Ilya Zabaluev · Dagestan
Risk to humans
Moderate riskMedically significant
Venomous, with a lower typical profile than the highest-risk vipers — a bite still needs medical care.
112 · if bittenKey facts in one look
- Size
- Males about 50-55 mm; females 58-75 mm
- Group
- Scorpion; Arachnida, Scorpiones
- Family
- Buthidae
- Status in Georgia
- Confirmed from the Tbilisi type locality
- Venom
- Present
- Risk to people
- Moderate
The Caucasian scorpion (Olivierus caucasicus) is a venomous scorpion that scientists first described from a specimen found in Georgia. That specimen was found in Tiflis, today's Tbilisi. In Georgia, the scorpion's presence is confirmed in Tbilisi. The Caucasian scorpion belongs to the Buthidae family. In 2018, scorpions living in the Caucasus were separated from a broader group in which they had previously been placed alongside scorpions from Central Asia. The Caucasian scorpion's current scientific name is Olivierus caucasicus, while older scientific works often list it as Mesobuthus caucasicus or under other former names.
Identification
Caucasian scorpion: how to identify it
This is a medium-sized or relatively large, yellowish-brown scorpion. It has two pincers and a tail made up of several sections, with a stinger at the tip. It belongs to the Buthidae family. You cannot identify the species for certain from its color alone or from a photo taken at a distance.
The Caucasian scorpion is larger than the small Euscorpius scorpions that live in Georgia. Measurements from 2018 put adult males at about 50–55 mm long, while females are longer, at about 58–75 mm.
The body is yellowish brown, while the shield and plates on its back are darker. The fifth section of the tail is also darker at the front.
Many scorpions in the Buthidae family have relatively slender pincers and a well-developed tail. These features help you recognise them. To pin down the exact species, though, you often need a more detailed photo and an expert's assessment.
To tell it apart from the mottled scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus), weigh several features together. What matters most is the scorpion's size, the details of its coloring, and how large its tail and pincers are compared with its body. Where it was found matters too. A yellow or yellowish color alone will not tell you the species.
The Italian scorpion and Mingrelian scorpion belong to the Euscorpiidae family, while the Caucasian scorpion belongs to Buthidae. To tell these three apart, use several features together. Look at the shape of the pincers and at how the parts of the tail compare in size. Body size, color and the kind of place where the scorpion is found also matter. No single feature is enough to tell them apart accurately.
The Caucasian scorpion probably lives in warm, dry, rocky or open places, where scorpions hide in shelters during the day. The species was first described from Tbilisi. The specimens studied in 2018 are linked to the Caucasus and neighbouring, relatively dry areas. This does not mean, however, that the species lives in every part of Tbilisi or in every dry place in Georgia.
Like other scorpions, Olivierus caucasicus is a predator. It mainly hunts small animals without a backbone, including those with jointed legs. It catches prey with its pincers and subdues it with its stinger and venom.
During the day, scorpions often hide under rocks, in crevices or in other sheltered places. In the evening and at night they become more active. The Caucasian scorpion does not seek out people or deliberately attack them. Stings usually happen when someone touches a scorpion with their hand, presses against it or disturbs its hiding place.
Related guides
Continue with related pages
Yes. The Caucasian scorpion has been confirmed in Georgia. Scientists described the species from a scorpion found in Tbilisi itself.
The name Mesobuthus caucasicus is an older scientific name for this scorpion, or one used at an intermediate stage of its classification. Today the species is known as Olivierus caucasicus. However, when its classification was reviewed in 2018, it was referred to as Mesobuthus caucasicus. So both names belong to the same scorpion.
Color alone won't tell you the exact species. You need to look at several features together: body size, how large the tail and pincers are compared with the body, and where the dark coloring is. Where it was found matters too. If it is still hard to tell, it is best to show a specialist a clear close-up photo.
The Caucasian scorpion is venomous, and its sting can be painful. So do not touch it with your hands. If the pain is severe or a child has been stung, seek medical care promptly. Call 112 if someone has trouble breathing, loses consciousness, or develops severe symptoms beyond the sting site. Read the guide to learn what to do first.
References
What this profile is based on
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed literature and established biodiversity databases, and are reviewed as new taxonomic and conservation data become available.
Prepared by the Reptiles.ge editorial team from the sources listed here.