![]() How can scorpions cope with this barren environment? Why do they want to live in such a dry area? Obviously there is something. The density of scorpions in the desert is much higher than in any other place in the world. Is there a reason you study scorpions here, in the middle of the Namib desert? Opistophthalmus holmi: A small tail and big arms means this scorpion is not quite venomous Image: Rainer Dückerhoff If the tail is much bigger than the pedipalps, they don't have to hold their prey, it succumbs to the potency of venom. If those are much bigger than the tail, that means they don't have potent venom and they use the strength of their arms to subdue their prey. Yes, if you look at the pedipalps, which are their arms. If you get stung by a scorpion and you don't know the species, is there a way to find out if it was a venomous or non-venomous one? Young animals like showing off what they’ve got. That's especially true for the young ones. Those will give you a full dose - just because they can. But there is always one or two of the same species that are more aggressive than the others. It also depends on their personality whether they give you a full dose or just a dry sting. Only if you corner it too much will it give you a full dose of venom to immobilize you, so it can run away. Usually, if you’re just handling a scorpion and it doesn't want to be handled, it just gives you a swipe but doesn't inject you the venom. ![]() To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video How is it non-fatal when a big, venomous scorpion stings you? But we scorpion researchers are lucky - it never really becomes fatal for us. Almost every scorpion researcher has been stung by a dangerous scorpion at one point. Still, I sometimes handle my scorpions just with two fingers - even though I know I shouldn't. It can go straight into your eyes and is very painful. Those scorpions also spray venom like a spitting cobra does. Unfortunately, tweezers are not strong enough to hold the big scorpions. I normally use scorpion-handling gloves or grab them with biological tweezers. How do you handle such venomous scorpions? Their venom can be up to five times more potent than that of a Cape Cobra. They’re quite difficult to handle - we always have to exercise caution. They're highly venomous and up to 20 centimeters long. They’re notorious in this area of Namibia. Martin Handjaba: We had two black ones, called Parabuthus villosus. Handjaba, what was the most dangerous scorpion species you’ve held in your lab?
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