#scorpionidae

[herpsandbirds]

Namaqua Burrower Scorpion (Opistophthalmus pallipes), family Scorpionidae, Northern Cape, South Africa

photograph by Johan Marais

[thebeastsofindia]

Indian Giant Forest Scorpion (Gigantometrus swammerdami), family Scorpionidae, order Scorpiones, Odisha, India

The largest species of scorpion in the world, growing up to 23 cm/9 in in length

Photo by Mirza Shahzad

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

The giant forest scorpion really is giant-- in fact, it's the largest species of scorpion in the world! Individuals can reach up to 23 cm (9 in) in length, and weigh as much as 56 g (2.0 oz). Although they may look intimidating, these arachnids are actually quite harmless; they catch prey with their claws, and so their venom is no worse than a bee sting.

(Image: A giant forest scorpion (Gigantometrus swammerdami) by Chayant Gonsalves)

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[herpsandbirds]

Fynbos Burrowing Scorpion (Opistophthalmus macer) family Scorpionidae, Greyton, Western Cape, South Africa

Venomous

photograph by Chad Keates

[awesomemalmijayaweera-blog]

I believe this is a Heterometrus indus / Srilankametrus indus scorpion. Commonly known as giant forest scorpion. This is how they lunge forward for an attack in slow motion. It is amazing to see that they have significant reach. Much more than I initially anticipated. . . . For more content please follow @malmijayaweera . . . #scorpions #scorpionidae #arthropods #srilanka #wildlife (at Kiribathkumbura,kandy) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce7tFZXhwYD/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bkellycs]

This morning, Chris found another Opisthophthalmus scorpion (Burrowing Scorpion) whilst digging at the lodge. These guys are very attentive but are very docile. They are difficult to even get a full threat display out of, let alone a sting. That all said, the sting is apparently excruciatingly painful, though not life-threatening. They dig extraordinary burrows underneath rocks, tree roots, fallen wood or other coverings, using their large chelae (pincers) like spades. They make small forays in the dark for prey, swiftly returning to their burrow. #Zimbabwe #scorpions #scorpion #scorpiones #scorpionidae #Opisthophthalmus #Burrowingscorpion #Africa #AfricanBugs #arachnid #arachnids (at Gorges Lodge)

[karlayst-blog]

Leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus) by Joris van Alphen Photography on Flickr.