Pest Library

Characteristics

The family Buthidae has over 800 species worldwide. This scorpion can be easily recognized by its nearly triangular sternum. Since the Buthidae family belongs to the largest species of scorpions, their sizes vary from very large, mid-sized to very small ones. Largest species can range to 2 inch long while the smallest can just be 4/5 inch in length. Most species have between two and five pairs of eyes. Colors can vary from ochre to brown, but there are those who are colored black, and some have brighter color.

Habitat

The genus buthid is broadly distributed in North America and Mexico, but can be found throughout the world, except for Antarctica. They are found in warm climates and just use incidental forms of shelter, like a dense undergrowth, loose bark, leaf-litter, spaces between logs, and beneath stones. They do not burrow. They can be widely distributed in gardens and parks and they can sometimes wander around homes and buildings because they are good climbers.

Behavior

This family is known for their strong venom. Although they have strong venom, they are not aggressive unless they are threatened. The tail of the scorpion is its most powerful weapon that can sting their prey and kill it within seconds.

Food

They like to prey on small invertebrates, but lizards and mice will also suffice.

Life Cycle

The behavior towards reproduction of a female and male scorpion starts with a cautious interaction. Starting cautiously will allow them to do the courtship dance that will test each other’s intentions. But, even while they act cautiously, the female and the male will not actually couple with each other. The male will instead just leave his sperm on the substrate of the female. The female will then take this and put it in her genital tract. Once this is done, the two scorpions will part ways.

A female can have at least 26 to 91 young per litter. This family of scorpions is different from arachnids when laying their eggs because they give birth to their young just like humans do. Once the little scorpions are out, they will still stay with their mother for protection and nourishment, until the time that they can do it on their own.

Other Information and Tips

The family Buthidae is a highly adaptable scorpion, which is why they are distributed widely. They can adapt well to human-shaped environments, which can bring alarm once they are found indoors. Some of these scorpions can be lethally dangerous since their venom can be toxic to humans. If scorpions are found around your premises, do not come near them. Scorpions are known to shy away and retreat to their shelters, if they find even the slightest disturbance. Better have a professional pest control specialist in your area to better assess the situation.

Photo: Buthus occitanus. Buthidae by gailhampshire, used under CC BY 2.0 / resized from original