In this week’s venomous creature feature we are sticking with the scorpions. Being the summer months, and after getting some recent rain the scorpions have been active. I have been receiving almost daily requests for identifications, as well as getting regular reports of people being stung, so be sure to read to the end of this article for some useful tips on how to reduce your risk of being stung.
In this article we will have a closer look at the olive lesser-thicktail scorpion. A species that it seems is often mistaken for the highly venomous Transvaal thicktail scorpion due to its colouration and relatively thick tail. They are also very similar in appearance to the golden-green, lesser thicktail scorpion (Uroplectes flavoviridis) and these two species can be very difficult to distinguish apart from each other.
Olive lesser-thicktail scorpions are small scorpions that average about 5cm in length with the tail extended. The body colouration varies from black to bluish black. The legs and pincers are banded with light yellow to orange bands. The tips of the pincers and the legs joints are usually yellow to orange in colour.
This species occurs in the far north-eastern part of South Africa, throughout the Lowveld, extending into south-eastern Zimbabwe and into southern Mozambique. They are not that discerning when it comes to choosing a shelter and may be found under any manner of available surface debris such as rocks, leaf litter, loose bark and building materials. They are known to find their way into shoes, clothing, and bedding. Consequently, they are responsible for a fair number of envenomations each year. Fortunately, although they have a painful sting, it is not considered medically significant and stings are treated symptomatically.
Interestingly ….
Scorpions are very interesting creatures. Most southern African scorpion species have eight eyes – two median eyes and two groups of three lateral eyes located at the front corners of the carapace. Scorpions do not have lungs like mammals. Instead, they have four pairs of book lungs, so named because they resemble the pages in a book. During courtship behaviour males may manoeuvre the female 25m or more. After mating the male departs or is sometimes eaten by the female. Gestation periods vary from just a few months to up to as much as 18 months in some species! The young stay with the female up until their first moult. She carries them around on her back and can be very defensive of her young.
Reducing your risk of being stung
Always use a torch when walking around at night and wear closed shoes. Shake out shoes before putting them on, particularly if they have been left outside for any length of time. Always be conscious of where you are placing your hands. Whether it is grabbing some wood off the wood pile for your Friday afternoon braai, or moving those storage boxes in the garage, wearing gloves when performing these kinds of tasks will offer an additional layer of protection. Remember to shake out any items of clothing, towels, bags or any other kind of materials that may have been left lying on the ground. Keep doors and screen doors closed particularly at night to prevent scorpions from entering your home. There are often gaps under doors and it is very beneficial to fit aluminium door seals (draft stoppers) with the rubber strip to prevent scorpions and snakes from entering under the door. We live in an area where many homes and lodges have outdoor entertainment areas. It is advisable to always check patio furniture thoroughly before use.
For more information on venomous animals, awareness training and talks as well as a professional 24hrs problem snake rescue service, contact the author at Wildlife Safety Solutions: 073 934 6156; info@wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za; www.wildlifesafetysolutions.co.za.
