Parthenogenesis in scorpions: some history - new data

Abstract

Parthenogenesis, a rare phenomenon in Chelicerates, apart from mites, is reviewed in scorpions, notably Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello from Brazil, Tityus columbianus (Thorell) from Colombia and Tityus metuendus Pocock from Peru and Brazil. Thelytokous parthenogenesis (with all-female broods) is most often observed. The only known exception to this is T. metuendus in which arrhenotoky (all-male broods) has been observed. In the present paper, current ideas regarding parthenogenesis in scorpions are summarized. The notion of geographic parthenogenesis ('parthénogenèse géographique'), coined by Vandel in 1928, is discussed. This rule is tentatively exemplified by a new case of parthenogenesis reported in a scorpion of the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, inhabiting 'Pico da Neblina' in Brazil / Venezuela

Scorpionism and dangerous species of Brazil

“…Parthenogenesis (from the Greek parthenos ¼ virgin, genesis ¼ birth) is a form of reproduction in which the egg develops without being fertilized. It is considered a rare phenomenon among Chelicerates, being observed in some scorpions and spiders species (Lourenco 2008). Curiously, Tityus serrulatus was the first scorpion species described as able to proliferate by parthenogenesis (Matthiesen 1962).…”

“…Curiously, Tityus serrulatus was the first scorpion species described as able to proliferate by parthenogenesis (Matthiesen 1962). The major advantage of parthenogenetic species is the ability to single-handedly generate a new colony without a member of the opposite sex, not to mention that this attribute can also circumvent extinction (Cuellar 1994;Lourenco 2008). T. serrulatus parthenogenesis and the urban growth, the garbage accumulation, and the proliferation of cockroaches (preferred food of these scorpions) are all factors that help to explain the great increase of cases of scorpion stings in Brazil.…”

Life-history of the parthenogenetic oonopid spider, Triaeris stenaspis (Araneae: Oonopidae)

“…It has been frequently studied in insects (Suomalainen, 1962), but rarely in arachnids. Except for mites, where it is rather common (Helle et al, 1980), it is reported only for a few scorpions (Lourenço, 2002(Lourenço, , 2008, harvestmen (Tsurusaki, 1986), schizomids (Reddell & Cokendolpher, 1995) and amblypygids (Weygoldt, 2007), but there is little reliable information. Of the more than 40 000 species of spiders in the world (Platnick, 2008) only a few are parthenogenetic (Lake, 1986;Deeleman-Reinhold, 1986;Gruber, 1990;Shimojana & Nishihira, 2000;Edwards et al, 2003).…”

“…Parthenogenetic species are considered superior colonizers as they are able to establish a new population in isolation and away from their bisexual progenitors (Cuellar, 1977;Lourenço, 2008). Parthenogenetic animals do not waste eggs producing male progeny, have no mating costs and possess a higher reproductive potential (White, 1973).…”

Novo método de fracionamento da peçonha do escorpião Tityus serrulatus e caracterização eletrofisiológica das toxinas Ts6 e Ts7

“…Pertencentes ao filo Arthropoda, classe Arachnida, a ordem Scorpionida possuem 6 superfamílias, que estão divididas em 13 famílias e 55 gêneros. A família Buthidae é considerada a mais importante por possuir os escorpiões mais perigosos para os seres humanos, compreendendo aproximadamente 500 espécies (Balozet, 1971 (Lourenço e Coellar, 1995;Lourenço, 2007). Adicionalmente, a falta de predadores naturais e a facilidade de abrigos e alimentos que os centros urbanos oferecem, auxiliam na ampliação do seu habitat, que favorece o crescimento desordenado dessa espécie e pode resultar em até severas consequências no equilíbrio ecológico (Burcherl, 1979;Likes, Banner e Chavez, 1984).…”