User:Derekwestman/Tityus

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Introduction
The genus Tityus is a genus of scorpions belonging to the family Buthidae, which includes the majority of described scorpion species. Tityus is one of the more well-known groups belonging to the family. Species in the genus Tityus have been studied for hundreds of years, long before the taxonomic classification was put in place. From a morphological perspective, relatively little is known about the genus as a whole. Scorpions in the genus Tityus tend to be of medium size, roughly 50 to 70 millimeters long. They are dark brown or red in color, and can exhibit sexual dimorphism. They can live in a variety of environments, ranging from urban to arid mountains to the Amazon Rainforest. Tityus scorpions are best known for their venom and potent sting. The two most well-known species are Tityus bahiensis and Tityus serrulatus. Some experts have argued that the genus as a whole may be paraphyletic, which could explain the knowledge gaps related to Tityus.

Geography
Scorpions in the genus Tityus can live in several distinct environments across South America. However, there appears to be a clear geographic distinction that exists between species. A species that inhabits the Andes Mountains will not also live in the Amazon Rainforest. In some South American countries, such as Argentina, the geographic range of Tityus scorpions is expanding. This creates a problem for the general public and healthcare, because scorpion stings become more frequent, and need to be treated.

Venom
The genus Tityus is most well known for its venomous species. Tityus serrulatus venom contains a powerful neurotoxin that affects almost all anatomical body systems. The most dangerous species in the genus Tityus is serrulatus. The nature of their venom and its ability to impact the entire body make Tityus serrulatus a particularly dangerous species. However, their stings are not often lethal. Young children and seniors are at a higher risk of death than the general population. Many factors are important for determining how dangerous a scorpion sting will be. Variables such as venom composition, location of the sting, and the overall health makeup of the victim in question play a role in determining the lethality of a sting. Scorpion stings are the most common cause of envenomation in Brazil, and are seen as a risk in urban environments. Scorpions in the genus Tityus have been studied by medical researchers for the purpose of identifying and understanding the toxins produced by various species.

Behavior
Little is known about scorpion behavior in the genus Tityus. This is especially true regarding reproduction. However, several species of Tityus (including Tityus serrulatus) is parthenogenic. Scorpions are viviparous, which means they lay eggs. Parthenogenesis is the process of laying unfertilized eggs. This survival strategy may contribute to their success in a variety of environments. It is believed that females use a form of chemical communication to induce male courtship. After being exposed to compounds associated with female scorpions, male scorpions will alter their behavior and perform behaviors characteristic of courtship. Tityus scorpions use their stingers for defense, which is a behavior demonstrated by both sexes. Venom is energetically expensive to create, so scorpions only use their stinger when seriously threatened.

Diet
Scorpions in the genus Tityus are carnivores. They feed on insects such as cockroaches and crickets. It is believed that members of the genus Tityus can survive for over a year without food, and even give birth after lengthy periods of starvation. This is another survival technique that helps them outlast unfavorable conditions.