Yellow scorpions survive up to 48 hours underwater and pose risks to pets ?The interior of São Paulo has a large population of yellow scorpions (Tityus serrulatus), a venomous species that tends to live in dark and humid places, such as drains, cracks, rubble and even inside properties. This species' ability to adapt to different environments allows behaviors that seem impossible: surviving submerged in water for up to 48 hours and reproducing without fertilization from a male, posing risks to both owners and pets. ? Join the g1 Sorocaba and Jundiaí channel on WhatsApp To g1, biologist Hélio Pereira, from Sorocaba (SP), explained that, to survive underwater, the arachnid enters a state of dormancy, in which it slows down its metabolism and retains oxygen in its body structures. "Despite this, it does not move actively in the water (like a fish), but it demonstrates a remarkable ability to float and move on the surface. To do this, the animal tenses its legs, keeps its body at the waterline and moves slowly until it reaches a dry point", he pointed out. A resident of Sorocaba, Reinaldo Silveira, told g1 that he had already managed to "spot" several scorpions underwater. "I've seen them coming out of the sink drain and the bathroom drain. So, for me, it's known that scorpions can actually pass through puddles of water, for example, through the sink siphon pipe," he reported. Yellow scorpion can survive 48 hours underwater Robson Mitsmaia/Reproduction Reproduction without fertilization In addition to being able to survive in unhealthy spaces, another interesting fact about the yellow scorpion is that it is a parthenogenetic species, that is, females can produce offspring without fertilization by a male. ? Parthenogenesis is a type of asexual reproduction. "The species has a great invasive capacity because a single female can constitute an entire population from one moment to the next. She will have, on average, 10 to 40 offspring per offspring. They only need food to survive", says Although there are males of the species, Hélio explains that they are rare. In a population of approximately 100 scorpions, only one or two are males. Yellow scorpion is the most found in the interior of São Paulo (SP) Pixabay/Disclosure The biologist also reinforces that, the greater the availability of food, the greater the chance of the population growing. "Therefore, proper waste management is essential, as the accumulation of rubbish encourages the presence of cockroaches, ants and flies, which serve as food for scorpions. If you want to control scorpions, control the rubbish they are producing", he advises. Although counterintuitive, the scorpion plays an important role in environmental balance, as it helps control the populations of other animals and also serves as food for other species, such as the saruê (possum). "The problem occurs when there is uncontrolled growth in these animals. In general, the scorpion wants to walk in the shadows, it wants to stay hidden. The animal only stings when it feels threatened. It is an animal that reacts, not that acts. It will not run after anyone. If you notice the presence of a person, you tend to try to hide", he concludes. My pet was stung. What now? Pets can also be stung by scorpions, according to a veterinarian from Sorocaba (SP) Fernanda Cordeiro/g1 According to veterinary doctor Rafaela Souza Sala, the yellow scorpion measures approximately seven centimeters and is the most medically relevant species in the country, and can also cause serious accidents in pets. According to the specialist, the recomendação para tutores de cães e gatos que suspeitam de uma picada de escorpião é levar o animal imediatamente ao atendimento veterinário de urgência. Não existe procedimento caseiro seguro ou eficaz para neutralizar o veneno. Veja as orientações abaixo: Os sintomas Dor intensa no local da picada; Inchaço e vermelhidão; Salivação excessiva; Vômitos e diarreia; Tremores musculares; Dificuldade para respirar; Convulsões em casos mais graves. O que não fazer Não fazer torniquete no local da picada; Não cortar, pierce or try to suck out the poison; Do not apply homemade products, such as alcohol, toothpaste or plants; Do not administer human medicines on your own, as some can be toxic to dogs and cats. There is no safe or effective home procedure for scorpion stings in dogs and cats", he explains. As there is no antiscorpion serum registered for veterinary use in Brazil, treatment involves pain control, stabilization of the animal and clinical monitoring, explains the veterinarian. Speedy care is essential to avoid complications, such as respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Yellow scorpion photographed in the interior of São Paulo. Antonio Bordignon/iNaturalist I was also stung. What to do? Recommendation for anyone Stung by a scorpion, seek medical help immediately, due to the rapid action of the animal's venom. The symptoms include: Vomiting; Change in blood pressure; scorpion, should seek medical attention immediately at a health facility, such as health centers, pre-hospital or emergency care units. The doctor evaluates the case and refers, if necessary, for care at Conjunto Hospi.