Gunning’s Rock Scorpion

A medium sized scorpion of around 8 cm with the tail extended. This species is usually black in colour often with a lighter telson (stinger).

Full name: Gunning’s Rock Scorpion (Hadogenes gunningi)

Classification: HARMLESS

A medium sized scorpion of around 8 cm with the tail extended. This species is usually black in colour often with a lighter telson (stinger).

It is known from the Magaliesberg Mountains and ridges around Gauteng, extending east along the Swartruggens mountains to Lobatse in Botswana. It lives in rock cracks in rocky areas, koppies and mountains, sometimes taking refuge in rock exfoliations.

It may be confused with other flat rock scorpions. The venom is of little importance to humans with a slight stinging sensation, less than a bee sting in strength.

Map indicating distribution of the Gunning’s Rock Scorpion in Southern Africa
African Snakebite Institute