SPAIN 2011





Whenever herpetologists are in the field searching for reptiles and amphibians they also take an interest in large invertebrates, especially large venomous invertebrates, which often occur in the same microhabitats as the snakes, lizards and frogs being sought.


Buthus ibericus - Iberian scorpion
Fairly recently described from within Buthus occitanus, the Iberian scorpion (Buthis ibericus) is found in southwestern and western Iberian Peninsula. It is believed the two specimens encountered under rocks at the "colubrid spot"near Valdemorillo belonged to this species. Its sting is reportedly very painful but European members of the genus Buthus are not considered as toxic as their North African relatives.

Iberian scorpion,
Buthus ibericus

two specimens from near Valdemorillo
click on the images to enlarge




Scolopendra cingulata - Megarian banded centipede
The most widespread of the Iberian giant scolopendrid centipedes, this species was found under almost every other rock,and sometimes every rock turned, but seemingly never two under the same rock. Bites are reportedly very painful but deaths from giant centipede bites are very very rare, only one or two being documented worldwide. Scorpions are much more dangerous.

Megarian banded centipede,
Scolopendra cingulata

a specimen from Robledondo