A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF SCORPION DIVERSITY IN OGIDI, IDEMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

Knowledge of arthropod diversity in the Ogidi rain forest zone of the southeast Nigeria is scarce. In the study of invertebrates, scorpions are among the poorly investigated of animal diversity, which are one of the oldest terrestrial groups on the planet. In spite of their obvious medical importance we know less about scorpions than other arachnids. A study of reconnaissance and habitat survey was conducted to determine the diversity of scorpion species and the ecological factors that support their abundance and constancy dominance in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area of Anambra state, Nigeria. Five sample site designated “A” to “E” were mapped out for the study using the Global Positioning System (GPS). This study was carried out both in dry and rainy seasons. Samples were collected by Stone Rolling and Wood Turning, Digging ,Turning of Stacked Dry Grasses and Leaf Litter and Active Search at Night using Torch Light.  A total of 63 scorpions belonging to one family Buthidae, three genera and three species were recorded. This study shows that Buthus occitanus 32(50.8%), Hottentotta bilura 24(38%), and Androctonus bicolor  7(11%) were the most dominant species in the rain forest zone of Ogidi. The highest diversity was recorded in Buthus occitanus, followed by Hottentotta bilura and least Androctonus bicolor. This study of diversity will spark off more studies on their biology and economic importance.