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Opistophthalmus

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Genus of scorpions

Opistophthalmus
Tricolored burrowing scorpion
(O. glabifrons)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Scorpiones
Family: Scorpionidae
Subfamily: Scorpioninae
Genus: Opistophthalmus
Koch, 1837
Species

See text

Opistophthalmus is a genus of scorpions known commonly as burrowing scorpions, tricolored scorpions, serkets, or hissing scorpions. They are found predominantly in southern Africa. They are known for making deep and elaborate burrows.

Description

Opistophthalmus scorpions are typically heavily built for scorpions, and have broad, powerful claws (chelae). They vary in color from yellow through brown to black, usually with darker or lighter areas. The leg color is typically much lighter than the rest of the body.

  • O. pallipes female (left) and male (right) O. pallipes female (left) and male (right)

Species

Sources disagree on how many species are within the genus, but they number around 60:

In captivity

O. glabrifrons, O. wahlbergii, and O. boehmi are readily available in the exotic pet trade. They are generally hardy captives, but tend to have a nervous disposition and if set up properly with deep substrate, they are rarely seen, as they burrow and hide most of the time.

Toxicity

In southern Africa, thick-clawed scorpions belonging to the families Scorpionidae, Bothriuridae, and Ischnuridae, are generally assumed to be harmless. However, Opistophthalmus glabrifrons is an exception to the rule. Opistophthalmus species are burrowing scorpions, and probably never leave their burrows except when coming out to mate. This probably accounts for the timing and relative rarity of their stings.

References

Taxon identifiers
Opistophthalmus


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