Allometry, reproductive phenology and temporal dynamics of the synanthropic scorpion Tityus serrulatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Central Brazil

Abstract Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), known in Brazil as the yellow scorpion, is the most medically significant scorpion species in South America. This study investigates the allometry, reproductive phenology and temporal population dynamics of a synanthropic T. serrulatus population in Central Brazil. Over 14 months, 245 individuals were collected and measured. Morphometric analyses revealed distinct resource allocation strategies: juveniles prioritize axial elongation, whereas adults exhibit exponential weight gain probably linked to gonadal development and mesosomal dilation. Furthermore, we confirmed near‐perfect pedipalp isochely. Circular statistical analyses of population dynamics indicated recurrent recruitment across the annual cycle, facilitated by favourable urban microhabitats, with adult abundance peaking during the transition to the wet season, sequentially followed by juvenile demographic pulses. Notably, population resilience following chemical pest control interventions directly challenges traditional management practices. These findings provide a quantitative baseline for understanding the seasonal dynamics and life‐history strategy of T. serrulatus , information that may contribute to optimizing monitoring and management programmes.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Published
2026-11-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.70138
Primary Topic
Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
article

Allometry, reproductive phenology and temporal dynamics of the synanthropic scorpion Tityus serrulatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Central Brazil

Emerson Contreira Mossolin, Fábio Carlos da Silva Filho
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
article

Allometry, reproductive phenology and temporal dynamics of the synanthropic scorpion Tityus serrulatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in Central Brazil

Emerson Contreira Mossolin, Fábio Carlos da Silva Filho
article en

Abstract

Abstract Tityus serrulatus Lutz & Mello, 1922 (Scorpiones: Buthidae), known in Brazil as the yellow scorpion, is the most medically significant scorpion species in South America. This study investigates the allometry, reproductive phenology and temporal population dynamics of a synanthropic T. serrulatus population in Central Brazil. Over 14 months, 245 individuals were collected and measured. Morphometric analyses revealed distinct resource allocation strategies: juveniles prioritize axial elongation, whereas adults exhibit exponential weight gain probably linked to gonadal development and mesosomal dilation. Furthermore, we confirmed near‐perfect pedipalp isochely. Circular statistical analyses of population dynamics indicated recurrent recruitment across the annual cycle, facilitated by favourable urban microhabitats, with adult abundance peaking during the transition to the wet season, sequentially followed by juvenile demographic pulses. Notably, population resilience following chemical pest control interventions directly challenges traditional management practices. These findings provide a quantitative baseline for understanding the seasonal dynamics and life‐history strategy of T. serrulatus , information that may contribute to optimizing monitoring and management programmes.

Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Universidade de São Paulo (BR), Universidade Federal de Catalão (BR)
Spider Taxonomy and Behavior Studies
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon