Species Composition, Temporal Distribution, and Degree of Dependence of Scorpion Species on the Environment in Terms of Soil Texture and Moisture Level in Shush County, Khuzestan Province

Abstract

Background and purpose: Today, scorpion stings are one of Iran's most significant health and medical problems. Regarding the favorable weather conditions, Shush created a suitable environment for scorpions. Given the importance of this question, a study was conducted on the species composition, temporal distribution, and degree of dependence of scorpion species on the environment regarding soil texture and moisture level in Shush in 2019. Materials and methods: In this fundamentally applied research, scorpion samples were collected in designated areas using an active search method during the day and night. The samples were identified under a stereomicroscope using valid keys. Results: The species Mesobuthus eupeus (61/6%), Androctonus crassicauda (5.3%), Hottentotta saulcyi (1.2%), Compsobuthus matthiesseni (11.1%), Razianus zarudny (0.62%), Hemiscorpius leptorus (18.3%), and Scorpio maurus (1.9%) belonging to the families Buthidae, Scorpionidae, and Hemiscorpiidae have been identified. Mesobuthus eupeus, Hemiscorpius leptorus, and Compsobuthus Matthiessen prefer loamy, silty, sandy loam soils. Androctonus crassicauda species prefer the silty loamy, loam, and sandy loam soils. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that due to the temporal distribution of scorpion abundance, which gradually peaks from April to September, actions to control the scorpions and prevent their stings should be carried out as a function of their mass over the months, along with the characteristics of their habitats.

Keywords

• shush
• scorpion species
• scorpion sting
• soil texture
• species composition
• time distribution