Opistophthalmus granicauda (Purcell, 1898)

Opistophthalmus granicauda (Purcell, 1898)

Picture by paulbester

Opistophthalmus granicauda (Rough-Tailed Burrowing Scorpion) from the Richtersveld

A species that inhabits the North Western parts of South Africa. They can be found in the Northern parts of the Namaqualand and throughout the Richtersveld.
An interesting observation is the enlarged 4th metasomal segment in males, as in the photo. It is theorised that the males use it to attract females by knocking on the ground.

Female Opistophthalmus aff granicauda (Rough Tail Burrowing Scorpion) from the Richtersveld

Picture by paulbester

Female Opistophthalmus aff. granicauda (Rough Tailed Burrowing Scorpion) from the Richtersveld