A new field guide to the scorpions of South Africa

 

 South Africa (SA) is a hotspot for scorpions and hosts a high diversity of species from three families (Buthidae, Hormuridae and Scorpionidae). When it comes to medical importance, SA has a few very potent species in the genus Parabuthus Pocock, 1890 (Buthidae), but the majority of species are fortunately not a threat to humans. But it is important to be able to identify those species that may pose a threat, and a new field guide by long time SA scorpion expert Ian Engelbracht published earlier this year will be an invaluable tool for this.

This is one of the best scorpion books I have seen with clear and concise information (description/ identification, medical importance and distribution) and many high quality pictures. As far as I understand, all known species found in South Africa are mentioned and depicted in the book. This is quite impressing!

Regardless if you are a professional or a scorpion enthusiasts, I highly recommend this book if you are interested in SA scorpions.

Reference:
Engelbrecht I. Field Guide to Scorpions of South Africa. Century City: Struik Nature; 2023.