Deathstalker Scorpion

Deathstalker Scorpion

Description

You may have heard of the Israeli Yellow Scorpion but the real name of it is the Deathstalker Scorpion. Yet many feel that is a name that does nothing more than scare people. They definitely are deserving of such a name though. After all they are one of the most toxic in terms of what comes from their venom.

The sting is something that a person is never going to forget. The good news though is that many studies have occurred regarding the use of this venom for positive medical care. More studies have to be done though to see if it is really effective and if there are long term adverse effects that could occur.

The Deathstalker Scorpion is about 4 inches in size for the females and the males are about 3 inches. They may both be slightly smaller though depending on the location where they are found.

They have a very strange color to them too. Many people think they look like toys due to the elastic looking yellow or green coloring. They have limbs that are thin and lanky which is very different from the thick and stalky ones that other species of Scorpions display.

You will find that the coloration of the Scorpions depend on where they live. The goal is for them to be able to blend into their surroundings and to be as undetected as possible. This is a type of mechanism that has been part of Scorpion evolution for thousands of years.

They do have large pinchers but they aren’t very powerful. That is why they have to immediately engage the stinger when they are holding prey or they will end up losing it. Many people assume that their  pinchers are stronger due to the size but many studies by experts indicate this isn’t the case.

Behavior

This can be a very aggressive type of Scorpion. They tend to get very nervous and agitated when they are in captivity. That combined with their powerful venom adds up to many locations banning them. There are some areas that will allow them but only with a special license in place. This often limits where they can have them and how many they can have.

Habitat and Distribution

Both the Middle East and North Africa are where you will find the Deathstalker Scorpion living in their natural habitat. They are also well known in regions of Ethiopia, Egypt, and Algeria. They are able to successfully adapt to a variety of changes that take place in their environment.

This is one species of Scorpion that does need high levels of humidity. They do very well in areas that offer at least 40% or more humidity. They also need a temperature that is at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the dangers of keeping this Scorpion in captivity is that it may be too dry or too cold for them. If you decide you would like to own one of them then you need to take the time to make sure they can thrive well in your given location.

Diet and Feeding Habits

For those living in the wild, the main source of the diet is from crickets. When they are in captivity they may be fed that, grasshoppers, or meal worms. They will eat what they can get though when they are in the wild. They do prefer living things though to those they come upon that are already dead.

Reproduction

Molting has to occur about 7 times before this species of Scorpion is able to successfully mate. That can mean they are about 6 years of age when it occurs. The females get to decide who they will mate with. She may have several males that come calling but not all of them will be accepted.

There are various forms of rituals that they will take part in to see if mating will occur. If the female is agitated she may eat him or at least run him off. If he can get her involved in relaxing dances though there is a better chance that he will remain safe and that she will mate with him.

It takes from 2 up to 5 months from mating for the young to arrive. There will be about 30 of them at once. They make the short climb from their mother’s legs up to her back. There they will remain as a group for several weeks. They have to go into the molting process before she will get them off her back. Then they will have to go find their own food and habitat.

Since they only have an average life span of about 5 years many of them never make it long enough to mate. Those that do will typically only be able to do so once before their own life is over.

Venomous Bite or Danger to Humans

The sting from the Deathstalker Scorpion is painful but few people die from it. Studies show that those with allergies or heart issues though are at the greatest risk of death. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent the lungs from filling up with fluid that can cut off the flow of air.

Bite Treatment or Care

Due to the extremely powerful venom of the Deathstalker Scorpion you should seek immediate medical attention. There is an anti venom that can be administered and the sooner it is offered the better. In fact, many medical facilities out there will have it on hand if this type of Scorpion is known to reside locally.

On the way to the hospital ice should be applied to the area consistently. This will allow for the swelling to have less time to progress. Children may need help holding this in place. Many people suffer from drowsiness so it isn’t a good idea to drive yourself to the hospital for treatment.

Pain medications is also given in order to help subdue the patient. The fact that the swelling can be a huge problem is also why forms of antihistamines are given. Some people find that it takes them months to fully recover. They may feel fatigue, headaches that are severe, and even joint pain. These symptoms should subside in time but be ready for them to linger.

There are some individuals with a severe allergic reaction to this particular type of venom. They will suffer from swelling that moves very rapidly through the body. This can result in the airways being cut off if medication isn’t administered. That is why it is wise to get treatment quickly.

When possible the Scorpion should be taken to the doctor with you. If that isn’t possible though do your best to give a full description of it. That can help them to determine which methods of treatment to offer. Since different Scorpions have different variations of the venom there is no anti venom that works for all Scorpion bites.

The severity of the reaction though can vary. Some people have one or two mild or severe symptoms. Other people have an array of symptoms but they aren’t bad. A quick assessment has to be made by the medical staff. They will likely wish to keep the patient for observation for the first 48 hours after treatment.