Which scorpion is infamous for its highly potent venom and is known as the 'deathstalker'?

The scorpion infamous for its highly potent venom and known as the deathstalker is the deathstalker scorpion, Leiurus quinquestriatus. It is a yellowish scorpion in the family Buthidae and is found across desert and scrubland regions of North Africa and the Middle East.

Its venom contains several neurotoxins, including chlorotoxin, charybdotoxin, scyllatoxin, and agitoxins. A sting is extraordinarily painful and can cause serious effects, particularly in children, older adults, and people with heart conditions. Although it is among the most medically important scorpions, a sting does not usually kill a healthy adult.

The name can be confusing because related Leiurus species have also been called deathstalkers in popular or commercial usage. Taxonomic research has separated some former populations, including Leiurus hebraeus, so the scientific name is the safest way to identify the exact animal. One venom component, chlorotoxin, has also been studied for possible use in locating brain-tumor cells during surgery.