Scorpions: Stingers of the Lowland Sands and High Wadis
- Mattar Al Muhairy
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 24
Of all the arachnids, scorpions are by far the most feared and fascinating. Coming in different shapes, sizes, and toxicity levels, they’ve survived, adapted, and spread across the globe since their ancestors first appeared more than 400 million years ago. In ancient societies, they were feared as gods, demons, and deadly nuisances. But today, they have proven their worth as agricultural pest control agents, medically important research subjects, and even exotic pets.
Most of the scorpions in the UAE belong to the family Buthidae. Buthids have a pear or teardrop shaped body with diverse claw and tail sizes. The members of the family Scorpionidae, on the other hand, are mostly uniform in shape, with cucumber like bodies, thick claws, and typically thin tails. They are represented here by the genera Nebo and Hemiscorpius.
The genus Scorpio is considered the least toxic in the Gulf, with two species recorded in Qatar but not yet verified in the UAE, further investigation and research are required.
It’s important to note that claw and tail sizes are not reliable indicators of danger. This method may work in some countries but not others. A general knowledge of the local species is more helpful in that regard.
Most Arabian species are considered generally toxic; hence, campers, hikers, and farmers are advised to approach them with adequate knowledge, care, and respect. Three genera are considered among the deadliest in the world, with recorded fatalities: Androctonus, Leiurus, and Hemiscorpius.
The most common is the Arabian Fat-tail (Androctonus crassicauda). The Latin name Androctonus roughly translates to "man killer"! Another well-known icon is the Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), which has recently been split into multiple species across the Middle East. The Arabian Deathstalker (Leiurus arabicus) may be present in our deserts but requires further verification.
Lesser known but far more difficult to treat medically is Hemiscorpius, known as Gadim or “ancient” in Persian and Arabic. It is represented by two species: Hemiscorpius arabicus and the recently described Hemiscorpius flagelliraptor. Unlike most species that rely on painful, fast-acting neurotoxins, Hemiscorpius venom is a painless, slow-acting cytotoxin that can lead to tissue damage and delayed symptoms. Antivenom is not yet available, but development is underway in some countries.
Populations most at risk from scorpion envenomation include farmers, campers, construction workers, wildlife conservationists, military personnel, children, and the elderly. Recommended precautions include:
Wearing appropriate footwear
Setting up sleeping or picnic spots elevated from the ground
Avoiding inserting hands into burrows
Being cautious when moving rocks, wood, or hay bales
Avoiding provoking or attempting to kill scorpions
Checking personal items and shoes thoroughly
Storing items out of reach of crawling creatures
This brief article will explore the diversity of our more common local species across different habitats, hoping to inspire a sense of wonder and reduce fear of the unknown. After all, there is a place and role for both humans and scorpions in the grand workings of our planet.
Common UAE Scorpions
Shield Tail (Apistobuthus pterygocercus): The longest desert species. Identified by the enlarged second tail segment it’s named after.
Arabian Fat-tail (Androctonus crassicauda): The largest and most venomous desert species, also the most commonly encountered. Color varies from black to light maroon or brown. Identified by thick tail segments.
Thick Pincer (Vachoniolus globimanus): The most common yellow species. It is the only genus in which males and females display different pincer sizes—only males have thick pincers. Females are often confused with other species. Both sexes may have a dark sting and tail tip, further confusing them with the Black Sting scorpion.
Black Sting (Buthacus nigroaculeatus): Instantly recognizable by its black sting and last tail segment.
Arabian Sharp Ribbed (Compsobuthus arabicus): The smallest desert species, often confused with juveniles of other scorpions. Named after the ridged plates on its abdomen.
Oman Nebo (Nebo omanensis): One of the region's largest scorpions, usually black or brown. Can be identified by a small tooth or spike before the sting.
Black-tailed Alligator Back (Hottentotta jayakari): A bi-colored species, from yellow to dark brown or black. Often found in large numbers and may shelter in palm trees, sometimes ending up in plantations outside their typical range. May play a similar environmental role as the Fat-tail in its own range.
Arabian Gadim (Hemiscorpius arabicus): The most venomous mountain species. Ghostly pale to yellow. Males have thinner tails. Least studied. No antivenom available.
Sharp Ribbed (Compsobuthus maindroni): Yellow to light brown. Small and common, identified by a red sting. Often mistaken for juveniles of other species.
Pillar-tailed (Orthochirus glabrifrons): The smallest black scorpion, with light yellow tips on claws and legs.
References and Further Reading
Hellyer, P. & Aspinall, S. (2005). The Emirates: A Natural History, Trident Press.
Stockmann, R. & Ythier, E. (2010). Scorpions of the World, N.A.P. Editions.
Kovařík, F. (2009). Illustrated Catalogue of Scorpions, Parts I & II, Clairon Productions.
Dupré, G. (2024). Checklist of Asian Scorpions, Asian Society of Arachnology. Link
Pedersen, T. P. & Al Ali, A. (2022). UAE Scorpions and Spiders, UAE Birding. Link
Euscorpius Journal: Free access to latest research. Link
Kloss, B. & Bruce, T. (2013). Toxicology in a Box, McGraw-Hill Education / Medical.
Drawings © Vladimir Timokhanov
Updated and Verified UAE Scorpion List (2025)
Arabian Fat-tail – Androctonus crassicauda
Shield Tail – Apistobuthus pterygocercus
Black Sting – Buthacus nigroaculeatus
Butheolus hallani
Arabian Ribbed – Compsobuthus arabicus
Compsobuthus maindroni
Compsobuthus birulai
Compsobuthus nematodactylus
Compsobuthus setosus
Tooth-tailed Digger – Odontobuthus brevidigitus
Iran Alligator Back – Hottentotta jayakari
Oman Alligator Back – Hottentotta salei
Thick Pincer – Vachoniolus globimanus
Vachoniolus batinahensis
Vachoniolus williamsi
Pillar Tail – Orthochirus glabrifrons
Arabian Gadim – Hemiscorpius arabicus
Hemiscorpius flagelliraptor
Nebo omanensis
Synonyms
Buthacus yotvatensis nigroaculeatus / Buthacus nigroaculeatus
Butheolus pallidus / Butheolus hallani
Vachoniolus minipectinibus / Vachoniolus globimanus
Compsobuthus lowei / Compsobuthus setosus
Buthotus jayakari / Hottentotta jayakari
Scorpio maurus / Scorpio arabicus
Unverified, Possibly Present
Vachoniolus gallagheri
Scorpio arabicus
Scorpio kruglovi
Arabian Deathstalker – Leiurus arabicus
Hemiscorpius maindroni
Hemiscorpius falcifer
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