HOW TO DETERMINE IF A SCORPION IS DANGEROUS
The best way to recognize a potentially hazardous scorpion
In Southern Africa, there are around one hundred and fifty scorpion species, with some of them still being undescribed. Because of this, recognizing them might be difficult. When it comes to scorpions, though, there is a fantastic rule of thumb to follow: the thicker the tail and the smaller the pincers, the more deadly the scorpion.
As a rule, scorpions are nocturnal predators that are voracious eaters of invertebrates such as insects, spiders, centipedes, and even other scorpions, which they catch and eat. The pincers of the scorpions are used to capture their prey.
Those scorpions with bigger pincers employ their superior physical strength to crush and kill their victim before devouring it for their meal. As a result, venom in the tail is used by scorpions with smaller pincers in order to crush their prey more effectively.
When it comes to how hazardous a scorpion is, its size makes no difference at all. If you have a young Thicktail Scorpion that is just a few centimetres long, it will inflict a severe and possibly lethal sting, as opposed to the moderate prick produced by a giant Rock Scorpion that may reach up to 20 centimetres in length.
When assessing if a scorpion is harmful, there is no rule of thumb that can be used based just on its color. Highly dangerous scorpions are available in a variety of colors, including black, brown, yellow, light brown, orange, and a combination of all of the colors listed above.
It is the genus Parabuthus (A) that is responsible for the venomous scorpions found in South Africa. It is possible to die from three species, and the other species will completely destroy your week. In Parabuthus, take note of the proportion of tiny pincers to thick tail.
Lesser-thicktails are a genus of fish belonging to the family Uroplectes (B). These scorpions are usually just a few of centimetres in length, but they may grow to be very large. Stung by one of them is very painful, albeit not life-threatening. They have thick tails and tiny pincers as well, making them a hazard to humans.
Species of Burrowers (C and D) are divided into two genera: Opistophthalmus (C) and Opisthacanthus (D) (D). Both genera feature huge pincers and medium-to-small tails, which are characteristic of their species. They have a sting that is similar to a wasp or bee sting in size and strength. Because of their huge pincers, they may also pinch or nip rather forcefully!
Finally, we have the Rock Scorpions (E), which are members of the genus Hadogenes. These enormous scorpions, which may grow to be more than 20 cm in length, are gentle giants, and their sting is hardly apparent when they bite.
It is akin to the thorns of an Acacia tree, where there is a faint tingling sensation that quickly turns into painful skin irritation. If the scorpion becomes agitated, those pincers will deliver a satisfying pinch.
HOW TO DETERMINE IF A SCORPION IS DANGEROUS
Scorpions are distinguished by their pincers and tail that resemble lobster claws. The majority of scorpion species are non-venomous to humans, although several are notable for their venomous stings, which may be lethal under certain circumstances. When it comes to identifying deadly scorpions, it is important to look at the arachnid’s size, length, and thickness carefully.
Take note of the length of the scorpion’s body from head to tail, since scorpions less than 4 inches in length are potentially deadly to people.
Check out how thick the scorpion’s claws, which are also known as pincers, are on this specimen. A Scorpion’s chunkier pincers, comparable to those of a lobster, are less poisonous than a Scorpion’s pincers that are narrow.
Check the length and thickness of the scorpion’s tail to see whether it is too long or too thick. In contrast, scorpions with broad, thick tails carry neurotoxic venom, while scorpions with little, thin tails are completely safe.
Tips
Scorpions are known to conceal themselves under pieces of wood or beneath stones. If you see an insect in the wild, avoid touching or catching it.
