It is well known that scorpions often will use different behavior tactics to catch different prey types, usually with the aim to save venom and costs of venom production. Similar behavior differences have been observed when it comes to defense against different predator types.
André O. Silva-Júnior and co-workers have recently published a study on defensive behavior in Ananteris mauryi Lourenço, 1982 (Buthidae) against different predator species. Seven defensive behavior acts were identified and the study confirms the hypothesis that this species can change its defensive behavior according to the type of predator they face.
Abstract:
Small species often fall prey to a wide range of predators in their natural habitats, and therefore require behavioural strategies to mitigate predation rates. In this study, we investigated the defensive behaviour of Ananteris mauryi, a small-bodied scorpion, against different natural predator species. Behavioural trials were conducted with A. mauryi individuals facing two different predators, spider and scorpion. Our results show that A. mauryi altered their defensive acts depending on the predator type, swinging their telson, cleaning their pedipalps, and run more frequently when facing spiders than scorpions. Additionally, we observed variation in the duration of behaviours according to predator type, with stinging attempts being performed more frequently against scorpions and run and metasoma swinging against spiders. Our findings suggest that scorpions have the ability to modulate their defensive behaviour according to the type of predator they face.
Reference:
Silva-Júnior AO, Barbosa-da-Silva HR, Salomao RP, Moura GJB, Lira AFA. Defensive behaviour plasticity in Ananteris mauryi Lourenço, 1982 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) facing different predator species. Behaviour. 2023; Published online 21.08.23. [Subscription required for full text]
Thanks to Andre Lira for sending me this article!
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