Scorpions of Southern Africa

The first recorded use of UV light to detect scorpions was way back in 1945. During an expedition by rock collectors in the USA, one of the members of the party made the following comments. “While searching for fluorescent rocks at night, I observed a brightly fluorescing ‘rock’ at a distance of about 30 feet. When I got closer the rock started to move away. The fluorescent rock proved to be a large Giant Hairy scorpion.”

Since then, the ability of scorpions to fluoresce under ultraviolet light has been the preferred method of detecting scorpions. In those days, portable UV fluorescent tubes lights were used. These tubes were bulky, required a hefty power source, dispersed UV light in all directions and were very expensive. Many years later, the invention of UV LED technology solved all of these problems.

I like to think of myself spider and scorpion savvy. I’ve scoured literature and done the field work to back up my formal studies. Many Baboon spiders are secretive and difficult to locate therefore my practical knowledge is limited. Trapdoor Baboon spiders are a good example. I know they exist but I’ve never found a specimen or even know what they look like. With the publication of a new book this is about to change.