Relationship Between Scorpion Stings Events and Environmental Conditions in Mainland France

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Zoology

Background:

• Previous studies on environmental impacts on scorpion activity were limited, particularly in Europe.
• France hosts several scorpion species, including Buthus occitanus and various Euscorpiidae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between environmental factors and the incidence of scorpion events in mainland France and Corsica.
• To determine specific environmental preferences for native French scorpion species.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective multi-center study analyzed data from French poison control centers from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020.
• Recorded scorpion events were correlated with environmental variables such as river water levels, flow, temperature, sunshine, and rainfall.

Main Results:

• A total of 975 scorpion events were recorded, with 574 linked to native French species.
• Scorpion events were significantly associated with river water levels, river flow, temperature, sunshine, and rainfall (P < 0.05).
• Buthus occitanus populations were found to prefer warmer and drier conditions compared to Euscorpiidae species.

Conclusions:

• Environmental conditions, including climatic factors and hydrology, play a crucial role in the distribution and frequency of scorpion events in France.
• Specific environmental parameters influence the prevalence of different native scorpion species.
• No correlation was found between envenoming severity and climatic conditions or seasonality.