European Yellow-Tailed Scorpion

The European yellow-tailed scorpion (Euscorpius flavicaudis) are an invasive species of scorpion and, due to the introduced range, is the northernmost scorpion species in the world. They are predatorial and grow to less than 5 centimeters long. The sting is painful but is not dangerous to humans who are not allergic to the venom.

Native Range
The European yellow-tailed scorpion is native to south-west Europe and Mediterranean north-west Africa. In Europe it can be found Spain, accross through southern France to Italy and most of Austria. The northermost native location of the European yellow-tailed scorpion is Krems and der Donau; a town in Austria.*

Introduced Range
The European yellow-tailed scorpion has been introduced to the UK. It is present in a few locations in the south of England. These populations are in north Devon, London, the Isle of Sheppey and Sheerness in Kent. The lattermost location is the place by which these scorpions were first brought to Great Britain and is home to the largest, most famous colony of scorpions in the UK. It has been estimated that theree are around 13,000 European yellow-tailed scorpions in the UK.**

Pathways and Introduction
The European yellow-tailed scorpion was introduced to Great Britian via a port in Sheernes, Kent in the 19th Century. This species is thought to have been brought over accidentally with masonry and building materials shipped from Italy.**

Impacts
The European yellow-tailed scorpion does not appear to have any detrimental effects in its introduced range. The sting is painful but not normally harmful to humans.**

Control and Removal Methods
No attempts to remove or control the UK populations of the European yellow-tailed scorpion are being made. In fact, there are groups who wish the scorpions to be protected, as they add biodiversity and are a curiosity.**