A by-catch of 25 scorpions representing four species was recorded. We also monitored our traps and searches for solifugae (camel or sun spiders) and mygalomorphae (baboon and trapdoor spiders) but no specimens of either were recorded.
The scorpions recorded belonged to two families, the Scorpionidae, which contains fairly bulky, large-clawed, relatively non-lethal to harmless species, and the Buthidae, which contains slender-clawed species, and most of the medically important scorpions of Africa, if not the World.
Scorpionidae:
Opistophthlamus carinatus - Carinate burrowing scorpion
A large semi-fossorial scorpion with large pedipalps (claws) that demonstrates sexual dimorphism whereby males are smaller with usually slenderer claws, and a tail (metasoma) longer than the combined body (mesosoma) and jaws and claws (prosoma), while the claws are broad, and the tail is shorter than the body/head in the female. Common across reserve, 10 specimens collected.
Uroplatus carinatus - Common lesser thick-tailed scorpion
Sexes can be separated by the condition of the basal pectinal teeth, broad in females. Stings are painful but not usually fatal. The most frequently encountered scorpion, 12 specimens were found in the Allen Dam drift fence.
Uroplatus planimanus - Broad-clawed lesser thick-tailed scorpion
Females of this species can be separated from the former species by their sickle-shaped basal pectinal teeth and both species possess broader claws than other species in the genus. Stings are painful but not usually fatal. Two specimens were found in the Allan Dam drift fence.
Parabuthus kraepelini - Namibian thick-tailed scorpion
The most dangerous scorpion found during the survey, a single specimen was collected at the reserve airport. The thick-tailed scorpions have slender claws and enlarged tails with powerful telsons (stings).
