An Arachnologist is a scientist who studies and works specifically with the different types of arachnids. Arachnids include spiders, scorpions, harvestmen, ticks mites etc.

Arachnids are NOT insects.

Arachnids are animals that have:

• eight walking legs
• two main body parts
• jaws adapted for tearing or piercing prey
• simple eyes
• an exoskeleton - a skeleton outside the body

 

ANZSCO ID: N/A (Zoologist - 234518)

Specialisations
Acarologist – studies ticks and mites
Araneologist – studies spiders
Scorpiologist – studies scorpions

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Understanding of arachnids - Arachnologists need to understand the diversity, classification, life histories, behaviour, and ecology of arachnids.
• Knowledge of biological sciences - Arachnology incorporates many sub-disciplines of the biological sciences, including systematic biology, ecology, behavioural ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Research skills - Arachnologists perform research on the anatomy, physiology, and venom of arachnids. They may also study the impact of spiders on agricultural ecosystems.
• Fieldwork skills - Arachnologists may conduct fieldwork to identify specimens and assemble collections.

(Source: Australian Museum)

Duties and Tasks

An Arachnologist focusses on the scientific study of all of the arachnids to promote the knowledge on each species.

• Arachnologists are primarily responsible for classifying arachnids and studying aspects of their biology and genetics. Naming species and determining their evolutionary relationships to one another (taxonomy and systematics)
• Arachnologists perform research on the anatomy or physiology of arachnids, including the venom of spiders and scorpions.
• Morphology and physiology
• Studying how they interact with other members of their species and/or their environment (behavioural ecology) - Ecological impact of arachnids
• Parasitology with a study of mites and ticks
• The medical uses of spider and scorpion venom
• The commercial or practical use of spider silk
• Study the impact of spiders in agricultural ecosystems and whether they can be used as biological control agents
• How they are distributed in different regions and habitats (faunistics)

 

Did You Know? Arachnids Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Subphylum: Chelicerata Class: Arachnida Order: Araneae Arachnids are a class (Arachnida) of joint-legged invertebrate animals in the arthropod subphylum Chelicerata. All arachnids have eight legs, although the front pair of legs in some species has converted to a sensory function, while in other species, different appendages can grow large enough to take on the appearance of extra pairs of legs. The term is derived from the Greek word ἀράχνη (aráchnē), meaning "spider". Almost all extant arachnids are terrestrial. However, some inhabit freshwater environments and, with the exception of the pelagic zone, marine environments as well. They comprise over 100,000 named species. To read a LOT more about Spiders and their record breaking achievements please click here for a local copy [Word doc 42pages] or go to Record breaking achievements by spiders and the scientists who study them [PeerJ]

Working conditions
    
Arachnologists spend the majority of their time working outdoors. The environment can range from humid rainforests to some of the driest deserts in the world.

Doing tests and writing reports can be done indoors.

The most difficult part of this career is being able to work with very small animals that can be venomous.

They may also be required to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays and in difficult weather.

Tools and technologies
   
Molecular genetic tools have been a boon to arachnologists for decades and used to study many unique aspects of arachnid biology including genomics, phylogenetics, population genetics, and biogeography. These tools have evolved over time and now provide myriad methods for exploring evolutionary questions. Early tools, while still useful under the proper circumstances, are giving way to a new generation of DNA sequencing technologies.

Education and training/entrance requirements
  
The field of arachnology incorporates many sub-disciplines within the biological sciences, including systematic biology (taxonomy and evolutionary biology), ecology, behavioural ecology, molecular biology (genetics) and biochemistry, among others. Indeed, appreciating the staggering diversity of arachnids requires a detailed understanding of their diversity, classification, life histories, behaviour and ecology. Cutting-edge research in the field of biochemistry is also unlocking the applied potential of arachnid venom compounds and silk, for use in drug discovery and engineering.

You will need a Biological Sciences degree followed by a particular Masters or PhD in your field. There is a lot of on the job training as well.

  
Employment Opportunities
   
In most cases an Arachnologist is employed by a research institution, universities, pharmaceutical companies, pest control companies or even government. They may also be self employed.

  
ANZSCO ID: (Zoologist - 234518)

Alternative names: Spider Expert, Spider Scientist,
   
Specialisations: There are many specialisations in the study of spiders including

• classifying spiders and studying aspects of their biology and genetics. Naming species and determining their evolutionary relationships to one another (taxonomy and systematics)
• research on the anatomy or physiology of spiders, including their venom
• strategies to capture their prey
• venom in medicine and as non-polluting pesticides

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Animal handling
• Animal care techniques
• Good health and physical fitness
• Basic computer literacy
• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Decision making
• Problem Solving
• Effective communication
• Interpersonal relationship

Dr Mike Gray, Araneologist, with a Tarantula from Mexico, at Australian Museum's exhibition
(Source: KidsNews)

Duties and Tasks

• Research species
• Plan and travel to study area
• Collect species for analysis
• Collect data and take photographs
• Keep proper record of species
• Attend seminars
• Write reports
• Administration and filing

(Source: Some Pets)

Working conditions

The working conditions of an Araneologist depends very much on their field of study and what institute they work in.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Most Araneologists start off with an undergraduate degree in Entomology, with majors in subjects such as biology, animal behavior, animal science, or zoology.

They specialize in arachnids towards the end of the degree, as well as in Masters studies.

Araneologist can also complete short courses – such as capturing and handling spiders, and using research tools.

 

 

The study of ticks and mites is called acarology, and scientists who work in the field, called acarologists, have a big role to play in helping to prevent the spread of tick borne diseases like Lyme disease. Acarology as a specific branch of zoological science dealing with mites and ticks established itself in its own right in late 20th Century.

Arachnology is a sub-discipline of the biological sciences that incorporates many other fields, including ecology, systematic biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

Acarologists keep track of where different types of ticks live and can use this information to identify regions where certain diseases are more likely to occur. If people know to reduce their exposure to areas where disease-carrying ticks are prevalent, this can prevent many infections! In addition, people who do become infected can be treated more quickly if doctors know to look for these diseases.

Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that attack livestock, wildlife, humans, and companion animals. Ticks are active in Australia depending on species and developmental stage, and they are vectors of a broad range of pathogens capable of producing clinical diseases. Heavy tick infestations are known to negatively impact animal growth, productivity, reproduction, and wellbeing of livestock, companion animals, and wildlife. Ticks and tick-borne diseases threaten the biosecurity and economic sustainability.

Once on their host, ticks seek out somewhere warm and moist. They then inject a cocktail of salivary juices including anaesthetics and anticoagulants. These compounds prevent the host from feeling the bite and they slow blood clotting, which makes it easier for the ticks to feed. However, unlike other blood-suckers like mozzies that feed rapidly, ticks remain attached to their hosts for up to five days before dropping off!

 

Australia is home to 73 different tick species, most of which don’t occur anywhere else in the world!

“The vast majority of them don’t attack humans. Instead, they’ve adapted to feed on specific host animals. Echidnas, platypus, wombats, and even goannas have their own unique tick species that feed just on them," Dr Alexander Gofton (CSIRO) said.

Only four tick species around Australia commonly bite people and pets:

Ixodes holocyclus, the Eastern paralysis tick, common in coastal Queensland, New South Wales, and northern Victoria

Ixodes cornuatus, the Southern paralysis tick, common in Victoria and Tasmania

Amblyomma triguttatum, the Ornate kangaroo tick, common throughout Australia, particularly in south-west Western Australia

Rhipicephalus linnaei, the Brown dog tick, common throughout Australia, but only bites dogs.

 

ANZSCO ID: N/A (Zoologist - 234518)

Alternative names: Mite & Tick Scientist, Mite & Tick Expert,

Specialisations: Australia has many species of ticks, including:

• Eastern paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus)
  Found on the east coast of Australia, this tick can transmit a toxin that causes paralysis.

• Ornate kangaroo tick (Amblyomma triguttatum)
  Found in northern, central, and western Australia, this tick can transmit Q fever.

• Southern reptile tick (Bothriocroton hydrosauri)
  Found in south-eastern Australia, this tick can transmit Flinders Island spotted fever.

• Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
  Found throughout Australia, this tick only bites dogs.

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Understanding of mites and ticks - need to understand the diversity, classification, life histories, behaviour, and ecology of mites and ticks.
• Knowledge of biological sciences including systematic biology, ecology, behavioural ecology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Research skills - research on the anatomy, physiology, and venom of mites and ticks. They may also study the impact of mites and ticks on agricultural ecosystems.
• Fieldwork skills - may conduct fieldwork to identify specimens and assemble collections.
• High Expertise in Initiative And Innovation, Planning And Organising, and Reading
• Very good skills in: Digital Engagement, Learning, Numeracy, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and, Writing

 

 

 

Varroa Mite on Bee
(Source: The Conversation)

 

Duties and Tasks

• Adhere to protocols or regulations designed to protect ecosystems from biosecurity risks

• Analyse biological samples

• Design research studies to obtain scientific information

• Examine characteristics or behaviour of living organisms

• Operate laboratory or field equipment

• Plan biological research

• Prepare research, analytical, scientific or technical reports or presentations

• Record research data

• Research ticks and mites

Working conditions

Working conditions are dependent on the institution you are working for.

In a research institute researching ticks in cattle, you will encounter wet and dry-use spaces, an animal room for tick rearing, feed storage, a tick colony room, freezer storage and office space. You will also need to do field work in outside paddocks and facilities for handling cattle.

 

This research role will entail outside office normal hours with maybe having the ultimate goal of providing novel control methods for ticks and the pathogens they transmit.

Tools and technologies

• Document management and code versioning software

• Science and engineering software

• Scientific instruments

• Statistical and data analysis software

Education and training/entrance requirements

 

To become an Acarologist, you need to obtain a bachelor's degree and then go onto further specific study of ticks or mites.

 

Did You Know? This article was taken directly from Murdoch University's website. Posted 11 June 2021 It can now be found at the WebArchive. Early career researcher wins international acclaim for tick research Siobhon Egan Murdoch research fellow Siobhon Egan has been recognised for her research into the surveillance of ticks and their associated microbes in Australian wildlife. Siobhon Egan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Sinnecker-Kunz Award for early career researchers at the 14th International Symposium on Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases. “Globally the incidence of tick-borne diseases are increasing. The most well-known is Lyme disease, where the cases in the United States have doubled between 1993 to 2018,” said Egan. In comparison, here in Australia relatively little is recognised, despite growing concerns regarding people becoming sick after a tick bite." “My research explored the diversity of tick-associated microbes that are circulating in Australian wildlife, which is the first large scale work in the area.” Wildlife are an important window into potential human diseases, as has been recently shown with the COVID-19 pandemic. These ‘spill-over’ events, where pathogens jump from wildlife to human, are considered rare and finding the pathogen in humans can be difficult. Based on the life cycle of Lyme disease in the United States, we know the chances of finding these pathogens in their natural wildlife hosts are far greater compared to humans. Anaesthesia and blood collection of animals in the field Egan’s research identified a number of bacteria and blood parasites from ticks and wildlife that are closely related to known pathogens. However, it did not identify any recognised human tick-borne pathogens that are described in the northern hemisphere. There was a clear distinction between bacteria identified on the east and west coast which included species of Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, Bartonella and a rodent associated Borrelia identified in black rats. “This research shows that Australia has a unique array of microbes and potential pathogens among our wildlife. Importantly, the work conducted here focused on animals at the urban-wildlife interface, which represent the greatest risk of possible spill-over events,” said Egan. “It also provides much needed insights towards helping identify why so many Australians are becoming sick after tick bites. It will help to refine the focus in the continued search for potential tick-borne diseases that are circulating in areas where people are frequently bitten by ticks.” The findings support the evidence showing an absence of recognised pathogens from Europe and North America such as Lyme disease. In summary, the most likely scenario is that any potential human pathogens are unique, just like our wildlife and ticks. Egan is now shifting her research focus slightly to look at microbes in humans at the Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine. As part of this research, led by Professor Elaine Holmes, she hopes to provide new insights into the interactions between host and microbes using cutting edge technologies. “The interaction between microbes and host is complex, and I aim to combine my skills in genomics with other -omics data to ultimately improve health outcomes” Dr Charlotte Oskam, Senior Lecturer and Egan’s PhD supervisor, said the award was well deserved. “This is a massive achievement and it reflects the extreme hard work and innovation Siobhon put into her PhD studies,” said Dr Oskam. “It puts Murdoch, the Australian Society for Parasitology and Australia on the map for tick-borne disease research.” Dr Charlotte Oskam Dr Oskam is also a Fellow of the Centre for Biosecurity and One Health at the Harry Butler Institute and directs a comprehensive research program on the detection of microbes within Australian ticks. The Sinnecker-Kunz Award recognises distinguished achievements by early career researchers. The award is named in honour of the late virologist Professor Herbert Sinnecker, who was the first to find tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) in Germany, and the virologist Christian Kunz, who developed the first European TBE vaccine.

 

 

ANZSCO ID : N/A (Zoologist - 234518)
  
Alternative names: Scorpion Scientist, Scorpion Expert, Scorpion Biologist, Scorpion Researcher,

Specialisations: Study in Sea Scorpions, Desert Scorpions, Australian Specific Scorpions, Scorpion venom, Medical properties of scorpion venom, Biomedical research into scorpion venom,

 

 

 

Prehistoric Sea Scorpions compared to human size
(Source: The Conversation)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Master’s or doctorate degree in the research field 
• Proven knowledge of data collection methods
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to write doctorate-level research reports for publication in reputable journals
• Knowledge of project management
• Ability to work within a team and follow the instructions of senior faculty

 

 

It’s the first time scientists used male reproductive anatomy to distinguish scorpion species, and this hints there is likely more variability amongst Australian populations. Despite both new species being the size of a human hand and brandishing massive venomous tails, very little is known about the rarely seen creatures - Urodacus uncinus and Urodacus lunatus scorpions species.

See The Conversation January 2024 for more information

(Source: Yahoo! News)

 

Duties and Tasks

A Scorpiologist focusses on the scientific study of scorpions and can include:

• classifying scorpions and studying aspects of their biology and genetics. Naming species and determining their evolutionary relationships to one another (taxonomy and systematics)
•  performing research on the anatomy or physiology of scorpions including its venom
• the study of the morphology and physiology
• studying how they interact with other members of their species and/or their environment (behavioural ecology) - Ecological impact of scorpions. eg. La Trobe University's study
• investigating the medical uses of scorpion venom
• how they are distributed in different regions and habitats (faunistics)

 

 

Did You Know? Scorpion constipation study wins coveted science prize GI tract By Geir O'Rourke 28 Sep 2022 Researchers - Solimary García-Hernández and Glauco Machado - discovered that constipation in scorpions reduces the mating prospects of females but not males, have been recognised with one of science’s most sought-after awards: an Ig Nobel prize. [Ignoble Award!] The finding was based on a Brazilian study involving 154 adult Ananteris balzani scorpions, (52 females, 102 males), which can sever their tails as a defence mechanism to escape predators, in a process called autotomy that results in permanent constipation. After autotomy, individuals lose nearly 25% of their body mass and the last portion of the digestive tract, including the anus, which prevents defecation and leads to permanent constipation. (Source: The Limbic)

 

 

Working conditions

Scorpiologists spend the majority of their time working outdoors. The environment can range from humid rainforests to some of the driest deserts in the world. In Australia, Scorpions are fairly widespread, ranging from salt lakes in central Australia to ancient rain forests in Tasmania.

Doing tests and writing reports can be done indoors.

The most difficult part of this career is being able to work with very small animals that can be venomous.

They may also be required to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays and in difficult weather.

Tools and technologies

Tongs to pick up scorpions without getting stung.

UV-Torches to show up scorpions at night. Scorpions that glow with a bluish tint under UV light (“nobody knows why they fluoresce, but since discovering they do, scorpion species discoveries have skyrocketed”).

(Source: ABC News)

Education and training/entrance requirements

You will need a Biological Sciences degree followed by a particular Masters or PhD in your field. There is a lot of on the job training as well.

Employment Opportunities

In most cases a Scorpiologist is employed by research institutions, universities, museums,  pharmaceutical companies, pest control companies or even government.

Example: CSIRO

 

Did You Know? A guide to the scorpions of Australia By Nick Volpe • 26 May 2016 Directly taken from Australian Geographic Despite a fearsome reputation in other parts of the world, scorpions in Australia are relatively harmless and come in a surprising variety of sizes and colours. From rainforests to deserts, the Australian environment is incredibly varied and may be home to more than 100 species of scorpion. They prey upon anything smaller than themselves: beetles, crickets, spiders and even small frogs and skinks. Our scorpions vary in length from 2–12cm, and are typically nocturnal animals that seek refuge during the day under debris or in burrows. This elusive behaviour, and the fact that they sometimes live in remote habitats, means they are seldom seen. Scorpion stings are therefore infrequent, but some species can make a nuisance of themselves by entering people’s homes. Even if stings do occur, these are usually just a painful irritation, because none of our known scorpions have fatal venom. The Buthidae family includes all of the world’s most venomous scorpions, such as deathstalker and fat-tailed scorpions with potent stings, but Australia’s buthids are much smaller, and victims of their stings don’t usually require medical assistance. 1. Desert scorpion Urodacus yaschenkoi 8–11cm This large and aggressive scorpion is widespread throughout the deserts of Australia’s interior. To shelter from the sweltering daytime heat of the inland, this species constructs deep, spiral burrows up to 1m deep in sandy soils. 2. Rainforest scorpion Hormurus waigiensis 5–8cm This scorpion is well adapted to the rainforests of QLD and north-eastern NSW. Its large claws help to lock its flat body into rock and log crevices away from predators, and also assist it in ambushing wandering prey. 3. Spider-hunting scorpion Isometroides vescus 2.5–5.5cm This scorpion lives in Australia’s arid inland, and has likely evolved to become a specialist spider hunter. It’s thought that it shelters in the burrows of trapdoor spiders, having killed the spider beforehand. 4. Flinders Ranges scorpion Urodacus elongatus 9–12cm One of Australia’s largest and most spectacular scorpion species. It’s found exclusively in the gullies of the Flinders Ranges and surrounds in SA, where it lives in shallow scrapes that it constructs under rocks. 5. Marbled scorpion Lychas marmoreus 1.5–4cm This little mottled ­scorpion is currently found throughout ­southern Australia and probably represents ­several species. Mainly associated with gum ­forests, it is known to occasionally enter ­people’s houses. 6. Dwarf forest scorpion Liocheles australasiae 2–3cm This species is found in Cape York, QLD, and South-East Asia. It lives in colonies 40m above the ground, under the bark of trees in rainforest canopies. Females of some populations can asexually produce clones of themselves. 7. Salt lake scorpion Australobuthus xerolimniorum 4cm One of our most interesting scorpions, this species is adapted to inland SA’s harsh, barren salt lakes. At night it roams the lakes’ surfaces, where it hunts resting flies and small spiders with limited competition from other scorpions. 8. Buchar’s scorpion Lychas buchari 5cm A small scorpion that may in fact be several species, it inhabits sand dunes throughout SA and WA. As it waits to ambush passing ­invertebrates, its light colouration provides camouflage in the sand and small shrubs at night. Nick Volpe is a wildlife photographer Can you place these scorpions in order of size?

 

 

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Materials sourced from
International Society of Arachnology
One Zoo Tree [Arachnologist; ]
BioOne Digital Library [Journal of Arachnology; ]
NSW Govt [Life Scientist; ]
Study [Acarology in Medicine & Agriculture; ]
Acarological Society [Acarology; ]
The Conversation [12 January 2024; ]
Australian Museum [Arachnology; ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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