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Deathstalker Scorpion

Leiurus quinquestriatus

Venomous / dangerousRare

Quick answer

Highly venomous sting. Medically dangerous. Safety level: Venomous / dangerous.

How to identify the Deathstalker Scorpion

A pale yellow scorpion with slender pincers and a long, thin tail ending in a darker tip.
Grows to 3-7.7 cm long.
Like all scorpions, it glows blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Size: 3–7.7 cm.

Where it lives

Lives in deserts and dry scrubland of North Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt, Sudan, the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant. It hides under rocks, in burrows and sometimes in shoes, clothing and houses.

Is it dangerous?

The deathstalker is one of the most dangerous scorpions. Its sting causes intense pain and its venom can cause serious illness, especially in children, older adults and people with heart conditions. Any sting from this species needs urgent medical care.

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Children and pets

Keep children and pets far away.

What to do

Don't touch it.
Shake out shoes in desert areas.
Get emergency care after any sting.

Fun fact

Scorpions glow blue-green under ultraviolet light.

⚠ Call emergency services straight away for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a scorpion sting in a child. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do after a scorpion sting?

Keep the person calm and still, wash the area, apply a cold pack and get emergency medical help straight away, especially for children.

How do I keep scorpions out of the house?

Seal gaps under doors and around pipes, keep beds away from walls, and shake out shoes and clothes before wearing them.

Are all yellow scorpions dangerous?

Not all, but several pale desert scorpions are. Treat any unknown scorpion as dangerous.