Radiant Burrower

A large scorpion of around 11 cm with the tail extended. It is dark brown to light brown and even dark orange/yellow in colour with lighter legs. The back has yellow or orange thin bands across it. The pincers are pale brown to yellow with dark tips.

Full name: Radiant Burrower (Opistophthalmus carinatus)

Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS

A large scorpion of around 11 cm with the tail extended. It is dark brown to light brown and even dark orange/yellow in colour with lighter legs. The back has yellow or orange thin bands across it. The pincers are pale brown to yellow with dark tips.

It is found throughout the north western half of South Africa from the Karoo, through the Northern Cape and western Free State into the North-west and north into Namibia, Botswana and northern Zimbabwe.  It is found under rocks and the bark of dead trees. It is also active on warm nights.

It may be confused with other Burrower Scorpions. The sting of this species may cause pain but is not medically important.

Map indicating the distribution of the Radiant Burrower in Southern Africa.
African Snakebite Institute