Opistophthalmus austerus (Karsch, 1879) - South Africa

Opistophthalmus austerus (Karsch, 1879)

Picture by Paulbester

Male Opistophthalmus austerus (False Karoo Burrowing Scorpion) from near Matjiesfontein

A widespread and abundant species throughout the Groot Karoo where they make scrapes under large rocks and boulders

Male adult

Female Opistophthalmus austerus (False Karoo Burrowing Scorpion) from near Matjiesfontein

Picture by m_burger

Picture by m_burger

Opistophthalmus austerus

Female adult

Picture by Luke_goddard

Austerus= austere, meaning plain or unembellished = uniform coloration of some populations of this species

Distribution: Central parts of Karoo, South-eastern portion of the northern cape , escarpment to sutherland, Matjiesfontein south of sutherland.

Size: 8~9cm