''Tityus discrepans'' is a species of scorpion found in northern and north-eastern
South America.
Description and behavior
''Tityus discrepans'' can grow up to 71 mm (males) and 60 mm (females), has a reddish-brown body and pedipalps, and light legs, juveniles can be light yellow-brown, with the rest of the body with black areas. Like several scorpions, it has nocturnal habits, feeds on spiders, forks, cockroaches, butterflies and has even been noted to prey on other scorpions. It is a solitary animal, meeting other members of its species only during the mating season.
Range and habitat
''Tityus discrepans'' is found in
Brazil,
Suriname
Suriname (; srn, Sranankondre or ), officially the Republic of Suriname ( nl, Republiek Suriname , srn, Ripolik fu Sranan), is a country on the northeastern Atlantic coast of South America. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north ...
,
Venezuela,
Guyana
Guyana ( or ), officially the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is a country on the northern mainland of South America. Guyana is an indigenous word which means "Land of Many Waters". The capital city is Georgetown. Guyana is bordered by the ...
and
Trinidad and Tobago, inhabits wooded areas, under leaves and rocks,
orchids,
bromeliads, cracks and bark.
This species also occurs in human habitations, where it has already been reported on sheets, clothing and shoes.
Reproduction
Reproduction can occur at any time and several times a year, the way of reproduction is sexual, the male performs a dance, where it immobilizes the females and takes her to where he deposited the sperm cell (sperm bag). The female can produce 15-30 cubs, which are born fully developed, and are located on the mother's back.
Medical significance
''Tityus discrepans'' is considered a serious public health problem in Venezuela, being dangerous for all ages, especially children and the elderly, the sting of this species can result in
piloerection,
dyspnea, excessive
salivation
Saliva (commonly referred to as spit) is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is around 99% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells (from which DNA can be e ...
,
cramps,
fever and
vomiting. In severe cases,
heart failure
Heart failure (HF), also known as congestive heart failure (CHF), is a syndrome, a group of signs and symptoms caused by an impairment of the heart's blood pumping function. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, a ...
,
pulmonary edema and
pancreatitis occur. The venom of this species is composed of 80 types of toxins, 6 of which are Bactridines, which inhibit the sodium channels in the nervous system,
[Díaz, P., D'Suze, G., Salazar, V., Sevcik, C., Shannon, J. D., Sherman, N. E., & Fox, J. W. (2009). Antibacterial activity of six novel peptides from Tityus Discrepans scorpion venom. A fluorescent probe study of microbial membrane Na+ permeability changes. Toxicon, 54, 802-817]
doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.06.014
/ref> and 10 of which are considered dangerous to humans, due to their low molecular weight, it travels quickly through the bloodstream and attacks the heart, lungs and pancreas.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q3529764
discrepans
Scorpions of South America