Voracity, reaction to stings, and survival of domestic hens when feeding on the yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus)

Abstract

Background: Scorpionism is a worldwide problem that has already made thousands of victims, and multi-disciplinary approaches for controlling their populations are to be more successful. Hens are often mentioned as tools for controlling scorpions; however, systematic/experimental behavioral studies are not available. Moreover, there is no systematic information on the effect of scorpion venoms on hens. Using the venomous yellow scorpion Tityus serrulatus, the present study aimed to clarify the following aspects:(1) voracity of hens, (2) how hens react when stung, (3) the effect of scorpion stings on hen behavior during attacks, and (4) hen survivorship after feeding on scorpions. Methods: We attracted hens with corn powder, offered them scorpions and then recorded the hen-scorpion interaction. To test the effects of the sting we manually removed the scorpion's telson. Results: We found that some hens ate up to six scorpions within minutes. By means of an ethogram and drawings, we showed that they exhibited several aversive behaviors when capturing scorpions. Removal of the scorpion telson stopped the aversive reactions, which was not observed in the control group. Finally, hens did not exhibit atypical behaviors after 1, 7 and 30 days and were all alive after 30 days. Conclusion: This is the first empirical and video recorded study providing evidence that hens are clearly affected by scorpion venom but do not die. Therefore, they may have potential to be used in biological control of these arthropods.

Biomechanics of venom delivery in South America’s first spitting scorpion

“…If true, the observed patterns of angular and vertical positioning reaffirm the role of sprays as an optimized ranged attack, but inferring the biological function of venom flicks remains challenging. The estimated range and vertical reach of venom sprays are consistent with known Tityus predators such as amphibians (Botero-Trujillo, 2006; Jared et al, 2020), birds (Murayama et al, 2022) and lizards (Silva-Júnior et al, 2023). Larger animals, otherwise out of reach, may also expose themselves by lowering their heads to the ground while attempting predation.…”

Biomechanics of venom delivery in South America’s first spitting scorpion

“…If true, the observed patterns of angular and vertical positioning reaffirm the role of sprays as an optimized ranged attack, but inferring the biological function of venom flicks remains challenging. The estimated range and vertical reach of venom sprays are consistent with known Tityus predators such as amphibians (Botero-Trujillo, 2006; Jared et al, 2020), birds (Murayama et al, 2022) and lizards (Silva-Júnior et al, 2023). Larger animals, otherwise out of reach, may also expose themselves by lowering their heads to the ground while attempting predation.…”

Scorpionism in Brazil: Space-time approach and risk areas in 2012 to 2024

“…The presence of predators such as domestic fowl, guinea fowl, and opossums can be seen as an initial control measure in places that are difficult to manage ecologically. [ 43 ] evaluated the primary characteristics of predation by domestic chickens. This shows that birds have the potential for biological control of arthropods without fatal events, which may favor local and specific actions where traditional management strategies are insufficient.…”

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

“…This has been traditionally a common adopted strategy in rural settings, but, with the astonishing increase in the scorpion population in Brazil recently, citizens associations, urban communities, schools, and even city halls are also building urban henhouses as a strategy to cope with scorpion infestations. Indeed, Murayama and colleagues proved that hens are voracious scorpion predators and are also venom-resistant at some extent [ 153 ]. Although hens fit the criteria for being efficient predators to be used in biological control, it must be considered that their life habits did not match the scorpions’, which are nocturnal animals and stay usually hidden, while chickens pack in the open during the day.…”

Biomechanics of venom delivery in South America’s first spitting scorpion

“…If true, the observed patterns of angular and vertical positioning reaffirm the role of sprays as an optimized ranged attack, but inferring the biological function of venom flicks remains challenging. The estimated range and vertical reach of venom sprays are consistent with known Tityus predators such as amphibians (Botero-Trujillo, 2006; Jared et al, 2020), birds (Murayama et al, 2022) and lizards (Silva-Júnior et al, 2023). Larger animals, otherwise out of reach, may also expose themselves by lowering their heads to the ground while attempting predation.…”

Scorpionism in Brazil: Space-time approach and risk areas in 2012 to 2024

“…The presence of predators such as domestic fowl, guinea fowl, and opossums can be seen as an initial control measure in places that are difficult to manage ecologically. [ 43 ] evaluated the primary characteristics of predation by domestic chickens. This shows that birds have the potential for biological control of arthropods without fatal events, which may favor local and specific actions where traditional management strategies are insufficient.…”

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

“…This has been traditionally a common adopted strategy in rural settings, but, with the astonishing increase in the scorpion population in Brazil recently, citizens associations, urban communities, schools, and even city halls are also building urban henhouses as a strategy to cope with scorpion infestations. Indeed, Murayama and colleagues proved that hens are voracious scorpion predators and are also venom-resistant at some extent [ 153 ]. Although hens fit the criteria for being efficient predators to be used in biological control, it must be considered that their life habits did not match the scorpions’, which are nocturnal animals and stay usually hidden, while chickens pack in the open during the day.…”

Biomechanics of venom delivery in South America’s first spitting scorpion

“…If true, the observed patterns of angular and vertical positioning reaffirm the role of sprays as an optimized ranged attack, but inferring the biological function of venom flicks remains challenging. The estimated range and vertical reach of venom sprays are consistent with known Tityus predators such as amphibians (Botero-Trujillo, 2006; Jared et al, 2020), birds (Murayama et al, 2022) and lizards (Silva-Júnior et al, 2023). Larger animals, otherwise out of reach, may also expose themselves by lowering their heads to the ground while attempting predation.…”

Scorpionism in Brazil: Space-time approach and risk areas in 2012 to 2024

“…The presence of predators such as domestic fowl, guinea fowl, and opossums can be seen as an initial control measure in places that are difficult to manage ecologically. [ 43 ] evaluated the primary characteristics of predation by domestic chickens. This shows that birds have the potential for biological control of arthropods without fatal events, which may favor local and specific actions where traditional management strategies are insufficient.…”

Scorpion envenomation in Brazil: Current scenario and perspectives for containing an increasing health problem

“…This has been traditionally a common adopted strategy in rural settings, but, with the astonishing increase in the scorpion population in Brazil recently, citizens associations, urban communities, schools, and even city halls are also building urban henhouses as a strategy to cope with scorpion infestations. Indeed, Murayama and colleagues proved that hens are voracious scorpion predators and are also venom-resistant at some extent [ 153 ]. Although hens fit the criteria for being efficient predators to be used in biological control, it must be considered that their life habits did not match the scorpions’, which are nocturnal animals and stay usually hidden, while chickens pack in the open during the day.…”