Overview
Caucasian scorpion in Georgia
The Caucasian scorpion (Olivierus caucasicus) is a buthid scorpion. The species was first described from Georgia: the type locality is listed in the sources as Tiflis, present-day Tbilisi. In older literature, the species often appears as Mesobuthus caucasicus and under other old combinations. Modern catalogues accept the name Olivierus caucasicus. The 2018 revision separated the Caucasian populations from the older, broad Central Asian concept. On this page, only Tbilisi is marked on the map of Georgia, because that exact locality is supported by sources. A general reference to "Georgia" does not mean occurrence in every region of the country.
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Identification
How to identify Caucasian scorpion
A medium to fairly large yellowish-brown buthid scorpion with two pincers and a segmented tail ending in a sting. Exact species identification from coloration or a distant photo is not reliable.
According to the 2018 revision, adult males grow to about 50-55 mm and females to about 58-75 mm. Accordingly, the Caucasian scorpion is larger than Georgia's smaller Euscorpius-type scorpions.
The body is yellowish-brown. The carapace and dorsal plates are more darkly pigmented, and the anterior part of the fifth tail segment is also darkened. This coloration alone cannot identify the species accurately.
Many scorpions in the family Buthidae have relatively slender pincers and a well-developed tail. These traits help with identification, though a more detailed photo and specialist assessment are often needed to settle the species.
When comparing it with the mottled scorpion (Mesobuthus eupeus), body size, coloration details, tail and pincer proportions, and the place where it was found are important. The fact that a scorpion is "yellow" or yellowish is not enough to identify the species.
The Italian scorpion and Mingrelian scorpion belong to the family Euscorpiidae, while the Caucasian scorpion belongs to Buthidae. To tell them apart, pincer build, tail proportions, body size, coloration, and habitat should be assessed together. One character alone is not enough for accurate identification.
Biology
Habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation
Habitat and range
Within Georgia, a detailed, locally confirmed habitat picture for the Caucasian scorpion is not yet available on this page. The type locality is Tbilisi, and the material discussed in the 2018 revision is linked to the Caucasus and its neighbouring relatively dry areas. Habitat can therefore only be described cautiously: it is probably associated with warm, dry, rocky or open environments where scorpions hide in shelters during the day. This does not mean the species occurs in every part of Tbilisi or in every dry place in Georgia.
Diet
In Georgia, the diet of the Caucasian scorpion has not been studied separately in detail. Like other scorpions, it is predatory and mainly hunts small invertebrates and arthropods. It uses pincers to catch prey, and the sting and venom to subdue it. This is general scorpion biology, not the result of a separate dietary study in Georgia.
Behavior
Scorpions mostly have a secretive lifestyle. During the day they often hide under stones, in cracks, or in other protected places, while they become more active in the evening and at night. The Caucasian scorpion does not seek people and does not deliberately attack. Stings mostly happen when a scorpion is touched by hand, pressed, or its shelter is disturbed.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most important questions about Caucasian scorpion.
Yes. The Caucasian scorpion is a confirmed species in Georgia. Its type locality is Tbilisi.
Mesobuthus caucasicus is an older or intermediate taxonomic combination. Modern catalogues accept Olivierus caucasicus, although the 2018 revision treats the species under the name Mesobuthus caucasicus.
Colour alone is not enough for accurate species identification. Body size, tail and pincer proportions, the pattern of dark pigmentation, and the place where it was found are important. If identification is unclear, the best option is a good close-up photo and specialist assessment.
The Caucasian scorpion is venomous, and its sting can be painful. Do not pick it up. If pain is strong, the affected person is a child, allergic or other systemic symptoms develop, or the situation is unclear, call 112 and seek medical care.
The sources used on this page do not confirm a separate IUCN assessment or Georgian Red List species status for the Caucasian scorpion. Therefore, an unsupported conservation category or population trend should not be added.
References
Sources
References
Sources
- Fet et al. 2018 — revision of the Mesobuthus caucasicus complex
- Kovařík 2019 — taxonomic reassessment of Lychas, Mesobuthus and Olivierus
- GBIF — Olivierus caucasicus taxon record
Species profiles are compiled from peer-reviewed literature and established biodiversity databases, and are reviewed as new taxonomic and conservation data become available.