Role of venom quantity in the feeding behavior of Jaguajir rochae (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Silva, Meykson A.; Silva, Nathalia A.; Martins, René Duarte

doi:10.1007/s10211-019-00312-y

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Additionally, scorpions may select different prey according to the amount of venom in their venom glands. Scorpions from which the venom was extracted less than 24 hours before, avoided feeding on larger prey [ 254 ].…”

Section: Ecological Role Of Scorpion Weapons In Feeding Defense and Intraspecific Agonismmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Replenishment of the venom glands increases metabolic rate by 21% to 39% for a minimum of 72 hours [ 285 , 286 ]. This may temporarily make the scorpion a less-efficient predator and makes it more vulnerable to potential attackers [ 254 , 275 , 285 ]. Dry stings, by inflicting pain through mechanical damage, may therefore save the energetically costly resource of venom, while still delivering a painful warning [ 11 ].…”

Section: Ecological Role Of Scorpion Weapons In Feeding Defense and Intraspecific Agonismmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons

Simone¹,

Meijden²

2021

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis

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Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.

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Section: Ecological Role Of Scorpion Weapons In Feeding Defense and Intraspecific Agonismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ecological Role Of Scorpion Weapons In Feeding Defense and Intraspecific Agonismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons

Simone¹,

Meijden²

2021

J. Venom. Anim. Toxins incl. Trop. Dis

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“…Males and females have been observed to use stinging behavior differently, although when size was controlled, both males and females inject similar quantities of venom [ 33 ]. Additionally, scorpions release venom more often when the perceived threat is higher [ 25 , 34 ], scorpions prefer to hunt smaller prey when venom availability is limited [ 35 ], and scorpions deliver a larger quantity of venom when under greater duress [ 25 , 34 , 36 , 37 ]. Interestingly, one study reported that, in some circumstances, scorpions sting less and use less venom when the threat is greater; however, in this case, the threat persisted over longer periods of time [ 38 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk Assessment and the Effects of Refuge Availability on the Defensive Behaviors of the Southern Unstriped Scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus)

Nelsen

David

Harty

et al. 2020

Toxins

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Selection should favor individuals that acquire, process, and act on relevant environmental signals to avoid predation. Studies have found that scorpions control their use of venom: both when it is released and the total volume expelled. However, this research has not included how a scorpion’s awareness of environmental features influences these decisions. The current study tested 18 Vaejovis carolinianus scorpions (nine females and nine males) by placing them in circular arenas supplied with varying numbers (zero, two, or four) of square refuges and by tracking their movements overnight. The following morning, defensive behaviors were elicited by prodding scorpions on the chelae, prosoma, and metasoma once per second over 90 s. We recorded stings, venom use, chelae pinches, and flee duration. We found strong evidence that, across all behaviors measured, V. carolinianus perceived prods to the prosoma as more threatening than prods to the other locations. We found that stinging was a common behavior and became more dominant as the threat persisted. Though tenuous, we found evidence that scorpions’ defensive behaviors changed based on the number of refuges and that these differences may be sex specific. Our findings suggest that V. carolinianus can assess risk and features of the local environment and, therefore, alter their defensive strategies accordingly.

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“…In addition, previous studies have shown that scorpions have control over venom use. For example, some species use venom very restrictively, using this feature only against resistant prey or when threat from a potential enemy is high (Nisani & Hayes 2011;Lira et al 2017;Silva et al 2019). The production and storage of venom requires high metabolic investment (Nisani et al 2007;Morgenstern & King 2013;Evans et al 2019).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The production and storage of venom requires high metabolic investment (Nisani et al 2007;Morgenstern & King 2013;Evans et al 2019). Thus, scorpions are extremely cautious in using their sting, and consequently the venom is metered through behavioral control (Inceoglu et al 2003;Nisani et al 2012;Silva et al 2019). This type of mechanism in venomous animals, where venom is used only when necessary, has led to the venom optimization hypothesis.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%