Scorpions maintenance in captivity for venom extraction purposes in Costa Rica

Abstract

Approximately 2 000 scorpion species can be found around the world; although few species are considered “harmful” to human beings, a high number of scorpionism cases are reported all over the world. The elaboration of anti-scorpion sera requires the establishment of an animal collection maintained in captivity for venom extraction purposes. The Clodomiro Picado Institute (ICP, for its acronym in Spanish), poses a vast trajectory in manufacturing snakebite antivenoms, and starts a scorpion collection in 2005 for this purpose. In total, 2 043 scorpions were classified in 11 species and collected during a seven-year period using a black-light flashlight and an intensive seeking methodology. The scorpions were collected from several localities of the Pacific and the Caribbean versants of Costa Rica. The venom extraction was performed by applying electrostimulation; the collected venom was characterized by total protein content in addition to median lethal doses. Centruroides bicolor showed higher amounts of venom yield, total protein content and more lethal dose, all of which were correlated with its body mass. The techniques used to keep scorpions in captivity allowed the animals to live several years. Longevity analysis showed significant differences among scorpion genera (H= 353.80; df= 3; P < 0.0001); moreover, the genus Didymocentrus lived longer with an average of 4.46 years. One key factor of its longevity was that it did not go through venom extraction processes. Additionally, a high survival rate of Tityus pachyurus born in captivity, compared to other species within the same genus, was observed (H= 94.32; df= 3; P < 0.0001). This characteristic should be taken into consideration, when programs of reproduction in captivity are designed. In conclusion, the maintenance of a scorpion collection was efficient for venom extraction purposes and a longer life expectancy of the animals. Moreover, there is a scarcity on publications regarding scorpion maintenance in captivity for venom extraction purposes; therefore, a deeper research in aspects such as reproduction, death causes and feeding behaviors is required.

Characterization of a Lab-Scale Process to Produce Whole IgG Antivenom Covering Scorpion Stings by Genus Tityus and Centruroides of Colombia

“…Estrada-Gomez et al previously described a similar result in the species C. edwardsii from the Antioquia and Tolima provinces using concentrations of 19.2 mg/kg [5]. In the same species, Brenes and Gomez established an LD 50 of C. edwardsii from Costa Rica at 4.4 mg/kg [15]. In a different Centruroides species from Colombia, Mendoza-Tobar et al calculated an LD 50 of 19.5 mg/kg in C. margaritatus from the Cauca province.…”

Efecto de la frecuencia alimenticia y tipo de alimento en Tityus asthenes Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) en cautiverio

“…En el interior de cada caja se incluye una pieza de papel Kraft como sustrato y una bola de algodón húmedo como fuente de agua. Las cajas se limpian semanalmente eliminando los restos de presas y retirando las heces con algodón, o reemplazando el recipiente cuando sea necesario (Brenes y Gómez 2016).…”