Using the example of scorpions, one can perfectly trace the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial forms. During the same evolution, scorpions developed poison, used by arthropods, both for defense and for attack. In history, many cases of scorpion attacks on people have been recorded, and in science they even introduced the concept of poisoning from scorpion bites - scorpionism. We will have the courage to turn to these unique inhabitants of our planet, and in our short review the most poisonous scorpions of the planet.
10
Parabuthus transvaalicus
The African thick-tailed scorpion Transvaal, or simply dark scorpion, lives in the southern part of the African continent, and adults grow to 11 cm.
It has a menacing dark brown or black color, which is why it got its second name. The claws of this scorpion are thin, but the tail portion has a thickening.
The poison of Parabuthus transvaalicus is very toxic, and most dangerous, the scorpion can let the poison in not only with a bite, but it can also shoot a jet of poison up to one meter immediately before the attack.
9
Uroplectes lineatus
The habitat of the small thick-tailed scorpion is the desert expanses of the southeastern tip of Africa. The first menacing and striking impression this species of scorpions makes with its unusual color.
The back, claws and tip of the tail are black, but the limbs and part of the tail are red. The bite of such a "handsome" is rather painful and causes discomfort.
In people with weakened immune systems, a bite can cause fever, prolonged allergic reactions.
8
Buthus occitanus
For its inexpressive appearance, this species, found in North Africa and the Mediterranean coast of Europe, received the discreet name "ordinary yellow scorpion."
It grows in length from 6 to 8 cm, and this is the smallest scorpion of all presented in our article. Scorpion with toxic BotIT6 poison can be found in dry areas with sparse vegetation.
A bite can lead to difficulty breathing, causing vomiting and dizziness. The only good news is that cases of attacks on people are very rare.
7
Heterometrus swammerdami
One species and size of this subspecies of the Asian forest scorpion is in awe. It grows to 23 cm, and is the largest of the entire scorpion squad.
It has massive claws and a tail, and the color varies from reddish-brown to black. These giants live in the countries of South Asia and on the island of Sri Lanka.
The bite of this scorpion will not lead to death, but a person will undoubtedly remember a meeting with him for life.
6
Centruroides vittatus
The most common species in the south of the USA and in Mexico is dangerous because living mainly under the bark of trees, it can also live in a person’s wooden dwelling.
Adults do not grow more than 7 cm, and two dark lines pass through the yellowish abdomen, so it is easy to identify. Thousands of people suffer from bites of this species annually. The bite causes a strong swelling, prolonged burning.
The poison is not dangerous for an adult, healthy person, but for children and the elderly, a bite can be fatal.
5
Tityus serrulatus
The dangerous inhabitant of Brazil is characterized by aggressive behavior and toxic poison. Due to the discreet color, it is difficult to notice on the earth's surface, which is why the number of attacks increases significantly.
Adult individuals do not grow more than 6 cm, and because of the pale color it is also called the “yellow scorpion”. It is especially dangerous for children, and deaths after the bite of this Brazilian scorpion have been recorded more than once in history.
He has one of the distinguishing features, this species reproduces parthenogenetically, that is, a new life is born in the body of a female without male fertilization.
4
Androctonus crassicauda
The name of this inhabitant of the Arabian deserts literally translates as “killing men”, and you can meet him in some regions of Turkey, in Iran and Saudi Arabia. Some subspecies of one of the most dangerous scorpions on the planet live in Africa.
They grow up to 10 cm, and the poison contains an extremely toxic neurotoxin, which can cause harm to health, and even cause death.
In addition, the Arabian thick-tailed scorpion has an awesome black color, and is characterized by aggressive behavior, so being in its habitats, you must be extremely careful.
3
Androctonus australis
Another dangerous representative of the genus Androctonus, due to its appearance, called the "yellow thick-tailed scorpion", lives within North Africa and southern Asia.
One of the most hardy species, able to survive powerful sandstorms. Adult individuals reach sizes from 10 to 12 cm, and the body color is light yellow with slight dimming on the claws and tail.
The bite of this is mortally dangerous for a person, and if within a few hours they do not provide qualified medical care, the person dies.
2
Hottentotta tamulus
Already from the name “red Indian scorpion” it is clear that this species lives in India, and it can also be found in neighboring Pakistan and Nepal.
Like many representatives of the species, Buthidae usually lives under the bark of trees, but there are frequent cases when it settles in wooden dwellings of people or farm buildings for livestock. It was discovered in 1798, and after observations it was established that it grows no more than 9 cm.
A bite is fatal to humans, and 40 cases out of 100 are fatal. Toxic poison is especially dangerous for an unformed child’s body, as well as for people suffering from heart diseases.
1
Leiurus quinquestriatus
This species of scorpion living in the Middle East and North Africa has many names, the most frightening of which is the “creeping killer”.
They grow to 11 cm, and males are usually smaller and weaker than females. It has a highly toxic poison, but the consequences of a bite depend on the proportion of poison allowed into the body. Small doses will cause burning pain, swelling at the site of the bite, dizziness, but 0.16 mg will simply kill a person in a few hours.
But the substance used in the manufacture of drugs to treat brain tumors is isolated from the poison. So, as you can see, dangerous killers are useful.
In conclusion, we note that of the 1,750 species of scorpions living on earth, only 50 of them pose a serious danger to humans. And yet, an interesting fact is that, despite the danger, scorpions are widely represented in the culture of different peoples of the world, and its first images and dried stuffed animals are still found in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs.
And at the end, one practical piece of advice. The toxicity of a scorpion can be determined by measuring the proportions of the claws and tail. The larger the tail, the more poisonous the scorpion, because everyone knows that the poisonous sting is located in these dangerous arthropods in the tail.