moved to the epi-leaf litter (100%) during the rainy season. Adults
(but no juveniles) were also observed within vegetation (on grass
or logs up to a height of 10 cm) (Table 2).
Adults of A. mauryi were primarily observed within the sub-leaf
litter. However, they were also collected in the epi-leaf litter (19%)
during the dry season. This layer was the only type of environment
used by this species during the rainy season. This species was
also observed on the ground, with only juveniles recorded in pitfall
traps. Within the sub-leaf litter, adults of A. mauryi were found
sharing the same sites with juvenile T. pusillus. Such coexistence
was more evident in the dry season.
Three types of postures were observed in the field in T. pusillus
and A. mauryi: sit and wait, foraging and resting. The behaviour of
T. pusillus varied according to season (dry or rainy) and developmental
stage (adult or juvenile). During the dry season, the adults
were primarily (77.8%) observed in the hunting position (sit and
wait), with open pedipalps, whereas most juveniles (81.3%) were
observed walking while performing rapid foraging activity within
the sub-leaf litter. During the rainy season, the adults were primarily
(78.4%) observed resting with the appendages in contact with
the body. During this period, foraging activity was only observed in
one young scorpion. Conversely, A. mauryi behaved similarly during
both seasons, foraging in the sub-leaf litter in most instances
(92.3% during the dry season and 83.4% during the rainy season).