Something of interest to scorpion lovers

[Ravnos]

I picked up a new one yesterday... and to put things into perspective for you: LD50, that is Lethal Dose 50, means the amount of venom it took to kill 50% of the subject group, usually mice or rats. It is not really entirely accurate, its more of a way of gaining a relative toxicity scale so you know which animal has a more toxic venom. It doesn't take into average yield, size of the animal and so forth... but this scale is used pretty much for all venomous animals, including scorpions and snakes. The numbers vary a little as well, since different people do the test slightly different and they happen to have more of the test lot die... so the scale is really inaccurate - not to mention... there are different scales based on the severity of the bite, but the one most commonly used is subcutaneous. A bite just below the skin. I borrowed these numbers from the AU Venom & Toxin page.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: 18.5
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake: 14.6
King Cobra : 1.7
Green Mamba : 0.7
Spectacled Cobra : 0.45
Yellow Fat Tail Scorpion : 0.32

Anyway... to make a long story short, the last entry is what is of interest to scorpion fans. They are a nifty species, from Africa, the Middle East, even as far west as India. Often found near human habitations, in rock crevices and such. Definitely not a species you'll find in a pet shop, but none-the-less, fascinating animals.

Now for the kicker:


Hehehe. They do get up to around 4" though... but I just thought I'd alleviate some boredom with a big buildup and then a giggle. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Rav

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There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness.

[Ravnos]

Just messing around with my new macro.



Rav

_________________
There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness.

[BWSmith]

The sad part is that i have seen Flat Rock Scorpions in a pet shop. When i asked them about it they said "that is an Emporor Scorpion, it is not dangerous." [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] I had to go through some of their books to show them what it was! Some kid could had died because they do not know what they are ordering! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_evil.gif[/img]
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[Ravnos]

Flat Rock Scorpion venom is not actually considered to be a danger to humans. Its LD50 is rated at something like 1900. They rarely try to sting anyway, they are actually not really any more dangerous than Emperor Scorpions, which is why they are frequently found in pet shops. They are pretty good beginner scorpions, if set up properly. Like all arachnids, they really shouldn't be handled anyway.

Now if it was a Yellow Fat Tail Scorpion like my little guy, I'd definitely be on the pet store's case about it. They are not something that should be up for just anyone to walk in and buy. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Rav
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[ZerO]

yellow fat tail scorps are pretty cool, i like the black fat tail my self or the s.a. spitting scorp which can shoot a mist of its powerful venom up to 3 feet away, its venom is equivalent to the yellow fat tail, but if talking about hot scorps from what i'ved heard the israeli deathstalker is pretty scary too, heres a quote i read about the toxic level of the yellow fat tail though(A. Australius) '' with the upmost medicaly attention and with anti-venom availible, recovery is uneventful'', so whatever you do don't get stung, there is no antivenom for them in the usa and a full grown man will die in 2 hours after being stung, thats a scorp that has my respect---Jeff
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[Ravnos]

Oh trust me, I know about the potency of these guys. Even as small as he is, I'm wary - and he probably couldn't even break skin yet. I have a deathstalker on order, they are almost as fascinating as the fat tails. Scorpions are just such weird creatures... so primitive in appearance and their activity.

Rav
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[Dragonfly]

All I have had was a few Emporers. I loved them. Had 2 baby desart Hairy's but my cat knocked the tank over and ate them... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]
LOve the creaters though.
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[Blackwidow_woman]

[img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img] Scorps are cool,, Ive had some Emps. and some desert hairy.. they look really cool when set up right and then a black light on them..hehehehe!! But me im stickin to my Ts , my snakes and my frogs for now... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]


LIZZY, the golitah birdeater says( Mom i need a new boyfriend)..LOL!!
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[Spider_Richy]

The Androctonus Genus are nasty, be very carefull.
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