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 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.

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

“…This has been traditionally a common adopted strategy in rural settings, but, with the astonishing increase in the scorpion population in Brazil recently, citizens associations, urban communities, schools, and even city halls are also building urban henhouses as a strategy to cope with scorpion infestations. Indeed, Murayama and colleagues proved that hens are voracious scorpion predators and are also venom-resistant at some extent [ 153 ]. Although hens fit the criteria for being efficient predators to be used in biological control, it must be considered that their life habits did not match the scorpions’, which are nocturnal animals and stay usually hidden, while chickens pack in the open during the day.…”