A small scorpion of under 4.5 cm with the tail extended. This species is usually dark grey to brown with light yellow legs, tail and pincers.
Full name: Plain Pygmy-Thicktail (Pseudolychas ochraceus)
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
A small scorpion of under 3.5 cm with the tail extended.
This species is usually dark grey to brown with lighter legs, tail and pincers. In some parts of its range, it is an all-female population and reproduces via parthenogenesis.
It is probably the most commonly encountered scorpion in houses in Gauteng. It occurs north into Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-west and south into the Free State. There are introduced populations in the Eastern and Western Cape.
This common species occurs under debris such as logs, leaves and rocks. It also ventures into houses. It may play dead if disturbed.
The venom is of little consequence to humans and stings, although painful, are not medically important.
