An estimated 1.2 million people are stung by scorpions every year, with around 3000 resulting in fatalities. While some scorpions deliver a mildly venomous and painful sting, others can lead to severe necrotic and neurotoxic reactions that are potentially lethal.
The deadliest scorpions vary in color and size and are most easily identified by their thick tail. This article looks at the top 8 most dangerous scorpions in the world, the potency of their venom, and what makes these small creatures so frightening.
1. Yellow Fat-tailed Scorpion
The Yellow Fat-tail Scorpion (Androctonus australis) is extremely dangerous as it possesses a fast-acting neurotoxic venom that affects the central nervous system. A single sting can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure. This hardy species can be found in the arid regions of Africa, the Middle East, and India.
It is nocturnal by nature and easily camouflaged against the desert landscape by its yellow legs, and dark-striped body. These scorpions can reach up to 3.5 inches in length and are distinguished by their small pincers and relatively thick tail.
2. The Deathstalker Scorpion
Known for its terrifying appearance and lethal venom, the Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) lives up to its name as one of the most dangerous scorpions in the world.
This speciesdelivers a potentially fatal sting that is excruciatingly painful. The poison causes high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and convulsions. The Deathstalker lives in the rocky landscapes of North Africa and the Middle East. Adults are 4.5 inches in length and identified by their pale yellow legs, light brown body, and dark spot before the stinger.
3. The Arizona Bark Scorpion
The Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is one of the most feared arachnids in North America because of its toxic venom. Adult males reach around 3 inches, and females 2.75 inches. Despite its minute size, this bark scorpion’s sting feels similar to an electric shock leading to severe pain, vomiting, and numbness.
Depending on the age and health of the individual, some experience convulsions and shortness of breath that can be fatal if left untreated. This species is light brown and lives in the deserts of the Southwest United States and Mexico. Interestingly, the Arizona Bark Scorpion will glow bright blue or green under UV light.
4. The Indian Red Scorpion
The small yet terrifying Indian Red Scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus) ranges in color from bright orange and brown to dark gray. This arachnid delivers a highly poisonous sting that causes heart irregularities, nausea, and pulmonary edema.
Often referred to as the Eastern Indian Scorpion, their sting can be fatal as it may result in respiratory failure. You’ll find the Indian Red Scorpion in India, Eastern Pakistan, and the lowlands of Nepal. Astonishingly, adult specimens can live for one year without food and water. They have tiny pincers compared to their thick tails, a clear indication of their potent venom.
5. The Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion
The Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus) is endemic to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, and Northwest Southern Africa. They are among the largest scorpions in the world belonging to the family Buthidae and are typically found burrowing under rocks and logs.
Transvaal Thicktail Scorpions can grow up to 6 inches in length and are one of South Africa’s most dangerous scorpions. The sting of a Transvaal Thicktail is neurotoxic and will lead to profuse sweating and ptosis (drooping eyelids) requiring antivenom treatment. They are brown to black and intimidate intruders by sound when running their sting across the ridges of their dorsal.
6. Arabian Fat-Tail Scorpion
The venom of the Arabian Fat-Tail Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) consists of cardiotoxins and neurotoxins that could be fatal if medical attention is not sought. Victims experience extreme pain and swelling at the site of the sting including internal bleeding, visual disturbances, and respiratory failure.
Arabian Scorpions live in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East reaching a length of 3.9 inches at maturity. These dangerous arachnids range in color from light brown and red to black.
7. Striped Bark Scorpion
The Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is the most common scorpion found in the United States and northern Mexico. Every year, this arachnid accounts for thousands of stings as it frequently makes its way into surrounding dwellings.
The neurotoxic venom of the Striped Bark Scorpion causes muscle spasms, but more severe cases present with nausea, trouble breathing, and vomiting. Anaphylactic shock has been reported in hypersensitive individuals. C. vittatus reaches a length of 2 ¾ inches and is identified by its yellow body and dark brown stripes.
8. Brazilian Yellow Scorpion
The menacing Brazilian Yellow Scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) is recognized for its extremely toxic venom. Found throughout Brazil, this lethal arachnid is responsible for the most scorpion envenomations in South America.
It delivers a potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the central nervous system causing fever, hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, and stomach pain. Brazilian Yellow Scorpions measure 2-3 inches in length and have pale yellow legs with a dark brown trunk and barb.
In conclusion, Thicktail Scorpions produce neurotoxic venom that affects the central nervous system and can lead to cardiovascular dysfunction and respiratory failure. Young children and the elderly are at extreme risk of medically significant and fatal symptoms when stung by these highly poisonous arachnids. The most dangerous scorpions in the world are some of nature’s most intriguing and magnificent creatures but are best avoided and left to their natural habitats at all costs.
