While digging in our squares at Lachish we always had to be on the lookout for scorpions. We were warned to always be careful when removing rocks and to watch out for scorpion nests.

There are several types of scorpions and some are more venomous than others.

Most of the scorpions that we saw were Israeli black scorpions (Scorpio maurus fuscus). They are only mildly toxic especially when compared to the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus).

The claws on the scorpion look dangerous enough. I don’t think that I would hold this critter in my hand. Even if I had gloves on.

One of the square supervisors caught this scorpion and was moving it around with a pair of tweezers. Here you see the business end of the scorpion. Would you like a closer look?

I would not like to get to close to the stinger. It looks a bit dangerous.

Here is how far I would like to stay away. We put the scorpion in a bucket and it was later released away from our dig area.

The bucket also gives a good idea of the size of the scorpion. It is about three inches in length. The deathstalker or Israeli yellow scorpion is usually about one to two inches long, however it is much more venomous and requires anti-venom treatment if you get stung by one. I met someone who was stung by one and it was not a pleasant experience.

I would definitely not want to get a deathstalker scorpion if I asked for an egg.

Steven