Intraspecific differentiation of social behavior and shelter selection in Mesobuthus gibbosus (Brullé, 1832) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) |
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Authors: | Kaltsas Dimitris Stathi Iasmi Mylonas Moysis |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, P.O. Box 2208, Irakleio, 714 09 Crete, Greece;(2) Natural History Museum of Crete, University of Crete, Knossos Av., P.O. Box 2208, Irakleio, 714 09 Crete, Greece |
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Abstract: | We compared seasonal shelter selection and social behavior of Mesobuthus gibbosus from autumn to mid-summer in two similar phryganic ecosystems, in continental Greece (near Volos city) and in insular Greece
(eastern Crete), and in the laboratory under simulated abiotic conditions. Our results showed that shelter selection is a
critical indicator of the seasonal social behavior of the species. The abrupt climatic changes in spring caused a differentiation
in shelter selection between the cold period (November–February) and the warm period (March–June) at both sites. Sociality
was exhibited only during winter in the field and was more extensive under cold conditions in the laboratory. Co-occurrence
of scorpions proved to be age-specific, facilitated by population density and by harsh abiotic conditions during winter, and
negatively influenced by intraspecific competition, which was higher in continental Greece. The response of scorpions to changes
of abiotic factors reveals synchronization of seasonal shelter selection with climatic changes. |
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Keywords: | Scorpion Cohabitation Sociality Intraspecific competition Parasocial route Greece |
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