It has been known for a long time that scorpions can smell (detect chemical substances) with their pectines and pedipalpal fingers. Zia Nisani and Raul Curiel report for the first time that scorpions are also able to smell the presence of potential predators. In a research trial they were able to show that individuals of Hadrurus arizonensis (Ewing, 1928) (Caraboctonidae) changed behavior in the presence of odor from a potential predator. The advantages of such an ability is of course quite obvious.
Abstract:
Sensory ecology studies show that reception and utilization of information from the environment is a crucial life process. Scorpions possess a weapon that can be used against predators, but it remains unknown whether scorpions’ decision to use it is influenced by chemical cues from predators. We investigated the influence of predators’ odors on stinging behavior of Hadrurus arizonensis (Ewing, 1928) by stimulating them to sting under two conditions: in the presence of an odor from a potential rodent predator (Rattus norvegicus) and in the absence of such an odor. It took fewer probes to elicit a response when predator scent was present, and it resulted in more wet stings than the non-scented treatments. Finally, the smaller scorpions were more reactive than the larger ones. The variances in stinging behavior suggest that the detection of predator odors by H. arizonensis elevates its response in potentially threatening circumstances.
Reference:
Nisani Z, Curiel R. Antipredator responses of Hadrurus arizonensis (Scorpiones: Caraboctonidae) to chemosensory cue from a mammalian predator. J Arachnol. 2019;47:389-91. [Open Access]
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