Tityus asthenes

Tityus asthenes
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Scorpiones
Family:	Buthidae
Genus:	Tityus
Species:	T. asthenes
Binomial name
Tityus asthenes Pocock, 1893

Tityus asthenes is a significantly venomous scorpion endemic to Central America and South America. Sometimes it is known as Peruvian black scorpion.

Description[]

Tityus asthenes has a black to dark brown color, only on the tarsus, the pedipalpal fingertips and the mesosomal tergites are lighter than the rest of the body, the younger specimens have more yellowish and variegated pigmentation. The female basal lamellae are dilated in most specimens. Its total length varies from 60 to 75 mm, its pedipalpal fingers have 17 rows of granules, and both sexes have 18 to 22 pectinal teeth. This species has sexual dysmorphism, adult males are longer and thinner, with pedipalps and metasomal segments, although less marked than in T. obscurus. Juveniles are sexed by checking the exúvil for the dilated basal middle lamellae, indicating the females. Males mature at instar 6, although this can also occur at instar 5, females also mature at instar 6.^[1]

Behavior[]

This species does not dig burrows, they hide during the day, their habits are mainly nocturnal, they do not actively feed, they usually attack by ambush, waiting for their prey to pass by to attack. These scorpions are relatively non-aggressive towards humans, when they feel threatened they can flee or react very quickly, juveniles are more nervous than adults.^[1]

Range and habitat[]

Tityus asthenes is a Latin American species, can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Costa rica, Panama, Ecuador and Peru.^[2] It lives in tropical forests of the eastern Amazon, it can be found on tree trunks, on the forest floor under fallen trunks and other debris, it can be found in the root systems of large trees, they are also very common in rural areas.^[1]

Medical significance[]

Tityus asthenes is a venomous species and should not be disturbed, the LD50 value for its venom is 4.14 mg / kg.^[3] Its venom is mainly composed of excitatory neurotoxins.^[2] The main symptoms can include edema, local pain and paresthesia, the systemic symptoms are characterized by vomiting, profuse sweating, drooling, breathing problems, tachycardia and abdominal pain.^[1] In Colombia it has been implicated in causing cardiopulmonary complications, acute hemorrhagic or edematous pancreatitis and death.^[4]

References[]