COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF SCORPION DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGY IN SARGODHA DIVISION, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Scorpions are venomous arachnids closely related to spiders, inhabiting diverse habitats worldwide except Antarctica. By preying on insects and other invertebrates, they play a vital role in regulating populations and maintaining ecological balance. The current study was conducted in the Sargodha Division of Punjab, Pakistan to record the distributional ecology and behavior of scorpions. A total of 209 scorpions were recorded from the study area representing Hottentotta tumulus (Fabricius 1798) (74), Androctonus finitimus (Pocock, 1897) (54), Odontobuthus odonturus (Pocock, 1897) (77), and Orthochirus fuscipes (Pocock, 1900) (04). All members belonged to the scorpion family Buthidae C.L. Koch, 1837. Among the observed species, H. tumulus exhibited versatility in habitat selection, and was found near human settlements, at elevated points of open sewage drains, in semi-sandy areas, and grassy fields. Individuals of H. tumulus leave their burrows at night to forage for insects and return when temperature drops. O. odonturus are adapted to arid environments, construct intricate burrows, and display semi-social behavior. Their feeding repertoire includes various invertebrates, and activity is influenced by moonlight and rainfall patterns. A. finitimus are well-adapted to sandy substrates and exhibit aggressive predatory behavior, including strong cannibalism. Their diet comprises insects, arachnids, and other scorpions. O. fuscipes are exclusively found in rocky mountainous areas and display semi-social behavior and swift predatory actions. These are active during specific nighttime hours and promptly cease activities upon detecting environmental vibrations. This study highlights the distribution, behavior, and adaptations of scorpions in the Sargodha Division, improving our ecological understanding. The findings revealed their role in local ecosystem dynamics. Future research should focus on conservation strategies and broader ecological impacts of scorpion diversity. Keywords: Buthidae; Scorpion; Geographical distribution; Diversity; Sargodha.