Cape Thicktail Scorpion

A medium sized scorpion of around 10 cm with the tail extended. They are usually a pale orange or yellow colour, often with a darker last two segments of the tail. Pitch black individuals are common around Lambert’s Bay on the west coast.

Full name: Cape Thicktail Scorpion (Parabuthus capensis)

Classification: HIGHLY VENOMOUS

A medium sized scorpion of around 10 cm with the tail extended. They are usually a pale orange or yellow colour, often with a darker last two segments of the tail. Pitch black individuals are common around Lambert’s Bay on the west coast.

This species is known from the Western and Northern Cape provinces, usually sheltering under rocks and logs. It is easily confused with the Granulated Thicktail Scorpion and the Drab Thicktail Scorpion.

The venom of this species causes intense pain but has not resulted in human fatalities. Hospitalisation is advised. Antivenom is not effective against the sting of this species and treatment is symptomatic.

Map indicating distribution of the Cape Thicktail Scorpion in Southern Africa
African Snakebite Institute