deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), is a species of scorpion, a member of the Buthidae family. It is also known as Palestine yellow scorpion Omdurman scorpion, Israeli desert scorpion and numerous other colloquial names, which generally originate from the commercial captive trade of the animal. However, young children, the elderly, or infirm (such as those with a heart condition or those who are allergic) would be at much greater risk. Any envenomation runs the risk of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to the venom. United States and other countries outside of the typical range of the deathstalker, there is the additional complicating factor that none of the existing antivenoms are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (or equivalent agencies) and are only available as investigational drugs. The US Armed Forces maintains an Investigational drug (IND) application for the AVPC-Riyadh antivenom in the event of envenomation of soldiers in the Gulf War theater of operations.
There is special concern among persons who keep venomous reptiles and arachnids as exotic pets regarding the marketing of L.quinquestriatus by pet stores, especially as the dangerous aspects are glorified whilst little evaluation is done with purchasers as to their experience with scorpions, highly venomous animals, or the potential risks of envenomation. as an example of glorifying the dangerous aspects of L.quinquestriatus.There are legal aspects regarding keeping of L.quinquestriatus in captivity. Like all Buthidae, it requires a licence under the UK's 1976 Dangerous Wild Animals act. Jurisdictions in the U.S. Despite the inherent danger in keeping such a highly venomous species as a pet and despite increasing legal restrictions on ownership, L.quinquestriatus is still readily available in the exotic pet trade including in pet stores.
death stalker scorpion