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Two big species of solpugids in Kashan central of Iran (photo prepared by author)
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Many Many reports have shown the fear of Solpugids in Iran. Solpugids are not poisonous, but because of morphological characteristics and behaviors, have caused panic in people. Large portion of this fear is unreal; because most of the people are not aware of the details of these animals life. Another part of phobia may be related to psychological...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... fear and anxiety is necessary in any animal, for their survival. In humans, fear cause they behave reliable and safe. The nature of anxieties and fears changes with increasing age and learning knowledge. Fear or phobia of animals such as snakes, Zoophobia, Herpetophobia (1-6), scorpions, arachnids, Archnophobia, insects and Entomophobia is common (7)(8)(9)(10). Entomophobia is an unusual fear of insects that may cause psychological problems in individuals at critical situation, which needs effective treatment (11). If these feelings of fear and anxiety be stable, may affect people's mental health. Anxiety caused by fear, will have long-term effects. Fear of arachnids and insects is different in various groups of ages, jobs and genders (12). Comparing with men, women are more plagued by this type of fear. More than eighty percent of all reported cases of archno-phobia were observed in females (13). This fear sometimes is real and sometimes unreal or delusory. Due to probable damages of some arthropods, fear of them is true in humans, but in some cases it is along with superstition and false ideas or psychogenic. Sometimes the fear has psychological origin and its continuation may cause serious psychological problems. For removing any fear its origin should be identified. For example, superstitious thought of people about Solpugids in some parts of Iran is completely wrong. In some countries, Solpugids are known as Sun spiders, wind spiders, Child of the Earth and Camel spider. About 74 species of this animal have been identified in Iran (14). Solpugids are bigger than spiders, and unlike spiders do not have any poisonous glands. Some reports have shown that during Iran-Iraq war, some warriors and soldiers fear of solpugids was more than their fear of bullets and mortar of the enemy. These false rumors are common in some parts of the world, for example in Middle East, there are many rumors about solpugids among the public, they believe that these creatures run as fast as a human, are venomous predator and eat camels' stomach or sleeping soldiers (15). There are many legends and rumors about solpugids, which are certainly due to people's ignorance. This matter shows that awareness and knowledge of people about the biology and behavior of these animals are very in low level and have public aspects. Chelicers or mouthparts of solpugids have great growth and gave him scary appearance. There is an Egyptian giant solpugid with a body reaching up to 15 cm in length and has powerful Chelicers (15). Solpugids as large as Egyptian giant have been seen in the south of Iran (Figure 1). In Iran, people believe that these animals fall from above on people and bite them and causing death. People believe that solpugids are very spiteful and take revenge. In this regard, they say that this creature hides somewhere in the house after biting people and waits for transfer of the bodies of his victims out of house, and after that return to his nest with peace of mind (15) poison glands .Sometimes they take aggressive style and generate some voices for defense. It is also possible solpugids bite for defense and cause the ulcer. This wound contamination may cause infection with soil microbial agents. Solpugids are predator and feed on insects, scorpions and small animals (4). Lack of awareness about the biology of this animal has led to this unreal phobia, which was in most of the people from the distant past. My observations and experiences during nearly 28 years as a teacher showed that more than 95% of students, fear of solpugids before entomology course, but after passing that course, the fear reduces considerably. Therefore, education can destroy false fear of these creatures. Providing educational programs are effective in this case (16)(17)(18)(19). The mass media have an important role in this regard. In various countries, training clubs are provided to reduce or eliminate the fear of these creatures. Since public awareness about the behaviors and characteristics of this animals are low (20). Therefore, education through the mass media can reduce people's ignorance about these animals. By reducing public Solpugidophobia or Archnophobia, mental health of people can be increased. ...
Context 2
... is an Egyptian giant solpugid with a body reaching up to 15 cm in length and has powerful Chelicers (15). Solpugids as large as Egyptian giant have been seen in the south of Iran ( Figure 1). In Iran, people believe that these animals fall from above on people and bite them and causing death. ...
Citations
... Fear of various biting animals has always been associated with humans. Humans fear snakes and other venomous animals, but this fear is not always justified, because the threat posed by various animal species varies (1). Snakes have always been considered dangerous by humans but not all of them are venomous and their bites do not cause harm to humans but they may cause other complications. ...
Objective: Snakes are among the predators of any ecosystem and have been seen in different parts of Iran. The report on their distribution in Isfahan province was taken into consideration because of the importance of regional knowledge of these animals. Case report: During this survey, a sample of snakes was collected from north of Isfahan province, Kashan city, the University site of Medical Sciences and the sample was studied. The snake was identified by morphological and habitat characteristics and compared to other photos and data. The specimen belonged to the Colubridae family and non-venomous snakes. This species is distributed in the tropical climatic zone of the province. The species of the tropical region of Kashan city was identified as Platyceps karelini. or spotted snake Conclusion: We identified the habitat of this animal in Kashan city in Isfahan province. By identifying the species of Spotted Desert Racer from the Colubridae family, the number of non-venomous snakes in Kashan reached eight species.
... Iran, like the rest of the Middle East, is appropriate for living venomous animals such as snakes, scorpions, and other biting and hematophagous arthropods [1,2]. Snakes in addition to cause poisoning may lead to microbial infection of the injured [3,4]. ...
Dentilla velvet ant is a venomous insect of Iran that has different species. It has been reported from different parts of the country and is responsible for stings in infested places of residential homes. Regarding the importance of these bites and because identifying the ant's habitats is very important in planning to control it, this study was done to identify its habitats in Kashan City, Central of Iran. This study was done in a descriptive method. Velvet ant was sampled from 45 homes in Kashan by census method. The presence of velvet ant was confirmed in all 45 infested homes. Sampling was performed 16 times at sunset and early evening in the spring and summer. After the diagnosis of infestation, activity places of this ant were examined. Three hundred thirty four velvet ants were collected From 45 infested homes and carpentry workshops. Infested places in homes included a courtyard, besides the courtyard wall, in the gap between the mosaics, the sides of the garden walls, inside the living room under carpets and rugs. The activity of this ant in the bedrooms and living rooms from May to September was higher than in other months. The average number of caught velvet ant in each sampling was 7.1. In residential areas, the most activity of velvet ant was observed inside the panel of the walls. It seems that warm weather in Kashan has caused the abundance of velvet ants, and as a result entrance to the private living places of humans.
... The Solpugids bite to defend themselves, which may lead to wounds. The contamination of these wounds with soil microbial agents may cause infection (17). Scorpions cause stings more than other poisonous animals in Iran; they are more abundant in tropical areas. ...
... The Solpugids bite to defend themselves, which may lead to wounds. The contamination of these wounds with soil microbial agents may cause infection (17). Scorpions cause stings more than other poisonous animals in Iran; they are more abundant in tropical areas. ...
Bites of animals and their problems in humans and livestock cause significant health and economic losses in countries . Bites and stings of animals usually occur in the defense of their survival. In other cases, biting and stinging may be done in an attempt to obtain food . The cases of humans bitten by animals, in particular during poisonous occasions, are often due to animals’ sense of fear and risk caused by the known instinctive behavior of
most animals, including snakes and scorpions. Arachnida is one of the most important poisonous arthropods, among which scorpions and spiders are more important than others . Some Arachnida species, such as Solpugids are hunter beasts larger than
spiders, but they have no poison unlike spiders. They cause fear because of aggressive behavior. The Solpugids bite to defend themselves, which may lead to wounds. The contamination of these wounds with soil microbial agents may cause infection. Scorpions cause stings more than other poisonous animals in Iran; they are more abundant
in tropical areas. Due to the type of climate, Iran is very rich in scorpions, so far, scorpions from three families have been reported in Iran. Iran is among the countries where many species of scorpions, especially dangerous ones, have been reported . A scorpion sting causes infection as well as poisoning. Topical complications, most commonly cellulitis, sepsis, abscess, and systemic such as infection and endocarditis have been reported
... Humans have always lived with the fear of being stung or bitten by animals such as snakes and other venomous creatures [1,2]. For this reason, snakes have never ceased to attract the attention of humans. ...
Introduction and Objectives: Snakes are among the reptiles reported from different regions of Iran. Given the importance of regional identification of snakes, reports on their distribution have attracted interest. The aim of this study was to identify a new record of snake species collected from Isfahan province, central Iran. Materials and Methods: In the present research, two snake specimens collected from Meshkat-Ravand in Kashan county in central Iran and were studied during May-June, 2019-2020. They were identified using their morphological and habitat characteristics compared with photographs and other data. Results: Each specimen had a rounded snout and eyes as two black spots on its head. The body scales (except for the head scales) were of the same size and shape, but the top of the head scales were modified into large shields. Each snake had a short tail and with a spine at the tip. The dorsal surface of the body was light red and the ven-tral surface a little lighter. In this study, the length of the hook-snouted worm snake, Myriopholis macrorhyncha specimens were 31 cm and 28 cm. Conclusions: Myriopholis macrorhyncha had not been reported from Isfahan Province before and this is the first time it is captured and identified in Kashan County located in Isfahan Province.
... Humans have always lived with the fear of being stung or bitten by animals such as snakes and other venomous creatures [1,2]. For this reason, snakes have never ceased to attract the attention of humans. ...
Introduction and Objectives: Snakes are among the reptiles reported from different regions of Iran. Given the importance of regional identification of snakes, reports on their distribution have attracted interest. The aim of this study was to identify a new record of snake species collected from Isfahan province, central Iran. Materials and Methods: In the present research, two snake specimens collected from Meshkat-Ravand in Kashan county in central Iran and were studied during May-June, 2019-2020. They were identified using their morphological and habitat characteristics compared with photographs and other data. Results: Each specimen had a rounded snout and eyes as two black spots on its head. The body scales (except for the head scales) were of the same size and shape, but scales on the top of the head were modified into large shields. Each snake had a short tail with a spine at the tip. The dorsal surface of the body was light red and the ven-tral surface was a little lighter. In this study, the lengths of the Eurasian blind snake (Xerotyphlops vermicu-laris Merrem, 1820) specimens were 31 cm and 28 cm.
... The southern and southwestern regions of the country are rich concerning scorpion species (26,34,94,104). Scorpions, such as other arthropods and animals, are the major health pests that cause discomfort among people in different areas of the country (105,20). Therefore, applying the control methods, including the use of chemical pesticides, are also considered, although the issue of resistance and environmental pollution is a major problem in the use of pesticides, which applies to all arthropods, such as scorpions. ...
Background:
The scorpions have enjoyed medical importance from ancient times because of their morphological structure and venom. The identification of the species of these arthropods has been more emphasized than any other aspects. The purpose of this study was to determine scorpion's fauna and mortality rates of their victims as reported in Iran.
Methods:
In this review, published documents during 1966-2018 related to medically important scorpions and mortality reports due to scorpionism were searched in the data bases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and etc., using key words including scorpion, species, classification, Iran, family, species, and the names of all 31 provinces of Iran.
Results:
Overall, 169 sources were found. Based on the STROBE checklist, the quality of the documents was also considered, and ultimately, 95 sources were selected. Sixty-four species of scorpions have been identified in Iran and 86% of the species belong to the Buthidae family, and the rest (9.5%, 4.5%) belong to the Hemiscorpiidae and Scorpionidae families, respectively. These species live mostly in tropical regions of Iran. The dangerous scorpions and their mortality reports are often recorded from southern regions such as Khuzestan and Hormozgan provinces.
Conclusion:
Due to the significant increase in the abundance of scorpions in Iran over the past 30 years, it is expected that this trend will continue by researchers, and the fauna of scorpions is regularly reconsidered.
... Humans may be exposed to a variety of arthropods, ranging from dangerous non-venomous to venomous and even fatal ones (1). The bites or stings of some arthropods may cause infection, poisoning, and disease (2,3). With respect to its climatic diversity, Iran is one of the richest countries from the point of view of arthropods fauna. ...
Background: Scorpions have evermore received considerable attention in Iran due to their medical importance, richness, and frequency. In order to the study scorpions' behavior and bio-ecology, it is important to use the proper method for scorpion catching. The collection and maintenance of the specimens are among the most important parts of every study. Objectives: This article investigated different techniques suitable for capturing scorpions in residential and non-residential areas of Khuzestan province, Southwestern Iran. Methods: Various scorpion species were captured from rural and urban areas of six counties of this province during 26 sampling sessions, using five methods, namely the black light, rock-rolling, scorpion nest digging, old mud walls destruction, and demolition dry mud wall on the edge of channels. Information pertaining to the number of captured samples in each hunting session, geographical locations under investigation and their specifications, number of sampling sessions and hunting site was recorded. Results: In total, 391 scorpions of different species were captured. In this study, six different species were collected using different techniques: rock-rolling (53.7%), destruction dry mud wall on the edge of channels (19.7%), old mud walls destruction (13.6%), black light (11.5%), and scorpion nest digging (1.5%). The most frequent species were Hemiscorpius lepturus (60.4%) and Mesobuthus phillipsi (21.5%). Conclusions: The rock-rolling and black light techniques are respectively, recommended for collecting scorpions during the day and at night from both residential and non-residential areas. The combination of these two methods in different areas improves efficiency.
... In some cases revenge malice are attributed to these animals and people say that this animal hides itself inside a large hole beside old wooden doors and awaiting for the body of the victim to be transferred outdoors and then the solpugids returns to its nest or after biting, it goes to the cemetery and waits for the victim. These beliefs are certainly superstitious that root in people`s ignorance or lack of awareness and does not have scientific basis [47][48][49]. ...
Solpugids are an order of hunter arthropods. They do not have poison glands or sting, but they can hunt
animals larger than themselves using their powerful and large chelicerae. Due to their aggressive
behavior and scary look, solpugids cause fear and horror in humans. Given the importance of solpugids
in terms of causing fear, discomfort and the possibility of infection in case of biting, determining its
species was noted in Kashan. This study was a descriptive research. Sixty five specimens of solpugids
collected from homes and dormitories in Kashan City by hand-collecting method and were transferred
to laboratory. All specimens had been collected from public and commuting places. The collected
solpugids were preserved in 70% ethanol and were identified using special and valid keys under stereomicroscope
in the laboratory. It was shown that at least 3 species of solpugids from Rhagodidae,
Galeodidae and Gylippidae families exist in Kashan. Among 65 solpugids collected, 51% were identified
Galeodes caspius, 41.5% Gylippus lamelliger and 7.5% Rhagodes melanochaetus. At least 3 species of
solpugids live in 3 families in Kashan that sometimes penetrate the houses and dormitories. Thus, it is
recommended that citizens be trained about the importance of these animals in ecosystem and that they
know that these animals are not toxic.
... Since a long time ago, some arthropods have been considered as causing disturbance and fear for humans and other living organisms [1,2]. Transmission of various pathogens by insects and arthropods and the creation of large epidemics have endangered the lives of thousands of people and resulted in many deaths [3,4]. ...
Health contaminants endanger human health by transmitting diseases. Due to the importance of
combating pests and the risk of environmental pollution because of exertion of pesticide chemistry, the
use of healthy control methods become important. Therefore, the use of environmental pest control
procedures is essential. The purpose of this review study is to identify environmental pest management
methods. The study was conducted through a review method. By using keywords in databases, the
Internet and related sites and valid journals, articles and research were searched and ultimately
qualified sources were selected and introduced, criticized and applied. Health pest habitats are different,
so similar actions should be taken on any group that has a common habitat. Conducting environmental
measures should slow down the transmission of disease. Environmental methods have been used for a
long time for its simple and unpolluted use and lasting effects. Recognizing the biological cycle of each
health pest with regard to the type of climate and habitat is a prerequisite for the effective use of
environmental control methods for pest control. By using environmental pest management methods,
instead of chemical methods, the environment can be kept clean and healthy to provide health and
hygiene of the human community, which is one of the main goals of health organizations and authorities.
