Imperial scorpion (Pandinus imperator). This is the largest of the scorpions, reaching a length of over 20 centimetres. It inhabits forests and savann

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Imperial scorpion (Pandinus imperator). This is the largest of the scorpions, reaching a length of over 20 centimetres. It inhabits forests and savannah in tropical central Africa. Its tail is tipped with a ball-like segment called the telson (red), which contains venom glands linked to a sharp sting. Its sting is not fatal to humans, however, instead feeling like a bee sting. The imperial scorpion feeds on anything it can catch in its pincers, including insects, arachnids, small mammals and reptiles. Prey is held in the pincers and stung with the tail. Due to its size, appearance and docile manner, this scorpion is popular in the pet trade.

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Size: 5231px × 3475px
Photo credit: © DAVID AUBREY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: african, animal, arachnid, biological, biology, emperor, fauna, imperator, imperial, invertebrates, largest, nature, pandinus, pincer, pincers, poisonous, scorpion, single, sting, venomous, wildlife, zoological, zoology