The Majami al-Hadb scorpion was found in the desert of Saudi Arabia. (Photo: McClatchy News)
JAKARTA – Scientists discovered a new species in the Saudi Arabian desert, namely a scorpion whose body glows at night.
This scorpion was found in the Majami al-Hadb protected area. The light that emerges from a scorpion’s body is thought to be due to certain chemicals in its exoskeleton that react to light.
“The color of the emission can vary depending on the scorpion species, but usually it is greenish blue,” said one of the researchers, Ahmed Badry to McClatchy News, Saturday (9/9/2023).
By scanning desert ravines, known as wadis, the researchers found 11 glowing scorpions and captured them. While analyzing the scorpion, scientists realized they had made a discovery new species Leiurus hadb or Majami al-Hadb scorpion.
The Majami al-Hadb scorpion is a medium to large-sized scorpion, ranging in size from about 2.5 inches to about 4.5 inches. This scorpion has a yellow or yellow-orange color with dark brown on its back and tail.
The Majami al-Hadb scorpion has eight legs and two large claws, near its head. Its tail curves upwards in a half-heart shape. The stinging bulb at the end of the tail is bright yellow and pointed.
“This new scorpion species is indeed venomous. “However, we are still carrying out further research to find out the potential danger it can cause to humans,” said Badry.
The researchers named this new species after the area where it was discovered, namely the Majami al-Hadb protected area. The area is dominated by dark volcanic mountains, sandy desert plains, and faded granite domes.
2023-09-09 13:28:08
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