BURROWING • OPISTOPHTHALMUS

Burrowing scorpions usually forage on the surface in the area immediately around their burrows.  Most activities such as birth and maternal care, moulting, and feeding take place in the burrow. For this reason Opistophthalmus females are unlikely to be encountered, but males may be seen during the mating season when they abandon their burrows in search of a female. Humans are therefore rarely stung by burrowing scorpions.

Stings from Opistophthalmus are more painful than those of the Hormurids, with localised pain and swelling lasting for up to a week. There have also been several reports of mild systemic reactions lasting for 8-24 hrs.

– Dr. Moira Fitzpatrick –

Curator, Natural History Museum, Bulawayo

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