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Giant forest scorpion

Heterometrus swammerdami ??

Photo by sunnyjosef
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

A Large, aggressive scorpion with robust build. May be the biggest scorpion. This scorpions are mainly seen during excavation work as they prefer to stay in underground burrows during day. preys on insects and spiders. Even though usually not fatal, does have a very potent sting. Prefer to catch prey with their very strong claws and once they get a good hold, the prey has a very slim chance of escape before the mandibles begins to do their work. They florescence a bright turquoise under U V light. The last picture shows some florescence as I took it by mobile which some how was able to get it.
Size about 18 cm including the tail.

Habitat:

Spotted during farming work, when soil was excavated.

Reference Links:

Heterometrus swammerdami - Wikipedia

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (26)
sunnyjosef
Thanks again Mark, Danielle and Antonio...and Mark, I am almost sure of the Id but not 100 percent. Sadly we have still a long way before perfecting the I d of small creatures.
AntónioGinjaGinja
Great spotting Sunny,perfect series,congrats on the well deserved SOTW and thanks for sharing your amazing spottings
DanielePralong
You're welcome Sunny. We are the ones grateful for your contributions here! In our social media announcement you will have noticed I left it at genus level as you seem not 100% confident this is swammerdami. Any other possibilities for Kerala?
sunnyjosef
This is a great honour for me... Thank you Danielle and other Project Noah rangers for selecting this as spotting of the week...
DanielePralong
Congratulations Sunny, your giant forest scorpion has been voted Spotting of the Week! Your great shots showing multiple angles of the scorpion together with interesting notes won you the vote. We hope this helps our public learn more about scorpions. "Strike a pose! This impressive Giant Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus sp.) has been voted Spotting of the Week. The genus Heterometrus comprises some of the largest living species of scorpions, with Heterometrus swammerdami reaching 23 cm (9 inches) in length. All scorpions (order Scorpiones) have a venomous stinger, but of the 1,000+ known species of scorpion, only 25 posses venom that is deadly to humans. Giant forest scorpions are only mildly venomous, and can crush their preys with their large pincers. Their low toxicity makes them popular pets. This one is wild though! " Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/pb.10150120463815603.-2207520000.1520813357./10160164753120603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/972985464364896256
sunnyjosef
Thank you Ashley and Project Noah team for this nomination..
AshleyT
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
sunnyjosef
Mark and maplemoth..... Thanks again.
maplemoth662
Photo No. 1: is a beautiful photo, of a powerful scorpion....
maplemoth662
Photo No. 1: is a beautiful, strong, powerful photo....
Mark Ridgway
Super spotting Sunny.. I agree with Sergio; that second photo is magical.
maplemoth662
Five, interesting photos....five, educational photos....
sunnyjosef
Thank you Oscar... and Sergio, glad that you like the second one. Thank you.
Oscar Neto
That's a great register! Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with scorpions and Arachnida in general are a mystery to me, especially foreign ones, so I can't help you there. However, the picture, register and everything about this was so good that I had to drop my input. Thank you for sharing. Kind regards from Brazil.

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2018 Best Wildlife Photo
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PublishedMarch 2, 2018

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