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Scorpion that typically hides in crevices within a dry and stony habitat
Scientific Name: Androctonus crassicauda
Common Name: Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
Dimensions: Measures about 5 cm, but the largest specimens are over 10 cm long. Females are generally slightly larger than males.
Medium: specimen
Registration Number: QM.2017.1282
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The Arabian fat-tailed scorpion is a sizable species characterized by its large pincers and thick tail. The cephalothorax is longer than wide, textured with coarse granules and noticeable serrated ridges. Its tail has fewer bristle-like structures. Young scorpions tend to be reddish in color, while adults can range from light brown or reddish to black.
Habitat and Biology
The Arabian fat-tailed scorpion is active at night and prefers arid rocky habitats near desert edges. It seeks shelter under rocks or in crevices during the day. This scorpion typically positions itself at its burrow entrance, waiting for potential prey to pass by. However, its behavior is influenced by temperature; it tends to stay put during the hottest periods but may wander during milder conditions. Its diet includes insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates. These scorpions are often found in the burrows of Arabian spiny-tailed lizards. The female gives birth to 9-30 larvae, carrying them on her back during their early stage. The young scorpions undergo several molts before reaching adulthood. They face threats from owls, lizards, and other scorpions. Despite being highly venomous, the Arabian fat-tailed scorpion uses its sting primarily for subduing larger prey or for self-defense.
ECO System Qatar
Sand dune ecosystem: The crescent-shaped sand dunes are considered one of the prominent features of the terrestrial environment of the State of Qatar.In southern Qatar, huge sand dunes rise from the desert plain. These dunes are shaped by the wind and are constantly shifting. In certain conditions, the movement of sand grains creates a low humming sound. The dunes near Mesai’eed are one of the few places on Earth where this phenomenon of ‘singing’ sand dunes can be heard. The plants and animals that survive in the intense heat and unstable sands of the dunes are supremely well adapted to the challenging conditions.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Jennings, Michael C. (Author), Krupp, Friedhelm (Editor), Al-Suwaiyel, Mohammed bin Ibrahim (Preface By). (Series: Fauna of Arabia, Volume: 13). Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Publisher: Karger Libri. 2010.