| Comparison of Various Methods of Collecting Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones), Their Species Composition and Abundance in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran |
| Paper ID : 1020-3IICE (R1) |
| Authors: |
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Rouhullah Dehghani1, Hamid Kassiri *2 1Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center and Environment Health Department , College of Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. 2Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Faculty of Health , Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. |
| Abstract: |
| Introduction: Scorpions have evermore received consideration in Iran due to their medically importance , richness and frequency. Every biologist needs to capture the research specimens. The collection and maintenance of the specimens are among the most important parts of every study. The present study aimed at investigating the different techniques suitable for capturing scorpions in residential and nonresidential areas in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: Various scorpion species were captured from rural and urban areas of six counties of this province during 26 sampling sessions, using five methods namely, the black light, rock-rolling, scorpion nest digging, old mud walls destruction and demolition dry mud wall on the edge of channels. Information pertaining to the number of captured samples in each hunting sessions, geographical locations under investigation and their specifications, number of sampling sessions and hunting site was recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results and Discussion: In total, 391 scorpions of different species were captured. In this study, six different species were collected using different techniques: rock-rolling (53.7%), destruction dry mud wall on the edge of channels (19.7%), old mud walls destruction (13.6%), black light (11.5%) and scorpion nest digging (1.5%). The most frequent species were Hemiscorpius lepturus (60.4%) and Mesobuthus eupeus (21.5%). The best time for capturing digger scorpions is the early spring and late winter, when the weather gets warm and scorpions begin their activity. The main sign of scorpions’ activity is the tumulus of scorpion burrow. Researchers adopt various methods of catching scorpions based on the research type and objectives, as well as geographical location. In some cases, researchers employ all scorpion capturing and collection techniques, simultaneously. The rock-rolling and black light techniques are respectively recommended for collecting scorpions during the day and at the night from both residential and nonresidential areas. The combination of these two methods in different areas improves the efficiency. |
| Keywords: |
| Keywords: Scorpion, Ecology, Black light, Rock – rolling, Collection Methods, Iran |
| Status : Paper Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
