Scorpions in the UK

[rautospoon]

I understand that scorpions [presumably Euscorpius flavicaudis (DeGeer, 1778)]) have been recorded in the UK from Dover, Ongar, Portsmouth, Sheerness and Tilbury.
Does anone know which (if any) of these colonies are still extant ?
In addition, any references to the (historical and modern) literature, on the history and status of scorpion colonies in the UK would be appreciated.
Cheers !

[faz]

hi welcome to WAB

Euscorpius flavicaudis Found in the Docklands area of south east England.

Unlike other scorpions the European scorpions rarely use their stinging organ. They catch and dispatch their prey with their claws.

These tiny scorpions arrived in the UK by boat, from the Mediterranean, around two hundred years ago. Although they've got eight legs they don't move about much. They prefer to sit and wait for prey to come within grabbing distance.

European scorpions have not spread to other parts of the UK because our wet climate is unsuitable for them. but who know s in time ?

[rautospoon]

Originally Posted by faz

hi welcome to WAB

Euscorpius flavicaudis Found in the Docklands area of south east England.

Unlike other scorpions the European scorpions rarely use their stinging organ. They catch and dispatch their prey with their claws.

These tiny scorpions arrived in the UK by boat, from the Mediterranean, around two hundred years ago. Although they've got eight legs they don't move about much. They prefer to sit and wait for prey to come within grabbing distance.

European scorpions have not spread to other parts of the UK because our wet climate is unsuitable for them. but who know s in time ?

Thanks for the reply, but yes, I know all that. Can anyone answer the 2 queries I have raised in "specific" terms ?
Cheers.

[Matt Smith]

There are still scorpions present at Tilbury. I seem to recall reading a nice thread about scorps at one of the dock (Sheerness?) but can't track it down at present.

Google is your friend.

[rautospoon]

[quote=
Google is your friend.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I've tried Google but could not find the "specific" information I am seeking.
If nothing is forthcoming, I will probably contact the Arachnida section at the BMNH, to see if they can assist.
Cheers

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Matt Smith

Google is your friend.

Originally Posted by rautospoon

Yes, I've tried Google but could not find the "specific" information I am seeking.
If nothing is forthcoming, I will probably contact the Arachnida section at the BMNH, to see if they can assist.
Cheers

You need to try adding terms to your searches to try and narrow down the hits returned to the specific information that you want then.

The presence of European Scorpions at Sheerness in 2009 can be readily found (and by adding "2011 Sheerness" to the search I came up with a post on a scorpion forum indicating that someone had 'collected' one there in April).

For literature, try searching for publications by the recording bodies active in the areas where they are, or have, been found. A brief search shows that the Essex Field Club has previously published details on their distribution in Essex, and I also found reference to a short paper published in the Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation (among others). Getting hold of copies of any publication like this will doubtless lead to additional publications which will be detailed in the bibliography/references.

[Dorts]

I remember seeing a programme some years ago showing scorpions living happily in the London Underground. I presume they are still there.
Dorts.

[rangeral]

i spend 5 months of the year in kent and The European Yellow Tailed Scorpion came from Italy in the 1860s ish and yes they are still in sheerness Rangeral

[htcdude]

Sorry to butt in, but can these Scorpions be seen all year round?

Nige

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by htcdude

Sorry to butt in, but can these Scorpions be seen all year round?

Nige

That's an interesting question. I've always assumed that they gointo some sort of "hibernation" during the winter, like many other invertebrates, but I'm really not sure. It may be that they are active during some of the warmer spells during the winter - perhaps someone who actually knows will post a proper answer!