Predadores de escorpiões (Arachnida: Scorpiones): uma revisão

Abstract

Scorpions are invertebrates with worldwide distribution, except Antarctica. They are nocturnal animals and prey on from insects to small mammals. This work aimed to revise the literature on scorpion predators globally and, more especifically, the predators of species fo scorpions of health concern in Brazil. The data set obtained was used to create graphs by class, order, family and species of scorpion predators, as well as a compiled table with the most relevant information. The main results showed mammals constituted the main predators of scorpions worldwide, with one hundred and sixty-nine of the six hundred and thirty-eight records obtained. As for Brazil, sixty-three records were found and arachnids were the main predators, with intraguild predation and even predation of the species itself (cannibalism). Only six records are related to species of health concern in Brazil (all belonging to genus Tityus), which shows the lack of information on ecological aspects for these species. More studies are necessary to better know the predators of the Brazilian species of scorpions considered as of health concern, both in the field as in laboratory experiments. These informations are important to develop more effective strategies to scorpion control.