Flat Rock Scorpion: The Longest Scorpion in the World

🦂 Introduction

The flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) holds the title of the longest scorpion in the world. Found in southern Africa, this remarkable arachnid gets its name from its flattened body, which helps it squeeze into cracks and crevices between rocks. Though it looks intimidating with its large claws and long body, the flat rock scorpion is shy and not dangerous to humans.

Unlike more venomous species that rely on stings, this scorpion uses its strong pincers to defend itself and capture prey. It lives in dry, rocky areas, and because of its peaceful nature, it is sometimes kept as a pet by experienced keepers.

🔍 What Does a Flat Rock Scorpion Look Like?

The flat rock scorpion is famous for its length—it can grow up to 23 centimeters (about 9 inches) long! Its body is dark brown to black, with a very flat and wide shape. The pincers are large, rough in texture, and strong enough to crush insects. Its tail is thin and long, but the stinger is very small and rarely used.

This scorpion does not glow as brightly under UV light as some others, but it still gives off a faint greenish-blue shine. Its strong, armored appearance makes it look like a miniature tank built for rocky terrain.

🌍 Where Do Flat Rock Scorpions Live?

Flat rock scorpions are native to the dry, rocky regions of southern Africa, including:

    South Africa

    Namibia

    Zimbabwe

    Mozambique

They live in rocky outcrops, hillsides, and mountain slopes. Their flattened body shape allows them to hide deep in rock crevices, where they stay cool during the hot daytime hours. They are nocturnal, coming out at night to hunt and explore.

🍽️ What Do They Eat?

These scorpions are carnivorous predators. They use their strong pincers to grab prey, crush it, and eat it—rarely using their stinger. Their diet mostly includes:

    Crickets

    Beetles

    Cockroaches

    Other small arthropods

Their slow movement and heavy body make them ambush predators, meaning they wait patiently for prey to come close before striking.

🛡️ Are Flat Rock Scorpions Dangerous?

Flat rock scorpions are considered harmless to humans. Their venom is extremely weak, and their sting is rarely used. If one does sting, it usually causes no more than a mild, brief discomfort.

They prefer to defend themselves by using their powerful pincers or running away into the safety of nearby rocks. Their calm nature and low risk of injury make them a popular choice for scorpion enthusiasts, although they still require proper care and respect.

🐣 Life Cycle and Behavior

Like other scorpions, flat rock scorpions give birth to live young. A mother may have 15–30 scorplings at once. After birth, the babies climb onto her back and stay there for a week or two until they molt and become more independent.

Flat rock scorpions are slow-growing and may take several years to reach full size. In captivity, they can live for up to 10 years or more. In the wild, their life span is likely shorter due to predators and environmental factors.

They are solitary and territorial, usually living alone and staying close to their home crevice.

🌟 Fun Facts About Flat Rock Scorpions

    They are the longest scorpions in the world, not the largest by weight.

    Their flat body helps them slide into tight rock spaces.

    They use their claws more than their stinger to hunt and defend themselves.

    Their sting is so weak that some people compare it to a mosquito bite.

    They are sometimes kept as pets because of their calm behavior.

👧 Kid-Friendly Summary

The flat rock scorpion is a long, flat-bodied scorpion from Africa. It lives between rocks and comes out at night to catch bugs. Even though it looks tough, it’s not dangerous to people. It has a tiny stinger it rarely uses and strong claws to help it eat. This gentle giant is a great example of a scorpion that’s more helpful than harmful.

📚 Vocabulary Words

Flat rock scorpion – A large scorpion from Africa known for its flat body and long length
Crevice – A narrow crack or space in a rock
Pincer – A claw used to grab and hold prey
Venom – A fluid used by some animals to hurt or kill prey
Ambush predator – An animal that waits quietly to catch its prey
Scorpling – A baby scorpion
Nocturnal – Active during the night
Territorial – An animal that doesn’t like to share its space with others

❓ Interactive Quiz (8 Questions)

1. Where do flat rock scorpions live?
A. Rainforests
B. Deserts of Asia
C. Rocky areas in southern Africa
D. Ice caves

2. What is special about their body?
A. It's very colorful
B. It is flat and wide
C. It has no tail
D. It has wings

3. How long can flat rock scorpions grow?
A. 3 inches
B. 5 inches
C. 9 inches
D. 12 inches

4. What do they use to hunt?
A. Loud noises
B. Their powerful pincers
C. Their sting only
D. Poison gas

5. Are flat rock scorpions dangerous to humans?
A. Yes, very dangerous
B. Only to kids
C. No, they have weak venom
D. Only when flying

6. When are they active?
A. In the morning
B. At night
C. At sunset only
D. In the rain

7. What do baby scorpions do after birth?
A. Stay in the sand
B. Climb onto the mother’s back
C. Fly away
D. Swim in puddles

8. What kind of pet can this scorpion be?
A. A loud pet
B. A calm pet 
C. A dangerous pet
D. A singing pet