Scorpions revisited
Euscorpius sp. Widespread in southern Europe.
Scorpions are arachnids, being closely related to ticks, spiders and mites. They are one of the most easily recognised arthropods, with their conspicuous pair of pedipalps each bearing a pair of large claws, and the long recurved tail-like post-abdomen, terminating in a sting. Scorpion stings are widely feared and understandably so. Some countries report over 50,000 scorpion stings per year, with over 100 deaths. However despite this significant public health impact, the literature on scorpion control is sparse and the technology of prevention and control remains relatively undeveloped.
Background biology
Around 1400 species of scorpion have been identified worldwide, which are divided into six separate families. Four of the families are of little or no public health importance, while the Vaejovidae contains a few venomous species, and the Buthidae contains the majority of the medically important species.
They are widespread in the tropics and subtropics and although they are found in both arid and wet areas, it is in arid habitats that the greatest diversity occurs. A few species also extend beyond the sub-tropics, as far north as Spain, southern France and Germany, Italy and Greece, while in South America they occur as far south as Argentina. They are absent from the Pacific islands, including New Zealand. The UK also has no native species, but one southern European species (Euscorpius flavicaudis) has become established in Kent.
Scorpions are nocturnal, and spend the daytime concealed under stones, logs, in thick vegetation, or in holes in the ground. Most species inhabit areas of natural habitat and may occasionally come into contact with humans through forestry or agricultural work. A few species however are more synanthropic, which greatly increases the risk of contact with humans. In Brazil for example, Tityus serrulatus formerly had a restricted distribution but has now expanded its range as it has followed the establishment of new settlements and towns (Robinson, 2005).
This is a preview of a full article published in International Pest Control – September/October 2013 issue.
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Author: Clive Boase is the founder of the Pest Management Consultancy based in Haverhill, Suffolk, UK. www.pest-management.com.
Category: Public health
