Prehistoric Scorpion?

vipes · #1 (**permalink**) 15-08-2009, 10:36 PM

I think this belongs here, as they are archnids, but;

Does anybody know the name for the worlds largest scorpion species?

Because I wish to know if 'giant scorpions' were really that giant. TV shows like Primeval and games like Turok have made me think there could possibly be such a creature but i'm really not sure.

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 15-08-2009, 11:38 PM

I believe the biggest alive today is the imperial scorpion, but its no where near as big as some of the prehistoric species. I believe one of the late carboniferous species (when there were lots of giant bugs) got to 1m in length, and if you count the sea scorpions (Eurypterids), closely related to 'land scorpions', they got to 2m long!

vipes · #3 (**permalink**) 16-08-2009, 09:09 PM

Wow, they're big! Thanks!

loripo · #4 (**permalink**) 16-08-2009, 09:15 PM

Have a look at this one - theyve only found a claw so far, but the prehistoric ones were HUGE
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Giant sea scorpion claw unearthed

vipes · #5 (**permalink**) 17-08-2009, 11:11 AM

WOW! Thanks!

I'm pretty sure if these things were still alive, the whole prospect of 'lobster dinner' would have been reconsidered.

GIANT SCORPION FOR ALL!