Scorpion Species with Smaller Body Sizes and Narrower Chelae Have the Highest Venom Potency.

ABSTRACT: Scorpionism is a global health concern, with an estimation of over one million annual envenomation cases. Despite this, little is known regarding the drivers of scorpion venom potency. One widely held view is that smaller scorpions with less-developed chelae possess the most potent venoms. While this perception is often used as a guide for medical intervention, it has yet to be tested in a formal comparative framework. Here, we use a phylogenetic comparative analysis of 36 scorpion species to test whether scorpion venom potency, as measured using LD50, is related to scorpion body size and morphology. We found a positive relationship between LD50 and scorpion total length, supporting the perception that smaller scorpions possess more potent venoms. We also found that, independent of body si

SUBMITTER: Forde A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8951363 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature