Herpetoculture Magazine Issue 4 - Feb. 2020

The Top 5 Spicy

Scorpions

By Phil Wolf

Keeping hot scorpions can be unique, and rewarding; so long as safety parameters are in place, and respect is given.

If you’re into reptiles and amphibians, there’s a good chance you like bugs too. As the herpetoculture lifestyle flourishes in the 21st century, reptile and amphibian keepers grow a fondness for weird, strange, and unique animals, primarily invertebrates.

Over the past few decades, inverts have been the side project of many a herp keeper. Tarantulas, Centipedes, and Scorpions can now be found at almost every exotic pet shop and reptile show, and for good reason. They’re small, hearty, and don’t take up too much space. For the same cost and space of a modern vivarium, a keeper can have several inverts housed in appropriately sized deli cups.

Species like, Emperor (Pandinus imperator) and Desert-Hairy (Hadrurus arizonensis) scorpions are great species to start with. Popularity has marked them as “beginner” scorpions, and for good reason. They’re easy to keep, large and impressive looking, and have a relatively mild venomous sting (similar to that of a honey bee). But let’s face it, they’re boring and too commonly seen.

As herpers grow in experience and learn more about their exotic pets, the desire for a rarer or perhaps more difficult species to keep, comes to mind. And in the case of Scorpions, this comes hard and fast!

Of the approximate 1,750 species of scorpion worldwide, all of them have a venomous sting. But only 25-30 are potentially dangerous to humans. These highly venomous species are commonly known as “Hott” scorpions. Typically, Hott scorpions are members of the family Buthidae.

This is the largest family of scorpions, with over 800 species described. And of course, those 25-30 Hotts are oftentimes the most desirable by invert-enthusiasts, as well as frequently seen in the exotic pet trade.

This doesn’t mean Hott scorpions are for everyone. It takes a steady hand, and meticulous protocols to keep Hott scorpions. One slight mistake could cost the keeper his life. Special precautions must be taken when keeping Hott scorpions. Tools such as, rubber tipped tongs, hemostats, and doubled up containers, must be implemented. Scorpions lack the ability to climb smooth surfaces. But their speed and agility allow them to perform parkour-like acrobatics. Having eight legs helps a little.

At no time should a keeper ever consider freehandling a highly venomous species of scorpion. Regardless of how calm the scorpion may appear. They can lash out defensively with no signs of warning.

The venom of a scorpion is produced in a set of glands called the Telson. The Telson is the large ball segment on the top of the scorpion’s tail (it’s technically not a tail, but an extension of the digestive system. Yes, they poop out of it) equipped with a stinger. The venom is used to immobilize and kill prey. It’s also used as a defense mechanism to ward off predators. Some species (the Hott ones) have produced an incredibly potent venom, similar to that of a Cobra or Viper.

Unlike snakes that can control the amount of venom they inject, scorpions have extremely concentrated venom for their size. Just a fraction of a drop of scorpion venom could result in a fatal outcome. Certain people may also have an unknown allergy to scorpion venom. And if they do, the onset of anaphylactic shock from the allergic reaction, could be swift and debilitating, or even fatal.

But which Hott species should I get? There are so many different species of Hott scorpions available. So here’s this author’s list of the top five spicy scorpions! The following species of scorpions have been selected not only for their potency of venom, but for their hardiness in captivity, availability in the pet trade, and their ease of maintenance and care.

Hottentotta hottentotta - African Bark Scorpion

The genus of Hottentotta is a vast and exciting group of scorpions. They range from North Africa, all the way east to India and Nepal. The most Toxic is Hottentotta tamulus, the Indian Red Scorpion, responsible for the most human deaths from scorpion stings annually worldwide. But they are rarely seen in the US market, so they didn’t make this list.

However, their Saharan cousin, Hottentotta hottentotta ,totally did! This species has a lot of common names. Stripped Bark, African Bark, and Yellow Bark Scorpion, to name a few. They get this name not from any audible dog noise they make, but rather from where they’re most commonly found. You guessed it, tree bark. Hottentotta hottentotta is quite variable in color. They tend to match their surroundings quite well.

Their primary colors are rusty browns and sandy beige. With darker stripes across the top of each body segment. They inhabit almost all of the African continent surrounding the perimeter of the Sahara Desert. Most of the specimens we get in the US are of Egyptian or West African localities, and are usually Tan in color. African barks typically stay small, around two inches in length, with females being larger and more stout.

If you decide to acquire an African Bark, don’t be surprised if you see babies out of nowhere. Hottentotta hottentotta from certain regions reproduce parthenogenically. This means that mom makes babies without ever interacting with a male scorpion. However, this “Virgin Birth” is oftentimes just a case of sperm retention. Certain female members of the Buthidae family have the ability to hold onto sperm for over 12 months! That way, mom can have her babies when she’s ready, to ensure the babies get a safe start at life.

Now let’s talk Spice. The venom of Hottentotta hottentotta is potent, but not life threatening (obviously excluding allergic reactions). That being said, it’s agonizingly painfully. Hot, searing pain, oftentimes compared to placing the sting site on a lit stovetop! The venom is fast acting and spreads quickly. Swelling is almost immediate, with flaming pain spreading throughout the body. Providing anaphylaxis doesn’t creep in, the sting usually only lasts 6- 10 hours. But you may want to keep that bottle of ibuprofen handy!

Centruroides sculpturatus- Arizona Bark Scorpion

Number four on our spice market list, is the only North American native to truly pack a wallop. The Arizona Bark Scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus. Much like the African bark scorpions, Arizona Barks get their name from inhabiting fallen timber and dead cactus skeletons. They range from south east California, across the southwestern United States and down into Mexico.

Due to this species being native to North America, they can be found readily available at most pet shows and shops. If you live in the Sonoran Desert, you’ve probably been blessed to find one in a boot, shoe or basement. Good for you, your pet was free!

Usually golden, or yellow in color, Arizona Barks are very slender in appearance. Adults are usually three inches in length and very flat. The tail and pincers are long and thin. Males are larger than females and have a longer tail with longer tail segments.

Arizona Barks are commonly confused with other similar looking species of the southwest. Species of the genus Vaejovis and Hadrurus are similar looking when they’re small, but are nowhere near as potent in toxicity.

Centruroides sculpturatus is the most toxic native scorpion to North America. Many human fatalities have occurred. But since the invention of antivenin, these fatalities are very rare and almost exclusive to infants and the elderly.

The venom of Centruroides sculpturatus is painful and debilitating. Symptoms may include, flaming pain, paralysis of joints and muscles, as well as uncontrollable vomiting.

Due to sporadic muscle convulsions, full body pain, and shortness of breath, a person who’s been envenomated should be constantly monitored and medical attention must be received! However, with a healthy immune system, and the use of antivenin, envenomations typically only last 72 hours. Never forget to check your shoes!

Androctonus bicolor - Black Fat-Tailed Scorpion

Number three on our list brings the term “Black Death” to a new concept. Androctonus bicolor, The Black Fat-Tailed Scorpion, is a highly toxic species of scorpion native to North Africa and the Near-East. The genus name Androctonus, loosely translates to “Man-Killer” or Man- Murderer in Ancient Greek.

Fat-tailed scorpions get their name from their oversized tails. The tails are large, heavily built, and distinct to the genus. And although rare, Androctonus bicolor has the capabilities to exceed three inches in length.

Most keepers are solely impressed with the tail of Androctonus bicolor. The segments of the tail are concave, sharply articulated, and their telson retracts inside the last segment, giving the appearance of there being no stinger at all. The tail is usually curved upright in the traditional “scorpion posture,” and has a full 360° range of motion.

Having such a large derrière, gives these scorpions a robust look, despite them rarely being larger than one or two inches overall. Androctonus bicolor is oftentimes confused with a similar species, Androctonus crassicauda, the Arabian Fat- Tail.

Although very similar in appearance, both being dark black in color, with fat tails, Androctonus bicolor has a larger, less granulated tail, light brown or red pinchers, and is more commonly seen in the pet trade.

Androctonus bicolor are quick to sting. They typically will keep their tail covering their body as a shield and have no problem whipping their tail backwards to sting directly behind them.

The venom of Androctonus bicolor is very spicy. The venom is a highly concentrated neurotoxin that primarily attacks the muscles of the respiratory system. As the venom spreads rapidly through the body, nerves in control of muscles become disabled. This leads to paralysis, abdominal convulsions and eventually, respiratory failure. Symptoms of an envenomation from Androctonus bicolor are: sharp pain at the sting site, an overabundance of saliva, and uncontrollable sluggishness.

Providing anaphylactic shock from being allergic is not a factor, death from envenomation can be swift. In the case of small children, as quickly as 1-5 hours. Luckily, a monovalent antivenin is available for Thicktails. But hopefully we never have to use it.

Androctonus australis - Tunisian Fat-Tail Scorpion

Tunisian Fat-taileds are stocky scorpions, averaging around three inches in length. They have large, powerful claws, and an even more impressive tail. Their coloration is usually yellow or tan, with darker pigment along each segment of the body. The telson and stinger are black or grey, with dark color fading down from the stinger towards the body as if the tail was dipped in ink.

Number two on our list is undoubtedly this authors favorite scorpion. The lord of the Sahara, Androctonus australis, the Tunisian Fat-Tail.

Androctonus australis is as iconic to invertebrate enthusiasts as the Sahara Desert itself. They’re found from western Morocco, east through Tunisia, Egypt and the Sinai, and encompass the entirety of Northern Africa.

Androctonus australis stand their ground. They are a fearless species of arachnid, rumored to scare off the largest of predators. Confident in their unique exoskeleton, and highly toxic venom, there are few Saharan animals brazen enough to challenge this scorpion.

Being a member of the Androctonus genus, implies is lethality, but it’s species name has always been a topic of discussion amongst enthusiasts. It’s believed that when the grandfather of taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus described the species in 1758, he was misinformed of it’s locality. Naming it australis, meaning, “of the south,” even though the species is endemic to the northern hemisphere.

The exoskeleton of Androctonus australis is rather unique. On a macroscopic scale, tiny granulations can be found covering the entire scorpion. These bumps act as a deflection shield against the harsh sandy wind of the desert. It’s believed, that this is the reason why Androctonus australis doesn’t burrow like most other Saharan species of scorpion. Instead, they remain on the sandy surface, immune to wind and dust.

But what of the venom? The venom of Androctonus australis is arguably the most toxic of scorpion venoms. Intense pain is prevalent immediately upon envenomation. But, some of the worst things in life are painless. The key to Androctonus australis’ venom, are neurotoxins that break down key neurological systems of the heart, specifically in mammals and insects.

This type of venom is called a Cardiotoxin. Toxins of this type attack the heart and circulatory system, causing cardiac arrhythmias, and eventually heart failure. Victims of an australis sting should seek medical aid with antivenin immediately! Androctonus australis are less likely to sting than most other scorpions of their region, nevertheless, they are quick and extremely toxic. This is one species NOT for beginners..

Leiurus quinquestriatus - Israeli Death Stalker Scorpion

The number one spot on our top five spiciest scorpions list is probably the most infamous scorpion as well, Leiurus quinquestriatus, the Israeli Death Stalker.

Although not always the most available pet wise, and seldom encountered in the wild, the Death Stalker has invoked fear across the Near-East, and has developed a reputation of being the baddest critter north of the Yam Suph.

Leiurus are actually quite timid. However, when provoked, they can unleash a barrage of stings in multiple directions from their long and thin tail. Specimen have been observed wedged between rocks for protection against predation, while at the same time frantically jabbing at the air with their stinger from their periscope like tail.

Leiurus are unique in their defensive posture. Unlike most scorpions that tuck back their pincers and cock back their tail, assuming the classic scorpion posture, Death Stalkers will stretch out their pedipalps and fully erect their tail. It’s believed that this posture allows for a better view of encroaching enemies, as well as to display their unique defense markings.

The venom of Leiurus quinquestriatus is not as bad as people think. Oh it’s lethal, but It’s reputation has preceded it. Most healthy adults who are actually stung by Death Stalkers (and not a mimic species) survive, especially with the aid of antivenin. That being said, the venom of Leiurus is a devastating cocktail of toxins.

Leiurus quinquestriatus venom is neurotoxic. It disrupts proteins in nerve chains, “turning things off” as it flows through the body, predominantly that of the heart and lungs. The venom is almost a mix between Androctonus bicolor and Androctonus australis. Cardiotoxins attack the heart and disable nerve pathways that control the heart. While at the same time, attacking the lungs, causing pulmonary edema.

Relatively large in size, oftentimes exceeding three inches, the base color of Leiurus quinquestriatus is tan or yellow, similar to Androctonus australis. The last segment of the Death Stalker’s tail, right before the telson, is dark in pigment, oftentimes black. The “face” of Leiurus is also marked with lines of black pigment. And while the true reasons behind this are unclear, it makes for a menacing appearance to a would-be predator.

The pain of a Leiurus sting is overwhelming. Oftentimes it's compared to sticking the sting site in a deep fryer for a few hours. Should someone get stung by Leiurus quinquestriatus, antivenin must be procured! Hundreds of people are stung by Death Stalkers every year in Israel, Jordan and parts of Egypt. And very few victims succumb to the stalker’s venom. But remember, it didn’t get its name from being cute. It is still considered a lethal species of scorpion.