Deathstalker
Leiurus quinquestriatus
- Leiurus quinquestriatus quinquestriatus
- Leiurus quinquestriatus hebraeus
The Yellow Mediterranean scorpion ( Leiurus quinquestriatus ) is a scorpion of the family of Buthidae. Through his poison with a LD50 value from 0.16 to 0.50 mg / kg, it is one of the most poisonous scorpions worldwide. It is also dangerous to humans, a bite can be fatal for children.
Features
The species reaches a length of up to 100 millimeters. Her body is straw yellow to yellow-orange. Characteristic of the style are five keels on tergites 1 and 2 of the mesosoma. The tergites 3-7 have the back three typical keels. The fifth segment of the metasoma is dark colored, in older animals, however, this feature can not be weak or strong.
Occurrence and life
The species is widespread in North Africa, Turkey and the Arabian Peninsula. She lives in dry desert areas of different soil conditions, but missing on sand dunes. The Yellow Mediterranean scorpion hiding in cracks and crevices and under stones.
Toxic effect
The effect of scorpion venom is based on various neurotoxins: Chlorotoxin, charybdotoxin, and Scyllatoxin Agitoxin type 1, 2 and 3 Chlorotoxin has been found in human medicine for the treatment of brain tumors.