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Tityus (genus)

Tityus is a large genus of thick-tailed scorpions (family Buthidae), the namesake of its subfamily Tityinae. As of 2021, Tityus contains more than 220 described species distributed in Central America and South America, from Costa Rica to Argentina. Species in the genus Tityus have been studied for hundreds of years, long before the taxonomic classification was put in place. Tityus tend to be of medium size for scorpions, roughly 50 to 70 millimeters long.  They are dark brown or red in color, and can exhibit sexual dimorphism. They can live in a variety of environments, ranging from urban to arid mountains to the Amazon Rainforest. Tityus scorpions are best known for their venom and potent sting. The genus contains several dangerously venomous scorpions, the best known of which is the Brazilian yellow scorpion, T. serrulatus. Its venom can cause severe illness (including pancreatitis), and in the young, old and infirm even death. Some experts have argued that the genus as a whole may be paraphyletic, which could explain the knowledge gaps related to Tityus. ÂÂ

Geography

Scorpions in the genus Tityus can live in several distinct environments across South America. However, there appears to be a clear geographic distinction that exists between species. A species that inhabits the Andes Mountains will not also live in the Amazon Rainforest. In some South American countries, such as Argentina, the geographic range of Tityus scorpions is expanding. This creates a problem for the general public and healthcare. When scorpion stings become more frequent, it puts more strain on hospitals and healthcare facilities.ÂÂ

Venom

The genus Tityus is most well known for its venomous species. Tityus serrulatus venom contains a powerful neurotoxin that affects almost all anatomical body systems. The most dangerous species in the genus Tityus is serrulatus. The nature of their venom and its ability to impact the entire body make Tityus serrulatus a particularly dangerous species. However, their stings are not often lethal, which may be due to low venom mass injected. Young children and seniors are at a higher risk of death than the general population. Many factors are important for determining how dangerous a scorpion sting will be. Variables such as venom composition, location of the sting, and the overall health makeup of the victim in question play a role in determining the lethality of a sting. Scorpion stings are the most common cause of envenomation in Brazil, and are seen as a risk in urban environments. Scorpions in the genus Tityus have been studied by medical researchers for the purpose of identifying and understanding the toxins produced by various species.

Behavior

Little is yet understood about scorpion behavior in the genus Tityus. This is especially true of reproductive aspects, although some general patterns are known. Unlike the majority of arachnids that are oviparous, (i.e. hatching from eggs), in contrast all scorpions including those of the genus Tityus are viviparous, with live births. Notably, several species of Tityus (including Tityus serrulatus) are parthenogenic, a process that allows females to reproduce without fertilization. This survival strategy may contribute to their success in challenging environments. When in contrast the two sexes undergo a mating process, the females can use chemical communication to induce male courtship. After being exposed to compounds associated with female scorpions, the males will alter their activity and perform behaviors characteristic of courtship.ÂÂ

Tityus, like other scorpions use the stingers for both subduing prey items but also for defense, which is a behavior demonstrated by both sexes. Venom is energetically expensive to create, so scorpions only use their stinger defensively when seriously threatened.

Diet

Scorpions in the genus Tityus are carnivores. They feed on insects such as cockroaches and crickets. It is believed that members of the genus Tityus can survive for over a year without food, and even give birth after lengthy periods of starvation. This is another survival technique that helps them outlast unfavorable conditions.

Species

[?] Tityus thelyacanthus <small>Mello-Leitão, 1933</small>

References

External links