Faunistic Study of Scorpions (Arachnida: Scorpiones) in Qaenat County in Iran in 2017

Background and Objectives: Scorpion’s sting has created one of the most significant health and medical issues in Iran. Lack of sufficient knowledge of the fauna and the seasonal activity of scorpions in an area poses a serious challenge to the control programs. Each year, several cases of scorpion sting are reported in Qaenat county. In this regard, the present study aimed to identify and determine the fauna and scorpions of this region. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on the scorpions that were caught using Ultra-Violet (UV) light, pitfall traps, and hand-catching methods every month in Qaenat City in South Khorasan Province in Iran during 2017. After their capture, the scorpions were stored in plastic containers of glycerin and 70% ethanol and were identified using a valid morphological key. Results: A total of 912 scorpion specimens from the buthidae family were collected, including six species of Mesobuthus eupeus, Androctonus crassicauda, Orthochirus scrobiculosus, Compsobuthus matthiesseni, Mesobuthus caucasicus, and Odontobuthus doriae. M. eupeus and O. doriae had the highest (60.96%) and lowest (0.88%) frequencies, respectively. Moreover, most of the scorpions were collected in December in rural areas, while the least number of them were collected in May. Conclusion: Due to the diversity of scorpion species in the studies region, it is essential to educate and raise the awareness of individuals living in this region about methods of preventing scorpion stings.