Giant Arabian Deathstalker

The Giant Arabian Deathstalker ("Apistobuthus pterygocercus") is a type of a rare scorpion species that can be easily identified by its unusually long and slender chela ("claws") and the disk-shaped segments on its metasoma ("tail").

Hunting and Feeding Habits

Like all scorpions, the Arabian Deathstalker hunts at night, a time when its prey (insects, baby rodents, etc.) are not active and are unaware of danger. This particular type of scorpion has a unique hunting ability due its distinct hunting aparatus. Because it's in the "Buthidea" family it would rely on its potent venom to subdue prey. It also has its incredibly long claws to help catch prey. Because they're long, they have a longer range to catch fast things such as crickets and locusts. They can also catch prey in cracks and crevaces because their chela are so slender.

Mating Procedures

Their strange metasoma has been said to have been associated with their mating habits. Some scorpions, however, have been known to somewhat sting their female partner to calm her during mating "dances". During captive breeding, there has been many cases where the Arabian Deathstalker stings his or her mating partner to kill, not to calm.

Cannibalism

This is probably strange, but it's actually a common characteristic in most scorpions. Its causes can be a rough mating ritual, defending territories, or simply because they are hungry and can't find anything else.

Maintaining Water

Scorpions have been known to actually drink from lose sources of water. But as its name suggests, the Arabian Deathstalker lives in the Middle East and it's difficult for a scorpion to obtain pure water. In fact, it usually gets its moisture only from its food. They have a thin, waxy coating on their exoskeleton to hold in moisture for long periods of time.

Impact on People

Pests

Deathstalkers are very dangerous, espacially since they can be found in people's homes and in fruit markets. Althogh they can reduce the population of other pests, they have been known to reduce human lives, too. Lately, Arabian Deathstalkers are being found more in homes than in their natural habitats, mainly due to the availability of food and water. They can also be there because of cool temperatures and it's easy to find a place to hide. Human fatalities have been reported because Deathstalkers have a tendency to hide in shoes, clothing, or in beds and other furniture. In the food market, Deathstalkers are sometimes found in piles of fruit and wood and people don't notice.

Pets

Many falacies are going about discussing whether or not a scorpion should be considered a "pet".If you can consider them as "pets", Deathstalkers are still dangerous and should be taken care of by expert keepers. It is difficult to breed or, for that matter, keep or even observe a Giant Arabian Deathstalker in captivity due to excessive burrowing habits and its aggressiveness.