Parabuthus villosus, the black hairy thick-tailed scorpion, is a species of scorpion from southern Africa, where it ranges from the Northern Cape to Namibia. It is the largest species of the Buthidae, measuring up to 18 cm, and its diet may include lizards and mice. The species is often active at dawn and dusk, but takes refuge by day in a variety of shelters. It resembles Parabuthus transvaalicus, which is more strictly nocturnal, less hairy and with a more easterly distribution.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Parabuthus spp Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Parabuthus transvaalicus — considered venomous
- Hottentotta gentili — considered venomous
- Androctonus liouvillei — venomous
- Hottentotta judaicus — considered venomous
- Parabuthus granulatus — considered venomous
- Orthochirus negebensis — venomous
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Scorpiones
- Family
- Buthidae
- Genus
- Parabuthus
- Species
- Parabuthus villosus
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