Higher classification Parabuthus | Scientific name Parabuthus transvaalicus Rank Species | |
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Similar Parabuthus, Scorpion, Androctonus australis, Fattail scorpion, Parabuthus villosus | ||
Parabuthus transvaalicus i5 feeding
Parabuthus transvaalicus (known as the Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion or dark scorpion) is a species of venomous scorpion from dry parts of southern Africa.
Contents
- Parabuthus transvaalicus i5 feeding
- Parabuthus transvaalicus feeding 7 days after moult
- Description
- Distribution
- Sting
- References
Parabuthus transvaalicus feeding 7 days after moult
Description
Parabuthus transvaalicus grows to a length of 90–110 millimetres (3.5–4.3 in), and is dark brown or black in colour, so it is also known as the Black Thick-Tailed scorpion. Its pincers are thin, but its tail is thickened, with the sting segment being as wide as the rest of the tail. It is nocturnal, resting in a shallow burrow under rocks during the day. It resembles its congener P. villosus, which is less strictly nocturnal, hairier and has a more westerly distribution.The species is the largest (measuring up to 18cm) and only diurnal Buthid in the world.
Distribution
Parabuthus transvaalicus is found in deserts, scrublands and semi-arid regions of Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe ,some parts of the Namib Desert and South Africa.
Sting
Parabuthus transvaalicus is a dangerous scorpion, which can both sting and spray its kurtoxin venom. The first droplet of venom differs from the rest, and is referred to as "pre-venom".
