What Are the Poisonous Breeds of Scorpions?

The image of a scorpion can strike fear in the heart of many people. Their viciously fast tails, painfully stinging bites, and sometimes-deadly poison combine to make them into a dangerous predator. Fortunately, although all scorpions are poisonous, typically their poison is only potent enough to kill small animals or insects. There are, however, several breeds of scorpions that can kill humans with their venom.

  1. Arizona Bark Scorpion

    • The Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion breed in the United States that is deadly to humans. These tiny light-brown creatures only grow to about 2 or 3 inches, even as adults. They can climb walls, hang upside down on ceilings, and tend to hibernate together in groups, making them especially dangerous if they enter your home. Although many people survive their stings, they can be deadly. Seek medical help immediately if you have been stung.

    Fat-Tailed Scorpion

    • The fat-tailed scorpion, which is usually found in central and northern Africa, can kill humans with a single sting. There is no anti-venom available, and people usually die within two hours of being stung. These scorpions like to live near people and frequently hide in holes inside walls. Although few people survive being stung, some have lived after receiving immediately medical care.

    Brazilian Yellow Scorpion

    • Although not as deadly as the Arizona bark scorpion or the fat-tailed scorpion, the Brazilian yellow scorpion has been known to kill children under the age of seven. In addition, its sting frequently causes severe pancreas inflammation, even in its older victims.

    Deathstalker Scorpion

    • Despite its small size and weak pincers, the deathstalker scorpion is one of the deadliest scorpions on Earth. Found in the arid regions of the Middle East and North Africa, the scorpion's venom can cause excruciating pain, fever, seizures, paralysis and often comas or even heart failure. Older adults and young children are at greatest risk of death, although the deathstalker scorpion is dangerous to all humans. Interestingly, scientists are studying its toxins in the hope of finding treatments for brain cancer and diabetes.