorpion stings and diverse applications in conservation biology. There is limited information about habitat suitability and the factors affecting the distribution of Iranian digger Scorpions. This study was undertaken to model the distribution of three types of digger Scorpion in Iran, Odontobuthus doriae Thorell, Odonthubutus bidentatus Lourenco (Scorpiones: Buthidae) and Scorpio maurus Pocockin (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae), and investigate the factors affecting its distribution using the maximum entropy method. A total of 20 environmental and climate variables were used for modeling and evaluation of the ecological niche. The similarities and differences between the ecological overlap of the digger Scorpions were evaluated using comparative environmental niche model (ENM Tools software). The results showed that the main factors for habitat suitability of O. doriae were soil type, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and slope. The variables for S. maurus were soil type, precipitation of the coldest quarter and slope. Annual temperature range, mean temperature of the driest quarter and land use had the greatest influence on the distribution of O. bidentatus. The ecological niches for O. doriae and O. bidentatus overlapped. The niche of these species differed from the niche of S. maurus. This approach could be helpful for the prediction of the potential distribution of three digger Scorpion species and this model can be an effective for the promotion of health.
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Comparison of various methods of collecting Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran
Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2019Co-Authors: Rouhullah Dehghani, Hamid Kassiri, Narges MohammadzadehAbstract: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. © 2019, Archives of Clinical Infectious Diseases.
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Biodiversity Species and Ecological Distribution of Scorpions in the City of Darmian, Southern Khorasan, Iran
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, 2018Co-Authors: Farzad Motevalli Haghi, Rouhullah Dehghani, Mohammad Yousef Mogaddam, Ahmad Ali Enayati, Mahmoud Fazeli-dinanAbstract:Background and purpose: Scorpionism is a public health problem in Darmian City. This study was conducted to determine the biodiversity and faunistic of Scorpions in order to discover the health preventive features of Scorpion sting among the residents of these regions. Methods: A nightly and daily actively searching on distribution and biodiversity of Scorpions was carried during April 2015 to March 2016 in Darmian, Iran. Results: A total of 685 Scorpions including five species belonging to buthidae family were identified. The highest abundance was observed in warmer months, and Mesobuthus eupeus (54.5%) was the most abundant species. The researchers found a positive correlation between abundance and temperature and a negative correlation between abundance and humidity. The Scorpions were observed with more nocturnal activity and were well-adapted with more abundance to the plain, rural, and outdoors environments. Regarding constancy index, all species except A. crassicauda were classified as constant species (C=100). There was no significant difference in the richness of Scorpions in different time collections (day or night), geographical areas (plain or mountainous), regions collected (urban or rural), and places (indoors or outdoors). The Shannon and dominant indices were found to be not significantly different between mentioned sites except in time collection. Conclusions: Species composition of Scorpions revealed that Scorpions were constantly active throughout the year which can play an important role in sting events. So, familiarity of healthcare experts and indigenous people with existing species and their seasonal activities can largely reduce the risk of Scorpion stings
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Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of Scorpionism in Shiraz (2012-2016); development of a clinical severity grading for Iranian Scorpion envenomation.
The Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran, 2017Co-Authors: Hossein Sanaei-zadeh, Sayed Mahdi Marashi, Rouhullah DehghaniAbstract:Background: Scorpionism is a public health problem in some provinces in Iran. The present study aimed to assess the clinical manifestations of Scorpion envenomation in Shiraz and determine a clinical severity grading for Iranian Scorpion envenomation in order to suggest a treatment guideline for emergency physicians. Methods: In this analytic retrospective study, all medical charts of patients with Scorpion sting admitted in the adult medical toxicology center in Shiraz during July 2012 to July 2016 were assessed. Data regarding the patient's age, gender, sting site, month of envenomation, time of sting, clinical manifestations, vital signs, presence of blood or hemoglobin in urine analysis, duration of admission, color of Scorpion, received treatments, and administration of Scorpion antivenin were recorded. Results: The Scorpions in Shiraz and its suburban area were classified into two groups: yellow Scorpions ( Mesobuthus eupeus, Mesobuthus caucasicus , and Compsobuthus matthiesseni) and Hottentotta Scorpions (Hottentotta jayakari and Hottentotta zagrosensis). A total of 126 cases of Scorpion stings were assessed. About 59% (n=74) were males. The patients aged 8-63 years (mean age, 33.8±11.5 years). About 38.4% (n=48) of the stings occurred during summer. More than 40% of patients (n=51) referred to the emergency department (ED) at night. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (76.2%). The most frequent general symptom was nausea (6.3%). The most prevalent envenomation site was the lower extremities followed by upper extremities (43.5% and 41.9%, respectively). Based on the clinical severity grading for Iranian Scorpion envenomation, 65, 43, and 18 patients (51.6%, 34.1%, and 14.3%) were classified in the grades I, II, and III, respectively. Eighty-one (73%) patients stayed in the ED from 1 to 6 hours, and 30 (27%) patients stayed for >6 hours for observation. Severe localized pain was more prevalent in stings with Hottentotta Scorpions than yellow Scorpions (P=0.01). The season of envenomation with Hottentotta Scorpions was summer in all cases, but envenomation with yellow Scorpions was seen throughout the year. All patients received symptomatic treatment, and five were given Scorpion antivenin. No death was reported. Conclusion: Hottentotta jayakari is recommended to be listed among the medically important Scorpions in Iran. Moreover, Scorpion-stung patients in geographical regions where Hemiscorpius lepturus and Androctonus crassicauda are not prevalent may be treated in outpatient departments. The presented grading system can be used for treating patients with Scorpion envenomation.
Thorsten Moritz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Hemprich’s long-eared bat (Otonycteris hemprichii) as a predator of Scorpions: whispering echolocation, passive gleaning and prey selection
Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 2011Co-Authors: Marc Holderied, Carmi Korine, Thorsten MoritzAbstract:Over 70% of the droppings of the gleaning bat Otonycteris hemprichii can contain Scorpion fragments. Yet, some Scorpions found in its desert habitat possess venom of the highest known toxicity, rendering them a very dangerous prey. In this study, we describe how O. hemprichii catches and handles Scorpions, quantify its flight and echolocation behaviour in the field, investigate what sensory modality it uses to detect Scorpions, and test whether it selects Scorpions according to their size or toxicity. We confirmed that O. hemprichi is a whispering bat (approx. 80 dB peSPL) with short, multi-harmonic calls. In a flight room we also confirmed that O. hemprichii detects Scorpions by their walking noises. Amplitudes of such noises were measured and they reach the flying bat at or below the level of echoes of the loess substrate. Bats dropped straight onto moving Scorpions and were stung frequently even straight in their face. Stings did not change the bats’ behaviour and caused no signs of poisoning. Scorpions were eaten including poison gland and stinger. Bats showed no preference neither for any of the Scorpion species nor their size suggesting they are generalist predators with regard to Scorpions.
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hemprich s long eared bat otonycteris hemprichii as a predator of Scorpions whispering echolocation passive gleaning and prey selection
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2011Co-Authors: Marc Holderied, Carmi Korine, Thorsten MoritzAbstract:Over 70% of the droppings of the gleaning bat Otonycteris hemprichii can contain Scorpion fragments. Yet, some Scorpions found in its desert habitat possess venom of the highest known toxicity, rendering them a very dangerous prey. In this study, we describe how O. hemprichii catches and handles Scorpions, quantify its flight and echolocation behaviour in the field, investigate what sensory modality it uses to detect Scorpions, and test whether it selects Scorpions according to their size or toxicity. We confirmed that O. hemprichi is a whispering bat (approx. 80 dB peSPL) with short, multi-harmonic calls. In a flight room we also confirmed that O. hemprichii detects Scorpions by their walking noises. Amplitudes of such noises were measured and they reach the flying bat at or below the level of echoes of the loess substrate. Bats dropped straight onto moving Scorpions and were stung frequently even straight in their face. Stings did not change the bats’ behaviour and caused no signs of poisoning. Scorpions were eaten including poison gland and stinger. Bats showed no preference neither for any of the Scorpion species nor their size suggesting they are generalist predators with regard to Scorpions.
Prashant P Sharma - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Developmental gene expression as a phylogenetic data class: support for the monophyly of Arachnopulmonata
Development Genes and Evolution, 2020Co-Authors: Erik D. Nolan, Carlos E. Santibáñez-lópez, Prashant P SharmaAbstract:Despite application of genome-scale datasets, the phylogenetic placement of Scorpions within arachnids remains contentious between two different phylogenetic data classes. Paleontologists continue to recover Scorpions in a basally branching position, partly owing to their morphological similarity to extinct marine orders like Eurypterida (sea Scorpions). Phylogenomic datasets consistently recover Scorpions in a derived position, as the sister group of Tetrapulmonata (a clade of arachnids that includes spiders). To adjudicate between these hypotheses using a rare genomic change (RGC), we leveraged the recent discovery of ancient paralogy in spiders and Scorpions to assess phylogenetic placement. We identified homologs of four transcription factors required for appendage patterning ( dachshund , homothorax , extradenticle , and optomotor blind ) in arthropods that are known to be duplicated in spiders. Using genomic resources for a spider, a Scorpion, and a harvestman, we conducted gene tree analyses and assayed expression patterns of Scorpion gene duplicates. Here we show that Scorpions, like spiders, retain two copies of all four transcription factors, whereas arachnid orders like mites and harvestmen bear a single copy. A survey of embryonic expression patterns of the Scorpion paralogs closely matches those of their spider counterparts, with one paralog consistently retaining the putatively ancestral pattern found in the harvestman, as well as the mite, and/or other outgroups. These data comprise a rare genomic change in chelicerate phylogeny supporting the inference of a distal placement of Scorpions. Beyond demonstrating the diagnostic power of developmental genetic data as a phylogenetic data class, a derived placement of Scorpions within the arachnids, together with an array of stem-group Paleozoic Scorpions that occupied marine habitats, effectively rules out a scenario of a single colonization of terrestrial habitat within Chelicerata, even in tree topologies contrived to recover the monophyly of Arachnida.
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Hadrurid Scorpion Toxins: Evolutionary Conservation and Selective Pressures.
Toxins, 2019Co-Authors: Carlos E. Santibáñez-lópez, Prashant P Sharma, Ernesto Ortiz, Matthew R. Graham, Lourival D PossaniAbstract:Scorpion toxins are thought to have originated from ancestral housekeeping genes that underwent diversification and neofunctionalization, as a result of positive selection. Our understanding of the evolutionary origin of these peptides is hindered by the patchiness of existing taxonomic sampling. While recent studies have shown phylogenetic inertia in some Scorpion toxins at higher systematic levels, evolutionary dynamics of toxins among closely related taxa remain unexplored. In this study, we used new and previously published transcriptomic resources to assess evolutionary relationships of closely related Scorpions from the family Hadruridae and their toxins. In addition, we surveyed the incidence of scorpine-like peptides (SLP, a type of potassium channel toxin), which were previously known from 21 Scorpion species. We demonstrate that scorpine-like peptides exhibit gene duplications. Our molecular analyses demonstrate that only eight sites of two SLP copies found in Scorpions are evolving under positive selection, with more sites evolving under negative selection, in contrast to previous findings. These results show evolutionary conservation in toxin diversity at shallow taxonomic scale.
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integration of phylogenomics and molecular modeling reveals lineage specific diversification of toxins in Scorpions
PeerJ, 2018Co-Authors: Carlos E Santibanezlopez, Ricardo Kriebel, Jesus A Ballesteros, Nathaniel Rush, Zachary L Witter, John Williams, Daniel Janies, Prashant P SharmaAbstract:Scorpions have evolved a variety of toxins with a plethora of biological targets, but characterizing their evolution has been limited by the lack of a comprehensive phylogenetic hypothesis of Scorpion relationships grounded in modern, genome-scale datasets. Disagreements over Scorpion higher-level systematics have also incurred challenges to previous interpretations of venom families as ancestral or derived. To redress these gaps, we assessed the phylogenomic relationships of Scorpions using the most comprehensive taxonomic sampling to date. We surveyed genomic resources for the incidence of calcins (a type of calcium channel toxin), which were previously known only from 16 Scorpion species. Here, we show that calcins are diverse, but phylogenetically restricted only to parvorder Iurida, one of the two basal branches of Scorpions. The other branch of Scorpions, Buthida, bear the related LKTx toxins (absent in Iurida), but lack calcins entirely. Analysis of sequences and molecular models demonstrates remarkable phylogenetic inertia within both calcins and LKTx genes. These results provide the first synapomorphies (shared derived traits) for the recently redefined clades Buthida and Iurida, constituting the only known case of such traits defined from the morphology of molecules.
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evidence of duplicated hox genes in the most recent common ancestor of extant Scorpions
Evolution & Development, 2015Co-Authors: Edmundo Gonzalezsantillan, Prashant P Sharma, Marc A Santiago, Lionel Monod, Ward C WheelerAbstract:Scorpions (order Scorpiones) are unusual among arthropods, both for the extreme heteronomy of their bauplan and for the high gene family turnover exhibited in their genomes. These phenomena appear to be correlated, as two Scorpion species have been shown to possess nearly twice the number of Hox genes present in most arthropods. Segmentally offset anterior expression boundaries of a subset of Hox paralogs have been shown to correspond to transitions in segmental identities in the Scorpion posterior tagmata, suggesting that posterior heteronomy in Scorpions may have been achieved by neofunctionalization of Hox paralogs. However, both the first Scorpion genome sequenced and the developmental genetic data are based on exemplars of Buthidae, one of 19 families of Scorpions. It is therefore not known whether Hox paralogy is limited to Buthidae or widespread among Scorpions. We surveyed 24 high throughput transcriptomes and the single whole genome available for Scorpions, in order to test the prediction that Hox gene duplications are common to the order. We used gene tree parsimony to infer whether the paralogy was consistent with a duplication event in the Scorpion common ancestor. Here we show that duplicated Hox genes in non-buthid Scorpions occur in six of the ten Hox classes. Gene tree topologies and parsimony-based reconciliation of the gene trees are consistent with a duplication event in the most recent common ancestor of Scorpions. These results suggest that a Hox paralogy, and by extension the model of posterior patterning established in a buthid, can be extended to non-Buthidae Scorpions.
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phylogenomic resolution of Scorpions reveals multilevel discordance with morphological phylogenetic signal
Proceedings of The Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 2015Co-Authors: Prashant P Sharma, Edmundo Gonzalezsantillan, Rosa Fernandez, Lauren A Esposito, Lionel MonodAbstract:Scorpions represent an iconic lineage of arthropods, historically renowned for their unique bauplan, ancient fossil record and venom potency. Yet, higher level relationships of Scorpions, based exclusively on morphology, remain virtually untested, and no multilocus molecular phylogeny has been deployed heretofore towards assessing the basal tree topology. We applied a phylogenomic assessment to resolve Scorpion phylogeny, for the first time, to our knowledge, sampling extensive molecular sequence data from all superfamilies and examining basal relationships with up to 5025 genes. Analyses of supermatrices as well as species tree approaches converged upon a robust basal topology of Scorpions that is entirely at odds with traditional systematics and controverts previous understanding of Scorpion evolutionary history. All analyses unanimously support a single origin of katoikogenic development, a form of parental investment wherein embryos are nurtured by direct connections to the parent9s digestive system. Based on the phylogeny obtained herein, we propose the following systematic emendations: Caraboctonidae is transferred to Chactoidea new superfamilial assignment ; superfamily Bothriuroidea revalidated is resurrected and Bothriuridae transferred therein; and Chaerilida and Pseudochactida are synonymized with Buthida new parvordinal synonymies .
Marc Holderied - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Hemprich’s long-eared bat (Otonycteris hemprichii) as a predator of Scorpions: whispering echolocation, passive gleaning and prey selection
Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 2011Co-Authors: Marc Holderied, Carmi Korine, Thorsten MoritzAbstract:Over 70% of the droppings of the gleaning bat Otonycteris hemprichii can contain Scorpion fragments. Yet, some Scorpions found in its desert habitat possess venom of the highest known toxicity, rendering them a very dangerous prey. In this study, we describe how O. hemprichii catches and handles Scorpions, quantify its flight and echolocation behaviour in the field, investigate what sensory modality it uses to detect Scorpions, and test whether it selects Scorpions according to their size or toxicity. We confirmed that O. hemprichi is a whispering bat (approx. 80 dB peSPL) with short, multi-harmonic calls. In a flight room we also confirmed that O. hemprichii detects Scorpions by their walking noises. Amplitudes of such noises were measured and they reach the flying bat at or below the level of echoes of the loess substrate. Bats dropped straight onto moving Scorpions and were stung frequently even straight in their face. Stings did not change the bats’ behaviour and caused no signs of poisoning. Scorpions were eaten including poison gland and stinger. Bats showed no preference neither for any of the Scorpion species nor their size suggesting they are generalist predators with regard to Scorpions.
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hemprich s long eared bat otonycteris hemprichii as a predator of Scorpions whispering echolocation passive gleaning and prey selection
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2011Co-Authors: Marc Holderied, Carmi Korine, Thorsten MoritzAbstract:Over 70% of the droppings of the gleaning bat Otonycteris hemprichii can contain Scorpion fragments. Yet, some Scorpions found in its desert habitat possess venom of the highest known toxicity, rendering them a very dangerous prey. In this study, we describe how O. hemprichii catches and handles Scorpions, quantify its flight and echolocation behaviour in the field, investigate what sensory modality it uses to detect Scorpions, and test whether it selects Scorpions according to their size or toxicity. We confirmed that O. hemprichi is a whispering bat (approx. 80 dB peSPL) with short, multi-harmonic calls. In a flight room we also confirmed that O. hemprichii detects Scorpions by their walking noises. Amplitudes of such noises were measured and they reach the flying bat at or below the level of echoes of the loess substrate. Bats dropped straight onto moving Scorpions and were stung frequently even straight in their face. Stings did not change the bats’ behaviour and caused no signs of poisoning. Scorpions were eaten including poison gland and stinger. Bats showed no preference neither for any of the Scorpion species nor their size suggesting they are generalist predators with regard to Scorpions.
Lorenzo Prendini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Similar burrow architecture of three arid-zone Scorpion species implies similar ecological function
The Science of Nature, 2016Co-Authors: Amanda M. Adams, Lorenzo Prendini, Eugene Marais, J. Scott Turner, Berry PinshowAbstract:Many animals reside in burrows that may serve as refuges from predators and adverse environmental conditions. Burrow design varies widely among and within taxa, and these structures are adaptive, fulfilling physiological (and other) functions. We examined the burrow architecture of three Scorpion species of the family Scorpionidae: Scorpio palmatus from the Negev desert, Israel; Opistophthalmus setifrons , from the Central Highlands, Namibia; and Opistophthalmus wahlbergii from the Kalahari desert, Namibia. We hypothesized that burrow structure maintains temperature and soil moisture conditions optimal for the behavior and physiology of the Scorpion. Casts of burrows, poured in situ with molten aluminum, were scanned in 3D to quantify burrow structure. Three architectural features were common to the burrows of all species: (1) a horizontal platform near the ground surface, long enough to accommodate the Scorpion, located just below the entrance, 2–5 cm under the surface, which may provide a safe place where the Scorpion can monitor the presence of potential prey, predators, and mates and where the Scorpion warms up before foraging; (2) at least two bends that might deter incursion by predators and may reduce convective ventilation, thereby maintaining relatively high humidity and low temperature; and (3) an enlarged terminal chamber to a depth at which temperatures are almost constant (±2–4 °C). These common features among the burrows of three different species suggest that they are important for regulating the physical environment of their inhabitants and that burrows are part of Scorpions’ “extended physiology” ( sensu Turner, Physiol Biochem Zool 74:798–822, 2000 ).
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evolutionary morphology of the hemolymph vascular system in Scorpions a character analysis
Arthropod Structure & Development, 2012Co-Authors: B J Klusmannfricke, Lorenzo Prendini, Christian S WirknerAbstract:Phylogenetically informative characters from the internal anatomy of Scorpions were first reported more than 150 years ago, but the subject received little attention after the mid-1920s. Recent investigations, using traditional dissection, illustration and histological sectioning, microscopy, and innovative new methods for investigating complex soft tissue anatomy identified a new wealth of variation. Additionally, these investigations confirmed the phylogenetic significance of previously identified structures. Building on earlier work we present a more detailed description of the hemolymph vascular system (HVS) in Scorpions, based on comparison of the vascular structures of the heart and the branching pattern of the prosomal arteries among 45 exemplar species representing most of the major Scorpion lineages. Using corrosion-casting, MicroCT in combination with computer-aided 3D-reconstruction, and scanning electron microscopy, we conceptualize a series of phylogenetically informative characters for the anterior aorta system and characters of the heart and associated structures (e.g. arrangement of the ostia) of Scorpions. Furthermore, we optimize the possible evolution of these new characters on a previous hypothesis of Scorpion phylogeny, and discuss alternative character state transformations, their evolutionary consequences, and possible underlying evolutionary mechanisms acting on the HVS.
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aops oncodactylus gen et sp nov the first troglobitic urodacid urodacidae Scorpiones with a re assessment of cavernicolous troglobitic and troglomorphic Scorpions
Invertebrate Systematics, 2008Co-Authors: Erich S Volschenk, Lorenzo PrendiniAbstract:We describe a new genus and species of troglomorphic Scorpion from Ledge Cave, Barrow Island, off the north-western coast of Western Australia. This troglobite Scorpion was initially difficult to place within the superfamily Scorpionoidea Latreille on account of its unusual morphology. Based on cladistic analysis, we demonstrate that this Scorpion is phylogenetically most closely related to the endemic Australian genus Urodacus Peters (Urodacidae Pocock). The new taxon, named Aops oncodactylus, gen. et sp. nov., is the first troglobitic urodacid and the first troglobitic Scorpion recorded from continental Australia. In light of this discovery, we re-assess the known diversity of troglobitic Scorpions and the troglomorphic adaptations (troglomorphies) of cavernicolous Scorpions. A distinction is recognised between the exclusive occurrence in cavernicolous habitats and the presence of troglomorphies, which are exhibited by some endogean (humicolous) Scorpions. The definition of troglobitic Scorpions is limited to species that are both restricted to cavernico- lous habitats and exhibit pronounced troglomorphies. Only 20 Scorpion species meet both criteria and are considered unequivocally troglobitic according to this definition.
