Pakistan is home to a diverse population of scorpions, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The medically significant species belong to the family Buthidae, which includes some of the world's most venomous scorpions.
Highly venomous species
Androctonus robustus (Fat-tailed scorpion): Nicknamed "man killer," its potent neurotoxin venom can be fatal. It is part of the dangerous Androctonus genus, and a specimen was found in the Cholistan Desert in 2022. Other Androctonus species are also found in Pakistan, including A. finitimus and the black fat-tailed scorpion, A. bicolor.
Hottentotta tamulus (Indian red scorpion): Considered one of the most dangerous scorpion species globally, it is common in parts of India, eastern Pakistan, and Nepal. Its highly potent venom can cause severe pain, convulsions, and sometimes death, with many stings reported in rural areas.
Other notable species
Odontobuthus odonturus: This yellow scorpion species is found in various regions, including Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It prefers arid, sparsely vegetated areas and digs individual burrows.
Mesobuthus eupeus: A small, gray scorpion, a subspecies of this type has been recorded in Sindh and Punjab.
Mesobuthus cyprius: Identified in the Pishin district of Balochistan, this species has a yellowish-brown color.
Orthochirus species: These small to medium-sized black scorpions are distributed in Balochistan, often inhabiting sandy, muddy, or forested areas.
Scorpiops pseudomontanus: Found in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Deccanometrus latimanus: Also recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Habitats and behavior
Nocturnal activity: Most scorpions in Pakistan are nocturnal, hunting for prey at night. Researchers use ultraviolet (UV) lamps to find and collect them, as their exoskeletons fluoresce.
Shelter seeking: During the day, scorpions hide under rocks, in tree bark, within crevices in walls, or in burrows to avoid predators and the heat.
Regional distribution:
Scorpions thrive in Pakistan's diverse climates.
Punjab: Species like Hottentotta tamulus are found in both rural settlements and sandy areas, while Androctonus finitimus and Odontobuthus odonturus inhabit drier regions.
Balochistan: Provinces like Pishin and areas of Balochistan provide ideal ecological conditions for a wide assortment of scorpions, including several Androctonus species.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Areas like Kohat, Peshawar, and Mardan have also been studied for their scorpion fauna.
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