About Androctonus australis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Androctonus australis is a medium-sized scorpion that can reach up to 10 centimeters in length. It has a very thick, powerful tail, and stripes along the sides of its domed carapace that support better vision when attacking other animals or acting in self-defense. This species is nocturnal: during the day it hides in dark, humid locations, and emerges to hunt at night. It feeds on insects, small lizards, and even small mammals, and cannibalism has been recorded for this species. It is primarily found in deserts and other arid habitats. Androctonus australis produces extremely potent venom, and is one of the world's most dangerous scorpions due to its venom toxicity and temperament. It causes several human deaths each year. Its venom is the most potent in its genus, composed mainly of neurotoxins, cardiotoxins, and myotoxins, with additional hemotoxins. In humans, death from its sting most often occurs from heart and respiratory failure; it can also result from cerebral hemorrhage, organ dysfunction, and shock. The subcutaneous LD50 for this species' venom is 0.32 mg/kg. The toxin AaTX1 was first isolated from the venom of Androctonus australis.
