Tityus (genus)

Tityus Temporal range: Palaeogene–present PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N
Tityus discrepans
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Subphylum:	Chelicerata
Class:	Arachnida
Order:	Scorpiones
Family:	Buthidae
Genus:	Tityus Koch, 1836
Species
More than 200, see text

Tityus is a large

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.[7] 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.^[7][8] 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.^[5] [7][8]

Venom

The genus Tityus is most well known for its venomous species.^[5] Tityus serrulatus venom contains a powerful neurotoxin that affects almost all anatomical body systems.^[4] The most dangerous species in the genus Tityus is serrulatus.^[9] 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.^[4][10] Young children and seniors are at a higher risk of death than the general population.^[4] Many factors are important for determining how dangerous a scorpion sting will be.^[11] 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.^[11] Scorpion stings are the most common cause of envenomation in Brazil, and are seen as a risk in urban environments.^{[4] [5]} Scorpions in the genus Tityus have been studied by medical researchers for the purpose of identifying and understanding the toxins produced by various species.^{[4] [8]}

Behavior

Little is known and fully understood about scorpion behavior in the genus Tityus. This is especially true regarding reproduction. However, several species of Tityus (including Tityus serrulatus) is parthenogenic.^[12] Scorpions are oviparous, which means they lay eggs. Parthenogenesis is the process of laying unfertilized eggs.^[12] This survival strategy may contribute to their success in a variety of environments.^[12] It is believed that females use a form of chemical communication to induce male courtship.^[13] After being exposed to compounds associated with female scorpions, male scorpions will alter their behavior and perform behaviors characteristic of courtship.^[13] Tityus scorpions use their stingers for defense, which is a behavior demonstrated by both sexes.^[14] Venom is energetically expensive to create, so scorpions only use their stinger when seriously threatened.^[14]

Diet

Scorpions in the genus Tityus are carnivores.^[3] They feed on insects such as cockroaches and crickets.^[3] 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.^[3] This is another survival technique that helps them outlast unfavorable conditions.

Species

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tityus.

• Guide to dangerous scorpions