hemiscorpius lepturus- cytotoxic venom

[micjoe]

Came across a website with this picture, ouch! hemiscorpius lepturus Sting Pic. causes cell failure.
The LD50 value for this species is 5.81 mg/kg. This value is not particulary low, but due to the serious effects of the cytotoxic venom, this is a highly dangerous species.


Ouch:
http://geocities.com/jdm2693/wound.JPG

From: Source: http://www.arachnodata.ch/projects.htm

 

[micjoe]

Habitat:
Few data are available, but the species is reported from hot and humid habitats in Iran.

Venom:
Most scorpions have a neurotoxic venom.This scorpion has a highly cytotoxic venom, which can cause serious wounds and inflammations (somtimes the wounds will look like 3. degree burns with necrosis and blisters). These wounds are slow and difficult to heal. The effect of the venom is very similar to the bite of the Brown Recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa). No antivenom is available for this scorpion.

In Iran severe complications are known from the sting of H. lepturus. Severe and fatal haemolysis, secondary renal failure, deep and necrotic ulcers, ankylosis of the joints, psychological problems and death are reported complications. A clinical study from a region in Iran shows that H. lepturus is responsible for 12 % of the reported stings, but is responsible for 95 % of the mortalities (The other dangerous scorpion in the area is Androctonus crassicauda)!

 

[Ewok]

* shudders* ouch I bet that hurt

 

[skinheaddave]

Definitely interesting, but not new material:

http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/search.php?searchid=350006

Cheers,
Dave