AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Tityus pachyurus
Thick-tailed Scorpion
(Pocock, 1897)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Tityus pachyurus can grow from 6 to 9 cm in length. Its pedipalps are reddish, while the fourth and fifth segments of the post-abdomen are dark and thicker.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Arachnida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scorpiones
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Buthidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Tityus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Pocock, 1897)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It occurs in Central America (Costa Rica and Panama) and South America (Colombia). It is found mainly in tropical forests, urban regions, and places with high tourist and industrial activity.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Like many scorpions, it is nocturnal. It is believed to act as a sit-and-wait or ambush predator. In captivity, it shows a tendency towards cannibalism, requiring individual maintenance.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
They are solitary animals and tend to fall into cannibalism when kept together in captivity, making individual separation necessary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal ambush predator/insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeding is based on larvae of beetles (tenebrians) and cockroaches.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
They reproduce viviparously, with live births. Interestingly, they display a significantly high survival rate when born in captivity compared to other species within the same genus.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
6.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.10 - 40
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
90 - 180
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 5 Years
Females2 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males can be distinguished by the fourth and fifth segments of the post-abdomen, which are significantly dark and noticeably thicker.
Females Multi-lang
Females typically possess a stouter body (mesosoma) necessary for gestation and lack the extremely thickened terminal tail segments seen in males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
It possesses a potent venom that is one of the most toxic in the region, with a median lethal dose of 4.8 mg per kg [1.1.2].
Like other members of its genus, it can survive for long periods without food, adapting well to unpredictable environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Often exterminated by humans out of fear, as it is the species responsible for the most serious scorpion accidents in Central America and Colombia [1.1.2].
Habitat alteration and urbanization, though its ability to adapt to urban regions can increase human-wildlife conflict.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike the majority of arachnids that hatch from eggs, all scorpions including those of the genus Tityus are viviparous, with live births [1.1.3].