Global InformationFattail scorpion information
| Fattail scorpion | |
|---|---|
| |
| Arabian fat-tailed scorpion, Androctonus crassicauda. | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Scorpiones |
| Family: | Buthidae |
| Genus: | Androctonus Ehrenberg, 1828 |
| Diversity | |
| About 30 species | |
Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, one of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species in the world.[1] The genus was first described in 1828 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg.[2]
They are found throughout the semi-arid and arid regions of the Middle East and Africa.[1] They are moderate sized scorpions, attaining lengths of 10 cm (just under 4 in).[3] Their common name is derived from their distinctly fat metasoma, or tail, while the Latin name originates from Greek and means "man killer".[4] Their venom contains powerful neurotoxins and is especially potent.[1] Stings from Androctonus species are known to cause several human deaths each year.[1] Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture an antivenom for treatment of Androctonus envenomations.[5]
The fat-tailed scorpion is nocturnal and enjoys making nests where they hide in crevices during the day to stay moisturized. [6] One of the main threats that the scorpions face is habitat loss. [7]
- ^ a b c d Hendrixson, B. E. 2006. Buthid scorpions of Saudi Arabia, with notes on other families (Scorpiones: Buthidae, Liochelidae, Scorpionidae). In W. Büttiker, F. Krupp, I. Nader & W. Schneider (eds.), Fauna of Arabia (pp. in press, ~100 pages). Basel, Switzerland: Karger Libri.
- ^ Hemprich, F. G. & Christian G. Ehrenberg. 1828. Zoologica II. Arachnoidea. Plate I: Buthus; plate II: Androctonus. In: Symbolae physicae seu icones et descriptiones animalium evertebratorum sepositis insectis quae ex itinere per Africam borealem et Asiam occidentalem. Friderici Guilelmi Hemprich et Christiani Godofredi Ehrenberg, medicinae et chirurgiae doctorum, studio novae aut illustratae redierunt. Percensuit et regis iussu et impensis edidit Dr. C. G. Ehrenberg. Decas prima. ex Officina Academica, Venditur a Mittlero, Berlin
- ^ "Arabian fat-tailed scorpion videos, photos and facts - Androctonus crassicauda | Arkive". Archived from the original on 2017-09-12. Retrieved 2017-09-12.
- ^ "Dictionary of Scientific Scorpion Names" (PDF).
- ^ "Antidotes In Depth, Jeffrey N. Bernstein" (PDF).
- ^ "Black Fat-tailed Scorpion". www.ead.gov.ae. Retrieved 2023-04-21.
- ^ "Black Fat-tailed Scorpion". www.ead.gov.ae. Retrieved 2023-04-21.