Androctonus crassicauda, also commonly known as the ‘Black Scorpion’. It is an important scorpion species noted for both its biodiversity and the medicinal potential of its venom. Venom extraction is a critical process for the utilisation of this natural resource in research and therapeutic fields.
Physical Description: Androctonus crassicauda is a blackish-brown scorpion, usually 10-15 cm long, with a thick body. The tail is quite prominent and the venom bag is large.
Distribution: Androctonus crassicauda is widespread in the south-eastern regions of Turkey, especially in Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Adana and Gaziantep. It can also be observed in regions with Mediterranean climate.
Behaviour: Usually nocturnal, these scorpions use the darkness of night to hunt their prey. Their diet consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates.
Venom: The venom of Androctonus crassicauda contains potent neurotoxins. It can have serious effects on humans; therefore, it is a species to be careful with.
1. Medical Research: The venom of Androctonus crassicauda has great potential for medical research due to its powerful neurotoxins. It contributes to research in areas such as cancer treatment and pain management.
2. Biodiversity: This species is part of the rich biodiversity of Turkey. It contributes to ecosystem balance and plays an important role in the food chain.
3. Education and Scientific Research: It is used as an important resource for educational and research purposes, especially in the fields of biology and zoology. Studies on scorpion and venom science provide valuable information for students and researchers. 3. Education and Scientific Research: It is used as an important resource for educational and research purposes, especially in the fields of biology and zoology. Studies on scorpion and venom science provide valuable information for students and researchers.
1. Breeding and Care: Scorpions are bred under special conditions for venom milking. Their stress levels are minimised by providing environments close to their natural habitats.
2. Venom delivery methods: Poison milking is usually carried out by electrical stimulation or mechanical methods. In this process, the scorpion's tail is carefully stimulated so that the venom bag passes into a liquid state.
3. Collection: Using appropriate methods, the venom of the scorpion is collected. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the scorpion during this process.
4. Storage and Processing: The collected venom is stored under appropriate conditions and analysed and processed for medical and research use.
The venom of Androctonus crassicauda has a complex structure thanks to the different proteins and peptides it contains. These components have the potential to exert powerful effects on cellular interactions and the nervous system. Therefore, the use of the venom in research is of great interest in the scientific world.
The process of venom milking can vary depending on the scorpion's state of health and environmental conditions. Generally, the amount of venom extracted from a scorpion ranges from 0.5 to 2 milligrams. This amount can be influenced by the scorpion's age, sex and diet. During the milking process, it is important to take meticulous care to avoid damaging the scorpion.
The high quality venom and milking potential of Androctonus crassicauda make this species highly valuable for medical research. These characteristics require careful management for the conservation and sustainable use of the scorpion.
Our facility is specially designed to perform scorpion venom milking processes to the highest standards. Thanks to our modern infrastructure and advanced equipment, we prioritise quality and efficiency in scorpion venom production.
Scorpion Milking Unit: With 1 high efficiency scorpion milking unit, the venom of scorpions is collected safely and effectively.
Scorpion Containment System: Our shelf system, which is designed to shelter the scorpions in suitable conditions, also ensures that the scorpions are kept in a healthy way.
Venom Management: In our facility, there is 1 poison storage unit and 1 poison cooling unit for safe storage of poisons. In this way, the necessary conditions are provided to maintain the poison quality.
Acclimatization: In order to best mimic the natural living conditions of scorpions, there are 2 air conditioning units. This increases milking efficiency while minimising the stress level of the scorpions.
Security: Our facility is equipped with cameras and a security system. In this way, the security of both the facility and the scorpions is ensured.
Locking Storage Containers: Sufficient number of locked storage containers guarantees safe storage of the poison provided.
Breeding Environment: Scorpions are bred in specially designed areas that reflect their natural ecosystem.
Poison Milking: It is done by our expert teams with modern milking techniques in accordance with hygiene and occupational safety rules.
Analysis and Storage: The milked venom is analyzed in our laboratories in accordance with international standards and stored at -45°C. The cold chain system is followed during the transfer process.
The architectural firm contracted for the architectural design of the facility prepares architectural, electrical and sanitary projects in accordance with the technical specifications. In order to create a laboratory environment, special white floor coverings, hygiene sections, PVC rooms and partitions are located in the facility.