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Androctonus crassicauda (Fat-tailed Man-killer, Black Fat-tailed Scorpion / Şişman Kuyruklu Adam Öldüren, Siyah Şişman Kuyruklu Akrep)

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Androctonus crassicauda (Fat-tailed Man-killer, Black Fat-tailed Scorpion / Şişman Kuyruklu Adam Öldüren, Siyah Şişman Kuyruklu Akrep)


Androctonus crassicauda (Fat-tailed Man-killer, Black Fat-tailed Scorpion / Şişman Kuyruklu Adam Öldüren, Siyah Şişman Kuyruklu Akrep) from Harran, Şanlıurfa -13.04.2011.

Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, which is one of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species in the world. They are found throughout the semi-arid and arid regions of the Middle-East and Africa. They are a moderate sized scorpion, attaining lengths of 10 cm . Their name is derived from their distinctly fat metasoma, or tail. Their venom contains powerful neurotoxins and is especially potent. Stings from Androctonus species are known to cause several human deaths each year.

Androctonus is widespread in the Middle East and North Africa. Countries where Androctonus species live include: Mauritania, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, South Eastern Africa.

A rough English translation of the name Androctonus is "man-killer", from the Greek andras (άνδρας), meaning "man" and kteinein (κτείνειν), meaning "killing". crassicauda means fat-tailed, from the Latin crassus meaning "thick" or "fat" and cauda, meaning "tail". Androctonus crassicauda is wide-spread throughout the middle east and its name means "fat-tailed man-killer".

The Black Fat-tailed Scorpion or Fat-tailed Man-Killer is one of the 25 species of truly dangerous scorpions, and is not recommended for anyone aside from highly experienced scientists and hobbyists.

This species is in the top three of scorpions with extremely virulent venom. They are currently listed as number 1 on the LD-50 chart. Some authorities report a sting from a Black Fat-tailed Scorpion can kill an adult human in seven hours. Reactions vary considerably, but children are especially vulnerable and this is not a species to be considered for any household where children are present. Also consult your local authorities regarding whether permission is required to keep venomous animals.

Despite its common name, the Black Fat-tailed Scorpion varies considerably in color, from olive brown to reddish brown to slate gray to black. A small, isolated population in Egypt is abnormally pale (hence the name Egyptian Gold Fat-tailed Scorpion). Accurate identification can only be made by experienced professionals who recognize the characteristic sculpturing on the scorpion's terminal "tail" segments. Mature specimens can attain 150 mm (4 inches) in length. As with many other members of the family Buthidae, the pincers of the Black Fat-tailed are relatively small and weak, while the tail and sting are abnormally stout and muscular.

The Black Fat-tailed Scorpion is especially abundant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where it is considered a significant health threat, often occurring near human habitations. Desert, and desert scrub, is the preferred habitat. They are nocturnal, venturing out from burrows, or beneath rocks, boards, and other debris to hunt insects and small vertebrates at night. This may be the species referred to in a Persian legend that has scorpions sent by the devil to sting the testicles of the sacred bull, preventing the fertilization of the universe. More recently, soldiers in the Gulf War suffered from the stings of the Black Fat-tailed Scorpion, especially when they staged "scorpion fights" as entertainment. Ironically, the study of scorpion venoms has yielded a drug that is helpful to stroke victims!

References: 1. Wikipedia. 2. CentralPets-Androctonus crassicauda.


Author Bayram GÖÇMEN
Created on Wednesday 13 April 2011
Posted on Wednesday 29 June 2011
Tags Şanlıurfa, TURKEY / TÜRKİYE
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