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Indian red scorpion

The Deadly Indian Red Scorpion

  • 10 September, 2020
  • Critterman
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  • 3257 Views
  • 11 Likes
Daily Critter Facts, Arachnid Facts, Arthropod Facts

The Indian red scorpion, aka eastern Indian scorpion, is thought by many to be the world’s deadliest known scorpion. Their fatality rate is, by far, the highest of any other known scorpion species. However, these arachnids aren’t out for blood. They only want to eat other bugs and to be left alone. However, step on one or start poking around with one and you’ll definitely get the dirty end of the stick. You can find these dangerous critters in India, eastern Pakistan, the eastern lowlands of Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

First the Stats…

Scientific name: Hottentotta tamulus
Length: Up to 3.5 inches
Lifespan: Up to 5 years

Now on to the Facts!

1.) Indian red scorpions are able to survive for up to a year without food or water.

2.) Just like all scorpions, these critters are nocturnal (active at night).

3.) Like all scorpions, Indian reds will fluoresce under a black light and the full moon light.

4.) Without antivenom, you have a chance of dying within 72 hours of being stung.

5.) Most victims are children.

But wait, there’s more on the Indian red scorpion!

6.) Antivenom has very little effect in clinical treatment. However, the use of prazosin reduces the mortality rate to less than 4%. But there is still that 4%.

7.) Their venom primarily attacks the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. This ultimately leads to a pulmonary oedema and potential death.

Did you know…?
The fatality rate of an untreated Indian red scorpion sting is up to 40%! This, of course, depends on the individual stung and their particular reaction. But still… 40%!

8.) They prey primarily on insects. However, they will also eat spiders and other scorpions. Sometimes they will even be bold enough to take on amphibians, reptiles, and rodents.

9.) As with many scorpions, the males will grasp the females by their pedipalps and perform a courtship “dance”. The male will then place a spermatophore on the ground and position the female over it to inseminate her. Then the male leaves to avoid being potentially eaten.

10.) Females give live birth up to as many as 20 or more scorplings. These young will camp out on mom’s back up until their second molt. Then they part ways.

Now a Short Indian Red Scorpion Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel. Videos added frequently!

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arachnidAsiaIndiaIndian red scorpionNepalPakistanred scorpionscorpionSri Lankastingvenomvenomous
Critterman

With over 50 years of critter experience to my credit and hundreds of zoology teaching hours to people around the world, I have amassed not only a continuing thirst for critter knowledge but a desire to teach others all I can about the majesty and wonder of our natural world. Critter Science is a culmination of such knowledge. I have hands on as well as book acquired intel on all kinds of critters. Whether they're on land, sea, or in the air. I will never say that I know everything about all animals. That's impossible, even for a savant. But, that being said, ask me any animal question and I'll answer it. If I don't know the answer, I'll get an answer for you!

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