Among the world's most fascinating living fossils, scorpions have been around for some 420 million years. South Africa is home to an astonishing variety, with 108 species in three families occurring in most of the region's biomes, from desert and grassland to fynbos, savanna and forest. Scorpions are even found in urban gardens. Field Guide to Scorpions of South Africa is the first comprehensive guide to describe and illustrate all known species in the country. The clear, detailed species accounts cover appearance, habitat and behaviour, and discuss the variation within species according to region. Up-to-date distribution maps are included for all species and exceptional photographs, carefully worked to show astounding detail and vivid colours, bring to life the intricate patterning and colours of different species. Both males and females are presented, as well as a variety of colour forms, facilitating accurate identification in the field. The introduction discusses scorpion classification, anatomy, biology, behaviour and habitat, as well as venomosity and the treatment of stings. Tips on how and where to find scorpions and how to contribute to their conservation as a citizen scientist are also included. Sales points: The first comprehensive field guide to this group of arachnids. Detailed profiles of families, genera and species. Covers venomosity and the treatment of stings. Extraordinary photography, including colour forms within species.

About the Author
Ian Engelbrecht is arguably the country's most knowledgeable expert on South African scorpions and has travelled extensively to find and document them. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of the Witwatersrand and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Pretoria. He currently serves as Data Coordinator at the Natural Science Collections Facility in Pretoria.


Book Information
ISBN 9781775845744
Author Ian Engelbrecht
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint Struik Nature
Publisher Penguin Random House South Africa