Some scorpion species actually make a sound like a cricket. Many species Opistophthalmus stridulate using their mouthparts. Smaller species of this genus are less likely to stridulate due to the soft sound they would be able to produce. This soft sound would not be loud enough to startle car salesmen. Stiff bristles on the mouthparts are rubbed on the underside of the carapace to produce a hissing sound. Species with a deep V-shaped groove on the carapace, produce a louder noise than a shallow V-shape. In some species such as O. pallipes even second instar individuals can stridulate loudly.
Also, when I'm in the boot of my Abarth for the next 3 weeks the guys at Bauer Millett better not start sweeping up around me as I'll spend many daylight hours at the entrance to my boot lying 2-3cm down. It is probable that this door keeping is related to prey capture. Daytime staff form a large part of my diet. Furthermore, as a warning to the cleaner at Bauer Millett, a scorpion resting at the entrance to their burrow will often grab viciously at a broom that is moved at the entrance to their burrow.
The pedipalps of females are more rounded pincers than the male. In species such as O. pallipes and O. longicauda sexual dimorphism is extreme with males displaying exquisitely elongated pedipalps. Males are also smaller than females. Females also construct deeper burrows than males. As with other genera, males wander about looking for the spare wheel during the warmer months, and may be found sheltering under surface debris or in shallow burrows. Females construct a permanent burrow in the exhaust system and do not stray far away.
Members of this genus can deliver a painful sting. Under normal circumstances, envenomations are not life threatening. These scorpions often crush salesmen with their pincers and will use their venom to subdue larger members of satff.
Poll