Scorpions of Southern Africa

Whilst driving home from giving lectures one night, I saw a man asleep in the doorway of a supermarket. In the biting winters’ chill I remember thinking of my electric blanket waiting for me at home, the hot cup of coffee that I would make before going to bed, the book I read and the soft pillows that I have.

Medically Important Spiders and Scorpions 

presented by Jonathan Leeming

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens, Poortview, Gauteng
8:30am to 12:30pm, 31st October 2009

Ever wanted to know:

• Which spiders and Scorpions are Medically important in southern Africa.
• Are Daddy Long Legs spiders deadly venomous?
• Do Black Button Spiders have an hourglass marking under their abdomen?
• What is the difference between a Black and Brown Button spider?
• If those Violin spider emails are true?
• What a Violin spider looks like?
• First line medical treatment of a spider bite.
• What to do in case of a scorpion sting?
• How to distinguish venomous scorpions from none venomous species?
• How to avoid being stung by a scorpion and how to detect them.
• Are Red Romans really venomous?

The presentation is being held at the Nestle Education Centre at the Walter
Sisulu Botanical Gardens at 8:30am to 12am on the 31st October 2009.
The presentation will cover all aspects of Medically important Spiders and
Scorpions. The following subject will be touched on:

• Natural History of Medically Important Spiders and Scorpions.
• Which are our Medically Important Spiders and Scorpions.
• Identifying Medically Important Spiders and Scorpions.
• Distinguishing commonly misidentified spiders.
• Bite symptoms.
• First line medical treatment.
• Misconceptions and untruths.
• Email hoaxes.
• The Lesser known Arachnids will also be covered.

South Africa has in the region of 130 different types of snakes. Although 55% of them are technically venomous, only 12 species are considered potentially deadly.

Johan Marais is the author of various books on reptiles including the best-seller A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. He is a popular public speaker and offers a variety of courses including Snake Awareness and Snake Handling. Accredited by the International Society of Zoological Sciences (ISZS) and a Field Guides of Southern Africa (FGASA), NOSA and Travel Doctor-approved service provider. 

Download the following related posters:

• Scorpion Sting Emergency Protocol
• Skerpion Steek Noord Hulp 

A3 Printed copies of this poster on 300gm paper can be purchased here!