Fattail scorpion
One of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species worldwide.
The common name "fattail scorpion" (or fat-tailed scorpion) refers to any species within the genus *Androctonus*, a group considered among the most hazardous scorpions on the planet. Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg first described this genus in 1828. These scorpions are moderate in size, with some individuals reaching up to 10 centimeters (just under 4 inches) long. Their name comes from their noticeably thick metasoma, or tail, while the genus name *Androctonus* is Greek for "man killer." Their venom carries potent neurotoxins, and a sting can seriously harm both people and domestic animals, leading to several human fatalities annually. As a result, various pharmaceutical companies produce antivenom to treat envenomations from this genus.
These scorpions are nocturnal, spending daylight hours hidden in crevices, a behavior that also helps them avoid dehydration. A major ongoing threat to them is habitat loss caused by human development.
The geographic range of *Androctonus* is broad, covering North and West Africa, the Middle East, and extending eastward to the Hindukush region. Specific countries where they are found include, from east to west: Senegal, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Cameroon, Tunisia, Libya, Chad, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. An overview of the diversity within Saudi Arabia was provided by Alqahtani & Badry in 2021.
The taxonomy of the genus *Androctonus* Ehrenberg, 1828, as of October 2025 according to The Scorpion Files, includes numerous species. Their country ranges are adapted from Ythier (2021) and Ythier & Lourenço (2022). The species list includes: *A. aeneas* (Algeria, Tunisia), *A. afghanus* (Afghanistan), *A. agrab* (Western Sahara), *A. ajjer* (Algeria), *A. aleksandrplotkini* (Mauritania), *A. ammoneus* (Jordan), *A. amoreuxi* (Western Sahara to Egypt, possibly Israel), *A. australis* (Morocco to Egypt), *A. baluchicus* (Afghanistan, Pakistan), *A. barbouri* (Morocco), *A. bartolozzii* (Pakistan), *A. bicolor* (Libya to Syria, possibly broader including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon), *A. bourdoni* (Morocco), *A. burkinensis* (Burkina Faso), *A. cacahuati* (Cameroon), *A. cholistanus* (Pakistan, India), *A. crassicauda* (Iran, with a broader Middle Eastern range noted in many publications), *A. dekeyseri* (Mauritania, Senegal), *A. donairei* (Morocco), *A. eburneus* (Algeria), *A. finitimus* (Pakistan), *A. gonneti* (Mauritania, Western Sahara, Morocco), *A. hoggarensis* (Algeria), *A. ishtar* (Iraq), *A. kunti* (Turkey, possibly Armenia and Iran), *A. liouvillei* (Algeria, Morocco), *A. maelfaiti* (India), *A. maroccanus* (Morocco), *A. mauritanicus* (Morocco), *A. minaeus* (Jordan), *A. pallidus* (Chad), *A. robustus* (Pakistan), *A. rostami* (Iran), *A. santi* (Niger), *A. sergenti* (Morocco), *A. simonettai* (Ethiopia), *A. sistanus* (Iran), *A. sumericus* (Iraq), *A. tenuissimus* (Egypt), *A. tibesti* (Libya), *A. tigrai* (Ethiopia), *A. tihamicus* (Saudi Arabia), *A. togolensis* (Togo), *A. tropeai* (Pakistan), and *A. turkiyensis* (Turkey).
The name *Androctonus* translates from Ancient Greek as "man-killer," combining *anḗr* (man) and *kteínein* (to kill). The species name *crassicauda* comes from Latin, meaning "fat-tailed" (*crassus* for fat, *cauda* for tail), so *Androctonus crassicauda* literally means "fat-tailed man-killer." Likewise, *Androctonus australis* uses the Latin *australis* for "southern," giving "southern man-killer."
Despite the dangers of keeping such venomous animals, *Androctonus* scorpions are common in the exotic pet trade, with *A. amoreuxi* and *A. australis* being the most frequently available. In captivity, their diet mainly consists of cockroaches, grasshoppers, and crickets, though they can survive for months without eating. They typically attack and consume anything smaller than themselves that moves. They kill prey by crushing it with their pincers before injecting venom from their stinger, which paralyzes the victim and makes it easy to eat. Notably, fattail scorpions can only ingest liquids.
- Scientific name
- Androctonus
- Common name origin
- Distinctly fat metasoma (tail)
- Scientific name meaning
- Man killer (from Greek anḗr and kteínein)
- Typical length
- Up to 10 cm (just under 4 inches)
- Primary threat
- Venom contains powerful neurotoxins
- Geographic range
- Northern Africa, Middle East to Northeastern India
Lore & Background
Its common name derives from the distinctly fat metasoma, or tail, while the scientific name originates from Greek to mean 'man killer.' Members of this genus are moderate sized scorpions, some attaining lengths of 10 cm. They are nocturnal and hide in crevices during the day, which may also limit dehydration. Ongoing threats include habitat loss through human development.
Reader's Guide
The fat-tailed scorpion is significant for its potent venom, which contains powerful neurotoxins and can cause several human deaths each year, as well as negative effects on domestic animals. This danger has led several pharmaceutical companies to manufacture antivenom for treatment of Androctonus envenomations. Despite the risks, Androctonus scorpions are frequently found in the exotic animal trade, with A. amoreuxi and A. australis being the most commonly available. Their diet in captivity consists of cockroaches, grasshoppers, and crickets, though they can go months without food. They kill prey by crushing with pincers and injecting venom, which causes paralysis. The scorpion can only ingest liquids. Enclosures must be kept at 26–30 °C to simulate the desert environment.
Did You Know?
- The genus name Androctonus translates from Ancient Greek as 'man-killer.'
- Their common name 'fat-tailed' refers to their distinctly fat metasoma, or tail.
- They are nocturnal and hide in crevices during the day to limit dehydration.
- Despite their danger, they are frequently found in the exotic animal trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fattail scorpion?
The Fattail scorpion is the common name for scorpions of the genus Androctonus, a group that can reach roughly 10 cm in length and is regarded as one of the most lethal scorpion lineages on the planet. They are native to arid zones stretching from northern Africa through the Middle East into northeastern India.
Why is it called a "Fattail" scorpion?
The nickname refers to the genus's unusually thick metasoma, the segmented tail section that carries the stinger. That swollen, bulbous tail is the most visually distinctive feature that separates Androctonus from many other scorpion families.
How dangerous is a Fattail scorpion sting to humans?
The venom is loaded with powerful neurotoxins and the genus is responsible for multiple human fatalities every year. Because of this, pharmaceutical companies produce dedicated antivenom specifically for treating Androctonus envenomations.
What does the scientific name Androctonus actually mean?
It comes from the Greek words anḗr (man) and kteínein (to kill), so the name essentially translates to "man killer." The label underscores the genus's well-documented history of causing serious and sometimes fatal stings in people.
Where do Fattail scorpions live in the wild?
Androctonus species occupy a wide band of dry and semi-arid terrain, spanning northern Africa, the Middle East, and reaching as far east as northeastern India. Their preference for hot, arid habitats makes them a common and dangerous encounter in those regions.
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