Species Delimitation and Morphological Divergence in the Scorpion Centruroides vittatus (Say, 1821): Insights from Phylogeography

Abstract

Scorpion systematics and taxonomy have recently shown a need for revision, partially due to insights from molecular techniques. Scorpion taxonomy has been difficult with morphological characters as disagreement exists among researchers with character choice for adequate species delimitation in taxonomic studies. Within the family Buthidae, species identification and delimitation is particularly difficult due to the morphological similarity among species and extensive intraspecific morphological diversity. The genus Centruroides in the western hemisphere is a prime example of the difficulty in untangling the taxonomic complexity within buthid scorpions. In this paper, we present phylogeographic, Ecological Niche Modeling, and morphometric analyses to further understand how population diversification may have produced morphological diversity in Centruroides vittatus (Say, 1821). We show that C. vittatus populations in the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region of Texas, USA are phylogeographically distinct and may predate the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). In addition, we suggest the extended isolation of Big Bend region populations may have created the C. vittatus variant once known as C. pantheriensis.

Nationwide Scorpion Exposures Reported to US Poison Control Centers from 2005 to 2015

“…Outside of Arizona, local skin effects were reported more frequently but with considerable variation. In Texas and the neighboring states of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, C. vittatus is common [15,16]. Although this species is not typically associated with local erythema or edema [11], there is a risk of hypersensitivity reactions with repeated exposures [17][18][19], or even on an initial exposure due to cross-reactivity from the venom of the imported fire ant (Solenopsis spp.)…”

Scorpion Toxin, BmP01, Induces Pain by Targeting TRPV1 Channel

“…Many neurotoxins from scorpion venom have been explored by genome sequencing [ 3 ] as well as transcriptomic and proteomic analysis [ 8 , 9 ]. Peptide toxins from scorpion venoms specifically target ion channels (Na + , Cl − , K + and Ca 2+ ) and other cell membrane receptors, suggesting the functional diversity of scorpion toxins [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In the field of pain, peptide toxins have provided important evidence for basic research and clinical applications [ 14 ].…”

Evolution Stings: The Origin and Diversification of Scorpion Toxin Peptide Scaffolds

“…The toxin diversity has been potentiated by the slow migration rates and divergent population structures combined with their long geological history [15,16,17,18,19]. In contrast to some snake venoms which are rich in enzymatic toxins, scorpion venoms are dominated by peptide toxins (Table 1).…”