Full name: Hairy Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus villosus)
Classification: VERY DANGEROUS
One of the largest scorpions of the genus of around 18 cm in length with the tail extended. In South Africa they are usually dark brown or black, but up into Namibia they can have yellow legs. This species has visible hairs on the tail and body that are usually lighter brown.
It lives under rocks, but unlike other scorpions, can also be found active during the day or evenings. It is known from around Augrabies, Aggeneys and the Richtersveld, going north into Namibia.
It is similar to the Granulated Thicktail Scorpion but has obvious hairs. The sting of this species causes pain and should be treated in a hospital. Antivenom is not effective for the sting of this species.
Map showing distribution of the Hairy Thicktail Scorpion in Southern Africa.
