Excreta grooming behavior in a litter-dwelling scorpion species (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Brazil

Behavioral studies of scorpions mainly focus on hunting and courtship activity. Few studies have focused on the cleaning processes that these arachnids invest in. This work aims to describe the first report of excreta grooming behavior for Brazilian scorpions. Excreta cleaning behavior was recorded...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of arachnology 2020-06, Vol.48 (1), p.98-99
Main Authors: Pordeus, L.M., Dionisio-da-Silva, W., Lira, A.F.A., Albuquerque, C.M.R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal behavior
Arachnida
cleaning behavior
Hygiene
SHORT COMMUNICATION
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Tityus pusillus
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Summary:Behavioral studies of scorpions mainly focus on hunting and courtship activity. Few studies have focused on the cleaning processes that these arachnids invest in. This work aims to describe the first report of excreta grooming behavior for Brazilian scorpions. Excreta cleaning behavior was recorded in 37 specimens of Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 with the behavior lasting around 80 sec. The paste-like nature of the scorpion excreta suggests that it could easily obstruct their anus when dry, so the excreta cleaning behavior may mitigate this probability and further contact with the nitrogenous compounds.
ISSN:0161-8202
1937-2396
DOI:10.1636/0161-8202-48.1.98