Deathstalker
Overview
The Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus) is a species of scorpion, a member of the Buthidae family. It is also known as the Israeli yellow scorpion, Omdurman scorpion, Naqab desert scorpion, and by other colloquial names. To eliminate confusion, especially important with potentially dangerous species, the scientific name is normally used to refer to them.
Description
The Deathstalker is one of the most dangerous species of scorpions. Its venom is a powerful mixture of neurotoxins, with a low lethal dose. While a sting from this scorpion is extraordinarily painful, it normally would not kill a healthy, adult human. Young children, the elderly, or infirm (such as those with a heart condition and those who are allergic) are at much greater risk. Any sting by this scorpion should be treated as a medical emergency.
Distribution and habitat
The Deathstalker is found in desert and scrubland habitats ranging from North Africa through to the Middle East and central Asia. They prefer a dry climate and are nocturnal creatures, hiding during the day under rocks or in burrows in the sand.
Behavior
The Deathstalker is a relatively small scorpion, and its behavior is adapted to its size. It is an ambush predator, waiting for prey to come near before striking. Its diet consists mainly of insects and spiders, but it can also take small vertebrates. The Deathstalker is a solitary creature, only coming together with others of its species to mate.
Venom
The venom of the Deathstalker scorpion is a potent cocktail of neurotoxins, with a high concentration of powerful fast-acting toxins, and is very painful. Despite the venom's potency, Deathstalker scorpions prefer to use their stingers for killing prey rather than for self-defense. When threatened, they prefer to escape, but will sting if cornered.
Medical significance
The venom of the Deathstalker scorpion is of medical interest because it contains two peptides, chlorotoxin and scyllatoxin, which have potential for use in cancer research. Chlorotoxin has been shown to bind to certain types of cancer cells, and is used in the development of a treatment for glioma, a type of brain cancer.