Handling Techniques for Scorpion Husbandry
Page 3 of 4 | text and photos by David H. Desoer, additional photos by Tamara Maki
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A more refined version of this technique, which reduces the problem of glare, involves the use of a device such as the one constructed by the author and his friend and fellow scorpion enthusiast John Bellini. The device consists of a board onto which has been placed a flat section of foam. On top of this has been placed a border of the same type of foam. It is important to use foam that has a good "memory" and which will return to its original thickness readily after compression. On top of the foam is placed a framed piece of glass, which is held in place by two bolts that travel through the frame and are topped with wing nuts. A scorpion can be placed into the device either by placing it on top of the foam and bringing the glass down on top or placing it onto the glass and bringing the foam down on top. The latter allows for the inspection of the ventral surfaces. The glass and foam are then moved together slowly until the scorpion is immobilized. The wing nuts are then used to hold the entire assembly in position. It is obviously important to use only the degree of force necessary to immobilize the scorpion without damaging it. Once in the device, photographs can be taken and other observations made.
FIG 5: In order to reduce glare, a device such as the one pictured may be used in place of a Ziploc® bag. The author has found that the inconvenience of taking such a device into the field is more than compensated for by the clarity of the pictures taken.
Tailing
Besides cupping, another commonly used method of moving scorpions is known as "tailing." Tailing consists of restraining the scorpion by the fifth metasomal segment, right next to the sting. This may be done by hand or with an instrument, such as forceps. While this may very well be the quickest handling method, it is not the safest for the scorpion. Whether held by hand or forceps, there is a possibility of damage to the scorpion. This is especially true for heavy scorpions with thin metasomas (Hadogenes sp., for example) or for high-strung and defensive scorpions that might thrash about and cause themselves harm. When tailing scorpions that are on bark or other substrates that afford a good purchase, a tug-of-war may ensue that could easily damage the scorpion. One method of dealing with this last issue is to use a piece of card to coax the scorpion off its substrate. The corner of the card should be placed between the first pair of legs and worked backwards slowly, like a wedge. There should simultaneously be gentle pressure applied forwards on the metasoma to encourage the scorpion to walk onto the card. By being very calm and patient, it is possible to remove the scorpion without damaging its tarsal segments. Of course if the scorpion is on a substrate that can easily be removed in its entirety, this is often the preferred solution, as it eliminates all chances of damage to the specimens. Even if a bark-loving scorpion is needed off its bark for a photograph or some other purpose, it is often easier to remove the entire piece of bark from the enclosure, place this where it needs to be and then coax the scorpion off of it.
FIG 6: The correct method for tailing a scorpion—in this case Hadrurus arizonensis.
When restrained by hand, there is further danger to the handler, as a mistake might easily result in a sting. A great many scorpion enthusiasts have been envenomed when they accidentally twisted the sting of a scorpion into their own hand. Even if properly restrained, many scorpions will arch backwards and grab onto the handler with their chela. While this rapid motion is disconcerting to the handler using forceps, the added sensation of being pinched can be quite startling to someone tailing with their hands and may result in a reflexive dropping of the scorpion, an accidental envenomation, or damage to the scorpion.
FIG 7: This Hadruroides charcasus presents an argument in favour of the use of forceps in tailing a scorpion. Although the chelae of this species are relatively weak, some species can deliver a painful pinch and can easily startle the handler.
Though it has its drawbacks, tailing does have its place within the repertoire of the scorpion handler. When field collecting or working in an enclosure where space is limited, there may be no easier or safer way of restraining a scorpion. By using rubberized forceps, patience and a delicate touch, many of the shortcomings with the technique can be overcome.
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