DELTASION.com – Scorpions are easy to spot because of their distinctive
shape with pincers in front and a curved tail with stinger behind. They are
part of the arachnid class because they have eight legs. There are about 2,000
species of scorpions that can be found in various places around the world,
except Antarctica.
Most scorpions are quite small, which is about 6 cm. However, there are
several species that have a body size far above average. This time, we will
discuss what are the largest scorpion species in the world
1. Giant forest scorpion
Giant forest scorpion is a species of scorpion that is much larger than
scorpions in general. They have an average length of between 11 and 13 cm, but
some can grow up to 23 cm. They also have enlarged feeding claws and a tail
with a venomous stinger at the end. The Giant Forest Scorpion has a black
exoskeleton and glows brightly under ultraviolet light.
They have poor eyesight. To hunt, they use their sense of touch in the form of
hairs found all over their body to detect vibrations through the ground or
air.
Described on the Happy Hollow Park Zoo page, these animals are nocturnal or
actively hunt at night. They live independently and generally only come
together to mate.
They spend most of their time in the underground burrows they dig. When
feeling threatened, scorpions will use their open claws and curved tail to
confront them.
2. Rock scorpions
Rock scorpion has a length of 21 cm and is one of the largest scorpions in the
world, quoted on the A-Z Animals page. This scorpion is found in South Africa
and lives in rocks.
This scorpion has a flat body that allows it to enter between rocks. The Rock
Scorpion has a dark brown body with a lighter back and a much thinner tail
than other scorpions. Despite its massive size, this scorpion’s venom is
relatively weak and only feels like a bee sting.
3. Emperor scorpions
Described on the Oregon Zoo page, the emperor scorpion lives in the
rainforests of West Africa. This is one of the largest scorpions in the world
with a length of 25 to 30.5 cm. These animals can live up to 8 years old.
Emperor scorpions are nocturnal animals and use the sensory hairs on their
bodies to hunt because they have poor eyesight. Adults eat insects that live
in the ground and small animals, while young scorpions eat fruit flies and
small crickets.
4. Giant hairy scorpion
As the name suggests, the giant hairy scorpion is large and has many sensory
hairs that help detect prey. This scorpion has a size between 10 to 18 cm,
making it the largest scorpion in North America.
They have a dark body, while the legs, claws and tail are dull yellow.
Described on the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation page, its large claws are
used to catch and crush prey, and its tail is used to sting if necessary.
These scorpions have a varied diet and prey on organisms of similar size, such
as lizards, insects, and occasionally small mammals. Their predators are
larger vertebrates, such as owls and large lizards, and sometimes by other
competing species of scorpions.
5. Malaysian forest scorpion
The Malaysian forest scorpion is a species of large black scorpion that
closely resembles the emperor scorpion in appearance. Malaysian forest
scorpion is one of the largest scorpions with an average length of about 16
cm.
Described on the Animal-World page, this scorpion is found in a wide range in
Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia and most of Thailand. They reach sexual
maturity at 4 years of age and have an average life span of about 7 to 8
years.
6. Transvaal fat-tailed scorpion
The transvaal fat-tailed scorpion is one of the largest scorpions in the
Buthidae family, reaching up to 14 cm in length. They have a dark brown to
black body, thick tail, and thin pincers.
According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute website, the
transvaal fat-tailed scorpion is considered one of the most poisonous
scorpions in southern Africa. The venom is neurotoxic and can be fatal to
humans if left untreated.
7. Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion
The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion has a black body and red claws. Some may
also show a slight red tinge to their back. They generally grow to a size of
around 9-12.5 cm.
Described on the Exotic Pets page, this scorpion lives in the humid rainforest
of Tanzania, Africa. They like to hide under rocks, fallen logs, or in shallow
burrows. You need to be careful when dealing with tanzanian red-clawed
scorpions because they like to sting.
If you accidentally meet these scorpions, you might be shocked. However, they
actually do not sting unless they feel threatened. So, if you encounter a
scorpion in the wild, it is best to leave it immediately. On the other hand,
if you find one at home, it’s best to get rid of it.