Scorpion fauna of the island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: first record of Tityus stigmurus (Thorell 1877) (Arachnida, Buthidae)

Abstract

A survey of the scorpion fauna of the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco (Brazil), was carried out in October 2005. Methods included active collecting and pitfall traps in several areas of the island under different degrees of human-caused alteration. Forty four scorpions, belonging to two species were collected: Isometrus maculatus (DeGeer, 1778), previously listed for the Island, and Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1877), here recorded for the first time. This species was probably introduced via cargo shipments from the continent and offers risk to the local population due to the gravity of the accidents.

Pediatric epidemiological aspects of scorpionism and report on fatal cases from Tityus stigmurus stings (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in State of Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Originally described in Pernambuco (Brazil), this species is found in 8 of the 26 states in Brazil, including the island of Fernando de Noronha, State of Pernambuco, Brazil 16 . Tityus stigmurus formerly was found under roofs, among accumulated debris in the exterior areas of residences 3,5 and in cesspits 17 .…”

Scorpion diversity in two types of seasonally dry tropical forest in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil

“…On the other hand, some opportunistic species could even be benefitted by a moderate degree of anthropogenic actions. For example, Tityus stigmurus seems to be expanding its geographical distribution; besides being recorded in urban zones, rainforest, cerrado and caatinga, it has been found in oceanic islands in Brazil, a fact that poses interesting questions on human mediated dispersal of medically important species (Freitas & Vasconcelos 2008). T. stigmurus has been recorded with increasing frequency in urban environments in Northeastern Brazil and caused 42 deaths in Pernambuco state in the 2000-2010 period (Brasil 2011 (Albuquerque et al, 2009).…”

First record of the blow flyChrysomya megacephala(Diptera: Calliphoridae) on a southern Atlantic island: implications for disease transmission in a protected environment

“…It is composed of 21 islands and islets, of which the only inhabited one, also called Fernando de Noronha, has a population of 2,630 and total area of 16.9 km 2 (Brasil ). The archipelago is legally protected and human activities are limited or prohibited in a great portion of its territory (Freitas and Vasconcelos ). The climate is tropical, mean temperatures range from 23.5° C to 31.5°C, with an annual mean of 27.0° C, relative humidity is high with an annual average of 78%, and rainfall of approximately 1,420 mm/year.…”

“…Native flora are mostly represented by seasonal deciduous vegetation, with several introduced plant species. Overall, the island suffers from a persistent shortage of water, as there are no permanent freshwater reservoirs (Freitas and Vasconcelos ).…”

“…From 2001 to 2011, 501 cases of dengue were identified by the local authorities, which is outstanding given the small population (Brasil ). To reinforce that, a medically important, non‐native, scorpion species, Tityus stigmurus , was also recorded recently which poses questions about the fragility of the quarantine system (Freitas and Vasconcelos ).…”