How much do people living close to scorpions know about the scorpion’s biology and how to deal with envenomations

 

Scorpions and humans are neighbors in many areas, and this is also the case in many towns and regions in Brazil. This cohabitation will sometimes pose challenges, as scorpions may sting humans and some of them are also quite dangerous. There are many articles dealing with this topic, but few articles have studies the general knowledge local peoples have about scorpion biology and treatment of sting cases.

Luiza Eulália de Azevedo Gonzaga and co-workers published last fall a study where adults locals in a few communities in Brazil were asked to answer a questionnaire about their knowledge about the local scorpion fauna. Interestingly, many of the respondents showed quite good knowledge about the local scorpion's ecological and biological characteristics. Quite a few respondents respected the ecological importance of scorpions, but most of them also admitted fear for this group. More than 70% of them had either been stung or knew about somebody been stung by scorpions. The respondents reported both the use of official medicine (e.g., analgesics) and traditional remedies (the article has a list of these). 

The authors recommend community-based conservation programs that should integrate local knowledge with public health strategies to improve the cohabitation between scorpions and humans.

Abstract:
Scorpions are voracious predators that play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance within food chains. However, they are also notorious for their venom. Understanding ecological knowledge within local populations helps illuminate the intricate relationship between humans and nature. This study investigates the ecological knowledge and uses of scorpion fauna in three municipalities (Caetés, Cumaru, and Limoeiro) in Pernambuco state, Northeast Brazil—primarily engaged in agricultural activities. We administered a 25-question questionnaire, made available online to adult residents, designed to capture their experiences and perceptions regarding these invertebrates. A total of 121 responses were collected (42 from Caetés, 40 from Limoeiro, and 39 from Cumaru). Results revealed that over 70% of participants had either been victims of scorpion stings or knew someone who had experienced scorpionism. Traditional methods, including substances such as milk, alcohol, ice, and even the scorpion itself, were employed in 33% of cases to treat stings, highlighting gaps in public health education regarding venomous sting management. Respondents classified scorpions within the “insect” ethnocategory and used color to distinguish ethnospecies: yellow, red, and black scorpions. Notably, 88.4% of respondents acknowledged the ecological importance of these creatures, while 79.3% admitted fear of them, yet over 60% recognized their significance for humans. This tension underscores opportunities for community-based conservation programs that integrate local knowledge with public health strategies. The alignment between local perceptions and scientific references suggests potential for integrated approaches to mitigate scorpion-related risks while preserving their ecological roles in agricultural landscapes.

Reference:
de Azevedo Gonzaga LE, de Lima JR, da Silva MA, de Moura GJB, de Araujo Lira AF. Traditional ecological knowledge of scorpions in human communities in a Brazilian semiarid region. International Journal of Tropical Insect Science. 2025;Published 27 November 2025. [Subscription required for full text]

Scorpion biology and folklore in Durango City, Mexico

 

Mexico is a hot spot for scorpion diversity and also hosts many of the worlds most venomous species in the genus Centruroides Marx, 1890 (Buthidae).  One of the most famous scorpion places in Mexico is "The City of Scorpions" Durango, where the infamous and very venomous species Centruroides suffusus Pocock, 1902 is very common.

 Eduardo Gonzalez-Ponce and several co-workers have recently published an interesting article about different aspects of the biology of the Durango scorpion including the scorpions' response to light, medical importance and the use of its venom for research and medicine. Of special interest is the description of how the peoples of Durango utilize the scorpions as souvenirs for tourists and as an exotic food source.

Abstract:
Scorpions are incredible venomous animals found on almost every continent. According to fossil data, these animals have been able to adapt to the different environments from the Cambrian period until today with minimal anatomical changes. Scorpions are mostly nocturnal animals, and their ability to detect and tolerate light stimuli seems to be an essential tool for their subsistence, homing and mating. Centruroides suffuses is the most predominant specie of scorpions in Durango City, Mexico. Interestingly, and despite their life-threatening venom, these predatory arthropod animals have been adopted by locals as part of the landscape and daily life, by including them as part of their folklore and their economic resources, and learning how to take advantage of their abundance. In addition, the venom of scorpions possesses potential for therapeutic uses, while the scorpions themselves represent a nutritional food resource rich in protein, which has been poorly explored so far. Therefore, they are an excellent model for exploring the interplay between light sensibilities, survival and therapeutic–medicinal uses. Here, we review some of the potential benefits of scorpions and share the ways people in Durango City, Mexico, use UV light devices to detect and avoid or catch them for business and research purposes.

Reference:
Gonzalez-Ponce E, Rodríguez-Rangel S, Martinez R, Alvarado A, Ruiz-Baca E, Miranda P, et al. Scorpions, Science and Folklore in Durango City. Diversity. 2023;15(6):743. [Open Access]