SCORPION HUNTING
Since I’m back from my master’s fieldwork, I usually stay between the sessions at a reserve in the Limpopo province (see previous article).
So, how does a scorpion walk work?? Frank Kruger (see People and Links section) explained the very precise procedure. He’s passionate about reptiles and mammals but scorpions pass first and you can see his eyes lighting up when he talks about it.
First, the material (see picture above). You need a UV torch (the most important). Thanks to this tool, spotting a scorpion in the dark won’t be a problem! It was apparently randomly discovered by a geologist looking for minerals in rocks who realized that scorpions can shine under UV. It’s now used all around the world by researchers. The result is completely mind-blowing:
Also, a scale is used to collect some measurements as well as nail polish (not for a French manicure but as marking purposes). We also carry some plastic jars in case an animal has to be collected.
Then, the plan is simple. From a center point in the bush, you have to walk a certain distance on a straight direction and look with your torch everywhere to spot a scorpion. Depending on the species, some might be sitting on a branch, the bark or under a tree, even walking or just not moving on the ground.
Once an animal is spotted, it is measured, sexed and marked before release. Because we surveyed three times a night (8 PM, midnight and 4 AM), the marking will help to distinguish an individual already captured so it doesn’t have to be caught again.
So far, around 15 species have been recorded, both from the Scorpionidae and Buthidae family (see explanatory note below). During the last survey, 3 species were found: Parabuthus sp., Uroplectus sp. and Haedogenus sp. (see pictures below).
Scorpions are all classified under the group Arachnids since they also have 8 legs (like spiders) but the main identification that separates them from most other arachnids is the fact that they have very characteristic sting and pincers. The combination in size of the sting versus the pincers as well as the venom strength divides them into other various families which are found in southern Africa (Scorpionadae and Buthidae). Scorpionidae are the non-venomous ones with small tail and big pincers whereas the Buthidae have a really thick tail and small pincers. But always remember scorpions should not be handled unless trained to do so and all species of scorpions contain venom.
