Among the most dangerous scorpions in the word, the genus Tityus C. L. Koch, 1836 (Buthidae) from South America has some of the most potent species. Bad guy number one in the genus is probably the Brazilian species Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922. The species is well known for its medical potency, but also for its rapid geographical expansion, occurrence in urban habitats and for its large populations of asexual (parthenogentic) members.
Wilson Lourenco has recently published an update on the historical, geographical and ecological aspects connected to this important species. The article also discuss the status of other species in the genus.
Abstract:
A synopsis on the historical, geographical and ecological aspects related to the most conspicuous scorpion species of the genus Tityus known from Brazil is proposed. Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 was described precisely one century ago, nevertheless many questions related to its ecological adaptations and geographical expansion remain without a precise response. This species, well known for its infamous reputation of noxious species, is also known for its capacity to reproduce asexually, by parthenogenesis. Although the individuals of a given population are considered clones, a new hypothesis could suggest the occurrence of mutations within isolated individuals, leading to distinct subpopulations that could present better phenotypic performances in ecological habitats distinct from those of the original area of distribution of the species.
Reference:
Lourenço WR. Back to Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones: Buthidae): new comments about an old species. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. 2022;28:e20220016. [Open Access]
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