collecting scorps in western turkey

[musihuto]

I will be leaving for Turkey shortly, and will be spending a little over a month there. I will be spending some time on the west coast:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cesme+turkiye&sll=39.262031,33.354492&sspn=2.913206,5.08667&ie=UTF8&ll=39.791655,26.542969&spn=11.557555,20.34668&z=6&iwloc=addr&om=1
i'm aware that this is within the range of mesobuthus gibbosus among other species, having actually caught a pair their over ten years ago.
Admittedly, it was dumb luck, as the pair was found in a shoe closet...
so anyways, i'm wondering if anyone has gone collecting in the area and knows what sorts of micro-environments i should be looking for? time of day? are certain species "in season" ?

thanks!
- munis

 

[brandontmyers]

im sorry, i have no answer for your question. but i am incredibly envious of you though.

 

[marcelo_987]

I think A.crassicauda can be found in Turkey, I'm not 100% on this though.

 

[musihuto]

yeah, i'm sure they might be found in the south-east along the syrian, iraqi or iranian border... unfortunately, i will be on the west coast of turkey..

- munis

I think A.crassicauda can be found in Turkey, I'm not 100% on this though.

 

[musihuto]

errr... so no-one has any other advice or info? :? - munis

 

[lychas]

get yourself a decent uv flashlight and go wandering at night.

 

[Nikos]

get yourself a decent uv flashlight and go wandering at night.

not a good idea wondering at night at this place....I wouldn't describe at as "safe"

Munis where EXACTLY are you going?
the aegean coast is infested with M.gibbosus but if you are lucky and collect near a beach you might end up with a C.nordmani!!

Maybe in more humid areas you might also find Euscorpius spp.

 

[lychas]

whats dangerous, the wildlife or people? I dont mean wander alone, go with a few people

 

[Thiscordia]

I think these are the species you migh be able to find in Turkey:
http://perso.orange.fr/eycb/scorpions/AITurquie.htm
Hope it helps.
Good Luck Munis...and bring me some crassicaudas
-.Raul

 

[quiz]

If you're heading west of Turkey. You can always ask Emre what scorps you can find. I think that's where he is from. You can find him on VenomList. Just ask for Emre

 

[Emos]

maybe I can help?

Hi,
Being from Turkey (Istanbul), I can maybe contribute my 2 cents.
In that area, you can find mesobuthus gibbosus, and maybe Euscorpius carpathicus. Unfortunately, it's not the area with a rich variety of specimens.
If you have time and possibility, I suggest you go to Sanliurfa (Urfa) in Southeast Turkey. You can find the widest range and hottest species there.
Have a good trip and let me know if you need any tips about this country...
Emre

I will be leaving for Turkey shortly, and will be spending a little over a month there. I will be spending some time on the west coast:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=cesme+turkiye&sll=39.262031,33.354492&sspn=2.913206,5.08667&ie=UTF8&ll=39.791655,26.542969&spn=11.557555,20.34668&z=6&iwloc=addr&om=1
i'm aware that this is within the range of mesobuthus gibbosus among other species, having actually caught a pair their over ten years ago.
Admittedly, it was dumb luck, as the pair was found in a shoe closet...
so anyways, i'm wondering if anyone has gone collecting in the area and knows what sorts of micro-environments i should be looking for? time of day? are certain species "in season" ?

thanks!
- munis

 

[musihuto]

mmm... unfortunately, i have family only in istanbul, ankara, and cesme...
i've in the past been as far south as antalya, and as far east as göreme, but i've never been as far south-east as urfa, or even adana for that matter..

really, the issue is, i don't think my family would take too kindly to the idea that i've flown all the way to turkey, and i'm going off scorpion hunting instead of spending time with them. thus, i think i'm restricted to the west-coast area (since i will be there anyways).

my main question really, is whether i should be searching near the beach, or further inland, and whether or not i'm more likely to find them at lower or higher elevations... and as far as environment type i'm guessing more in the "mediterraean scrub" type environment, and less in forested areas?

thanks!
- munis

Hi,
Being from Turkey (Istanbul), I can maybe contribute my 2 cents.
In that area, you can find mesobuthus gibbosus, and maybe Euscorpius carpathicus. Unfortunately, it's not the area with a rich variety of specimens.
If you have time and possibility, I suggest you go to Sanliurfa (Urfa) in Southeast Turkey. You can find the widest range and hottest species there.
Have a good trip and let me know if you need any tips about this country...
Emre

 

[Emos]

Hi Munis,
I see what you mean
Your family lives in Turkey?
As far environment, you can see Euscorpius italicus all around Istanbul. They are not so difficult to find. As for others, they are rather elusive. Many a times I've returned from scorpion hunting expeditions empty handed. However, I know they can be found in rocky or shrubby areas mainly inland and low elevations, but I believe they can be found on the coast too. In my experience, I learned that Mesobuthus shyes away from human populations whereas Euscorpius loves to mingle. Hope this helps.
Anyway, should you need further info, just PM me...
Emre

mmm... unfortunately, i have family only in istanbul, ankara, and cesme...
i've in the past been as far south as antalya, and as far east as göreme, but i've never been as far south-east as urfa, or even adana for that matter..

really, the issue is, i don't think my family would take too kindly to the idea that i've flown all the way to turkey, and i'm going off scorpion hunting instead of spending time with them. thus, i think i'm restricted to the west-coast area (since i will be there anyways).

my main question really, is whether i should be searching near the beach, or further inland, and whether or not i'm more likely to find them at lower or higher elevations... and as far as environment type i'm guessing more in the "mediterraean scrub" type environment, and less in forested areas?

thanks!
- munis

 

[Dom]

Hey Munis,

Before you get any ideas about bringing any scorpions back with you I would suggest you watch the movie "Midnight Express"..
Have a great trip!!