Haha I've done a similar move once, in Ofcolaco. Also thanks to one of those.
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Arachnids
- Thread starter thekeeperza
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Haha I've done a similar move once, in Ofcolaco. Also thanks to one of those.
Send while vaping on the Reo mini Thor
@johan they are smaller members of the genus Parabuthus, which are commonly known as thick-tailed burrowing scorpions. The entire genus is composed of 20 or so species which are all medically significant. I havent been tagged by these ones in particular but there is a real beautiful black species from the transvaal and lowveld of Zimbabwe which I got tagged by when I was a youngster, its the equivalent of hammering a nail into yourself and is accompanied by heart palpitations, nausea, sweating, disorientation a bit like vertigo. It was special, very special.
In terms of interesting biology, they are nocturnal except one species which is noted as diurnal to crepuscular. All of the parabuthus are arid zone specialists with the exception of the transvaal and mozambique thick tails they have adapted to a more moist environment. It is the arid zone specialisation that we have to thank for the relatively low frequency of envenomation cases from these scorpions. Whilst described as burrowing it is probably better to say they are oppurtunistic burrowers. So if they can steal or borrow a burrow, or a rock to hide under they are just as likely to do that than burrow on their own.
Probably the most fascinating thing for me is the distribution of the species in the genus. The majority of the species (there are a few specialists in Namibia) are co-distributed, so they share habitats and it would seem to be that they speciated from a common ancestor relatively recently in terms of scorpion evolution, answering the how, why and when has captured my interest greatly. Beyond that I am also interested in venomics in the group, current research points towards a very advanced venom system incorporating up to three types of venom depending on intended use for example significant differences between venom injected for prey capture, or venom used in defence. Then further with the same tact of venoms is the question of regional variation in venom content.
Its a bit of a personal thing for me since I was a kid I have been obsessed with snakes, spiders, scorpions. As an adult I have found it alarming to realise that they are massive components of our biodiversity that are sadly being neglected in the sciences in our country. Every graduate seems to want to become a marine biologist! So I have decided to take a hard path and work in a field where eventually the only supervisor I will be able to work with is based at the new york museum of natural history but someone has to do it!
Side note: the thin claws thick tail = venomous is a great general rule but not always true. The deadliest scorpion on earth is the israeli death stalker, thin tail, thin claws. Best rule, dont get stung, if you do sting it back and take it with you to the clinic. There are no real scorpion antivenoms I dont think but A researcher like me would love to come prod you with a stick, identify the beastie and interrogate you as to how much it hurts
Thanks Danny, very interesting, been stung a couple of times in Messina area by a common, non venomous sand-brown color type. This happened when we had to clean debris from game fences after flash floods. I agree 100%, the moment of impact "sensation" you can not put into words and its not like a bee sting - I don't wish to be stung by a proper venomous one at all. The local Vendas always reminded us that when the wind blows after dark, they are all over and that is true. We had great fun in the evenings walking around with UV light sources (LED's) and it is astonishing how many there are, including other creepies that also fluoresce.
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I catch and release until it jumps......then it dies!
This place must be called nope land in nopeville
http://happyplace.someecards.com/no...-with-millions-of-spiders-in-urban-nightmare/
http://happyplace.someecards.com/no...-with-millions-of-spiders-in-urban-nightmare/
No seriously?!?!? I would just die! Dead! Kapoet!
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Hahaha, I love the caption under the first pic: "I see your problem here: this building is not currently on fire."
Solifugids are beautifull to watch..and then we get these.... seen them up in Phalaborwa, had dogs with bald patches then we figured out that they harvest hair to make nests. They will seek refuge from the sun in your shadow, and they scream when captured
View attachment 14522
Vape the Planet
Spiders are artists too 
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/...llions-of-spiderwebs-cover-Scotchtown-field/1
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/...llions-of-spiderwebs-cover-Scotchtown-field/1
Such pretty pokies guys.At present I have 4 B. Vagans slings,a G. Pulchripes,a A. Purperea,a bigger B. Vagans and an A. Geniculata,as well as three random scorpions.In the past though I have had a breeding pair of versicolors,a king baboon,a few curlies,an orange baboon,a cobalt blue and a few assorted pokies and baboon spiders.I also have an awesome green iguana and a gecko I will upload some pics for you guys later
I will upload some pics for you guys later
Meh! Might have pretty colours but is still a nope for me
As my grandfather (The legend that he was) used to say - The only good spider is a dead spider - I think he taught me well
and yes I know they are useful and a good part of the eco-system but they're still a nope in my book - they can stay outside in the bush where they belong! Have you seen what a sac spider can do to you??
You guys can enjoy your creepy crawlies
Agreed. Spiders give me the creeps.
Now snakes, they are awesome! Such gentle creatures. I can handle snakes for hours on end. They calm me down because they need you to be calm when you handle them.
Go for it! Do not listen to these people!Such pretty pokies guys.At present I have 4 B. Vagans slings,a G. Pulchripes,a A. Purperea,a bigger B. Vagans and an A. Geniculata,as well as three random scorpions.In the past though I have had a breeding pair of versicolors,a king baboon,a few curlies,an orange baboon,a cobalt blue and a few assorted pokies and baboon spiders.I also have an awesome green iguana and a gecko
That yes, or when we play games like Diablo, where we know there are spiders in an area, I make people run ahead and kill them and I will portal in on them once its all gone.Let me guess......scream like a little girl?
Hahahahaha
Some of my friends. And yes this is in Johannesburg. And yes the scorpion was in my bathtub. Not the first time I find a scorpion.
That was epic!
That's a Chilean Hate Spider, attracted to the smell of vape, and lay eggs in your throat while you sleep.
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