Southern African Spitting Scorpion Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

foraginghedgehogs: Alas this position is no longer suitable due to high muggle interference.
It is with regret that we are archiving this cache.

More
Hidden : 7/17/2017
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

Information about the Southern African Spitting Scorpion "Parabutus Transvaalicus".
Just a reminder to all geocachers to be aware of our local nasties while out caching.

Southern African Spitting Scorpion


Parabuthus transvaalicus (known as the Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion or dark scorpion) is a species of venomous scorpion from dry parts of Southern africa.
Description:
Large black scorpion which can grow to 5inch or 25cm although this one is only half that size. It clearly demonstrates the combination of thick substantial tail and small thin pincers which is a feature of the a more venomous species, in fact, Parbuthus transvaalicus is the most venomous scorpion in southern Africa. The family Buthidae contains 9 out the top 10 venomous scorpion species world wide. This species is identified by its large, robust size. It is black in colour, often shiny and the tail is covered in short bristle hairs. This species is also referred to as the Southern African Spitting Scorpion in the literature and it is purported to be an accurate spitter of venom into the eyes. Locally, however, this side of its character is not alluded to.
Habitat:
The Black Thick-tailed Scorpion is a common and widespread species through the drier desert and scrubland areas of southern Africa. Like many scorpions it is most active after dark, particularly in the summer and more especially after rain storms. Scorpions spend the hot days hidden under stones or under the bark of dead branches where it can pose a threat to people gathering wood for domestic fires. Unfortunately they also find tempting resting places within rural dwellings.
Sting:
Parabuthus transvaalicus is a dangerous scorpion, which can both sting and spray it's venom. The first droplet of venom differs from the rest, and is referred to as "pre-venom". Their sting can be described as the same intensity of a bees.


As a rule of thumb (although it is best to keep them out of the way), your scorpion-related panic can be accurately tuned by examining the beasty's body bits. Scorpions with whopping pincers live hand to mouth, so to speak, crushing their prey to death, and so they have wimpy tails and weak venom. But scorpions (like this one) with petite little pincers kill with their sting so they have hefty tails that produce lots of lethal venom.

Watch out for muggles.

Congratulations to GlobalRat on the FTF!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx gb gur yvtug. OLBC

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us

Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

View past Trackables

What are Trackable Items?

Bookmark Lists

View all bookmark lists...