Does the smoke from fires induce the displacement and dispersion of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus?

• Grant number: 22/09342-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Animal Behavior
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Lofego
• Grantee: Beatriz Vilela de Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The number of cases of scorpion accidents in the northwest state of São Paulo, caused by the species Tityus serrulatus, has increased too much, resulting in a big concern in the population, especially in relation to accidents involving children and the elderly. Research integrated into the life cycle of these animals has been carried out with a certain frequency. However, little is known about its behavioral and ecological aspects, causing a gap in prophylactic measures related to accidents. The present study seeks to investigate such behavioral aspects, aiming to better understand the effect of smoke from fires on the escape behavior of the scorpion Tityus serrulatus. In this way, experiments will be carried out to verify whether or not the smoke dislodges these animals from their shelters, under controlled conditions in the laboratory. Next, an experiment should be accomplished, in which the scorpion is induced to leave its shelter by the insertion of smoke and move along a path formed by a channel, and its displacement potential on the run, both on a trail without barriers, and with a water barrier. From the data obtained, it will be possible to understand the importance of fires in the process of eviction and displacement of scorpions, which are events that increase the risk of accidents.(AU)