Deathstalker
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| Leiurus quinquestriatus Ehrenberg, 1829 |
The deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), is a species of scorpion, a member of the Buthidae family. It is also known as Omdurman scorpion, Israeli desert scorpion and numerous other colloquial names, which generally originate from the commercial captive trade of the animal. To eliminate confusion, especially with potentially dangerous species, the scientific name is normally used to refer to them. The name Leiurus quinquestriatus roughly translates into English as "five-striped smooth-tail". Other species of the genus Leiurus are often referred to as "deathstalkers" as well.
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[edit] Description
L. quinquestriatus is straw yellow in color, and can grow 3.5 to 4.5 inches (9 to 11.5 cm) in length. As can be seen from the photograph, it is comparatively lightly built compared to other scorpions, with a long thin tail and slender pedipalps. Note that the dark segment on the tail is sometimes faint or even missing, which can complicate identification.
[edit] Geographic range
L. quinquestriatus can be found in desert and scrubland habitats ranging from North Africa through to the Middle East. Countries where it lives include Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman,Iran, Pakistan, Quatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
[edit] Venom
The deathstalker is regarded as a highly dangerous species because its venom is a powerful cocktail of neurotoxins, with a correspondingly low LD50 rating. Fortunately, while a sting from this scorpion would be extremely painful, it would be unlikely to kill an otherwise healthy, adult human. However, young children, the old, or infirm (such as those with a heart condition) would be at much greater risk. Additionally, any envenomation runs the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to the venom. If a sting from Leiurus quinquestriatus does prove fatal, the cause of death is usually pulmonary edema. The German pharmaceutical company Twyford and the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur both make an antivenin intended for the treatment of deathstalker envenomations.
One component of the deathstalker's venom, the peptide chlorotoxin, has shown potential for treating human brain tumors 1. There has also been some evidence to show that other components of the venom may aid in the regulation of insulin, and could be used to treat diabetes.
Neurotoxins in L.quinquestriatus venom include the following:
- Chlorotoxin
- Charybdotoxin
- Scyllatoxin
- Agitoxins type 1, 2 and 3
[edit] In captivity
Despite the inherent danger in keeping such a highly venomous species as a pet, so-called "Deathstalker" scorpions are readily available in the exotic pet trade. They make hardy captives, and feed readily on commercially available crickets. They tend to be a nervous and aggressive species, only recommended for the most experienced of arachnid keepers. As with any dangerous scorpion, a potential L.quinquestriatus keeper should think very carefully before acquiring one because its sting may have serious consequences which extend beyond the obvious risks of serious injury or death. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the keeper lives, some form of licence or insurance policy may be required in order to possess a dangerous scorpion. Extra precautions must be taken to ensure that the scorpion cannot escape.
