Comparison of Various Methods of Collecting Scorpions (Arachnida, Scorpiones) in Khuzestan Province, Southwestern Iran

Background: Scorpions have evermore received considerable attention in Iran due to their medical importance, richness, and frequency. In order to the study scorpions' behavior and bio-ecology, it is important to use the proper method for scorpion catching. The collection and maintenance of the specimens are among the most important parts of every study. Objectives: This article investigated different techniques suitable for capturing scorpions in residential and non-residential areas of Khuzestan province, Southwestern Iran. Methods: Various scorpion species were captured from rural and urban areas of six counties of this province during 26 sampling sessions, using five methods, namely the black light, rock-rolling, scorpion nest digging, old mud walls destruction, and demolition dry mud wall on the edge of channels. Information pertaining to the number of captured samples in each hunting session, geographical locations under investigation and their specifications, number of sampling sessions and hunting site was recorded. Results: In total, 391 scorpions of different species were captured. In this study, six different species were collected using different techniques: rock-rolling (53.7%), destruction dry mud wall on the edge of channels (19.7%), old mud walls destruction (13.6%), black light (11.5%), and scorpion nest digging (1.5%). The most frequent species were Hemiscorpius lepturus (60.4%) and Mesobuthus phillipsi (21.5%). Conclusions: The rock-rolling and black light techniques are respectively, recommended for collecting scorpions during the day and at night from both residential and non-residential areas. The combination of these two methods in different areas improves efficiency.