Death stalker scorpions, which live in the Iraqi desert, are the most deadly scorpions on the planet. These scorpions are smaller than other species of scorpions and their pincers are weaker, but the venom that their stingers carry is extremely toxic. Moreover, the death stalker scorpion's venom is a neurotoxin: It attacks the brain. This, in turn, can cause seizures, fever, extreme pain, paralysis, coma or death by heart or respiratory failure in humans. This type of scorpion can also be found across the deserts of the Middle East and North Africa.
The fat-tailed scorpion, Androctonus australis, possesses a gray body with yellow pincers and a fat yellow tail from whence comes its name. This particular type of scorpion is found in desert areas such as the Middle East and North Africa and has been named by the U.S. Army in Iraq as a deadly insect to look out for. The fat-tailed scorpion makes its home under rocks and in ditches rather than in deep burrows. This scorpion is often found near cities and towns; it can hide in cracks in stone or brick buildings.
The Androctonus crassicauda, native to the Iraqi desert, is another fat-tailed scorpion, but it features an entirely brown body that can reach 3 inches in length. This scorpion is often found in areas inhabited by humans and can hide in cracks in walls and buildings. Its bite can kill children and adults who are in poor health, but it will not usually kill a healthy adult.
This type of scorpion has been reported in the Mandel area of Iraq and also in Iran. Characterized by a long and thin body that is light brown in color, the Hemiscorpius lecturus also has a long, thin tail and pincers that appear too large for its body. This scorpion is very dangerous, and its venom can cause severe internal ulcers and external lesions. A bite from this scorpion can also cause renal failure, mental illness and death. No antivenin exists.
