An update on the infamous, medical important buthid Tityus serrulatus from Brazil

 

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]

Family Buthidae

The history of three important Tityus species in Brazil

Professor Wilson Lourenco has recently published an interesting article where he present the history of three important Brazilian Tityus species (Buthidae): Tityus bahiensis (Perty, 1833), Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 and Tityus costatus (Karsch, 1879).

Abstract:
In the present study, comments are proposed on historical aspects of the most conspicuous scorpion species of the genus Tityus found in Brazil. Both Tityus bahiensis (Perty) and Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello are better known for their infamous reputation of noxious species. However, the original discovery and description of both species are associated with interesting historical episodes. A short comment is also provided on Tityus costatus (Karsch), the species possibly involved in the first record of a scorpion incident in Brazil.

Reference:
Lourenco WR. What do we know about some of the most conspicuous scorpion species of the genus Tityus? A historical approach. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. 2015;21:20. [Open Access]

Thanks to professor Lourenco for sending me his article!

The history of scorpion antivenom in North America

Leslie Boyer has written a very interesting article on the history of scorpion antivenom. The paper's main focus is North America, but main globale events in the history of scorpion antivenom and treatment are also presented.

Abstract:
This paper was originally presented as the Elsevier Lecture in July, 2012 at the International Society on Toxinology/Venom Week combined meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. In it, the author addresses the ancient history of venom and immunity, from the Silurian Era to the 1890s; the development of the first antivenoms; the impact of shifting political and economic pressures; the special case of Arizona; the relative stability of the 1960s through 1990s; the transition to regulatory compliance that took place at the time of the author’s own research; and concluding thoughts regarding the instability of apparent success.

Reference:
Boyer L. History of scorpion antivenom: One Arizonan's view. Toxicon. 2013;69:14-20. [Subscription required for full text]

Scorpions in ancient Egypt

For those interested in scorpions in myths and history, Hisham El-Hennaway has written an excellent paper summing up what is known about scorpions in ancient Egypt. The paper is illustrated with many great pictures. Enjoy!

Abstract:
The ancient Egyptians knew the scorpion and its toxicity, and venerated it since pre-dynastic era. They used the scorpion as a king's name, a name of a nome (county), and a symbol to their goddess, Serqet, that protects the body and the viscera of the dead, and that accompanies them in their journey to the afterlife. They had medical prescriptions and magical spells to heal the stings. Since the 5th dynasty, the title of a “Follower of Serket” was given to clever physicians. Scorpions are most famously depicted on Horus Cippus, a talisman featuring Horus the Child holding in his hands figures of serpents, scorpions, and dangerous animals. A drawing of a scorpion with two metasomas was found in the tomb of the pharaoh Seti I (1290–1279 BC), probably the first record of this abnormality, more than 13 centuries before Pliny the Elder.

Reference:
El-Hennawy H, K. Scorpions in ancient Egypt. Euscorpius. 2011(119):1-12. [Free fulltext]