The members of this family are small and medium sized scorpions with a triangular sternum (some genera have a more pentagonal sternum). In many genera (e.g., Androctonus, Apistobuthus, Parabuthus, and other Old World genera) the cauda is usually strong and powerful and the pedipalps are often very slender whereas other genera have elongate appendages, especially the males (e.g., Centruroides, Lychas, Isometrus and related genera). Many species are yellow or brown (or variations of these colors), but black forms are also present. Some species have quite intricate and attractive patterns (e.g., Lychas and Isometrus) and colours (e.g., Centruroides and Uroplectes). Sizes range from about 20 mm (like Microtityus and Microbuthus) to over 120 mm (as in Androctonus, some Centruroides, Apistobuthus and others).

Several species in this family are highly toxic, but fewer than 20 can be lethal to man. The most notorious species are found in the genus Androctonus, Centruroides, Hottentotta, Leiurus, Parabuthus and Tityus. See Scorpions of medical importance page for further information.

Unlike most other scorpion families, the Buthidae are of both scientific and public interest due to their medical importance in many parts of the world. Several species have also made their way into the hobby. Many of these are safe to be kept by experienced collectors, but the most dangerous species should be avoided.

Androctonus crassicauda habitat picture from Kuwait are located HERE.

Photo of Parabuthus leiosoma (left) by Jan Ove Rein (C)
Photo of Hottentotta sp. (right) by Jan Ove Rein (C)

SPECIES FILES:
This list of genera and species is based on Fet et al.(2000). Subspecies is not included in the list. I try to update the list as additions and changes are published. * denotes changes after Fet et al. (2000). I will be grateful for information about new development in the taxonomy of this family. For information about synonyms and bibliographies, see Fet et al. (2000)