fattail scorpion
androctonus latin

The largest members are found among Androctonus (fattail scorpions), Apistobuthus, and Centruroides; and can reach a dozen cm (approximately 5 inches).

Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, one of the most dangerous groups of scorpions species in the world.

A handful of sometimes species-rich genera - fattail scorpions (Androctonus), Centruroides, Hottentotta,May include some Mesobuthus, like the Indian red scorpion (M. tamulus) Leiurus, Parabuthus and Tityus - are notorious for their strong venom.

Stings from Androctonus species are known to cause several human deaths each year.

Clearly, Androctonus scorpions should never be handled under any circumstances.

Several pharmaceutical companies manufacture an antivenom for treatment of Androctonus envenomations.

Along with other members of the genus Androctonus it is also known by the collective vernacular name fat-tailed scorpion.

As several other of the seven species of Androctonus currently known from Morocco, it is considered endemic.

The resistance of Androctonus to sandstorms is suspected to be due to the discovery of its odd exoskeleton surface.

A. maroccanus is distinct from most of the potentially sympatric, dark-colored species of Androctonus by its brighter coloration.

However, as it is the case in many other species of Androctonus, the presence of very potent toxins and a potential medical importance to humans can be anticipated.

KTX is a neurotoxin derived from the scorpion Androctonus mauretanicus mauretanicus, which is found in the Middle East and North Africa.

Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, one of the most dangerous groups of scorpions species in the world.

The scorpion shows the typical characteristics of the genus Androctonus including slender pedipalp chelae and a thick, robust metasoma with a proportionally large vesicle (bulbous part of telson containing the venom glands).

The name Androctonus australis is derived from the Greek word Androctonus (roughly translated as "man-killer") and the Latin word australis (translated as "south") which together translate as "southern man-killer".

Countries where Androctonus species live include: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Togo, Israel, India, Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Bahrain and Pakistan.