Parabuthus (Burrowing thick-tailed scorpions)

Parabuthus is an Afrotropical genus with 20 of the 28 species endemic to southern Africa. It occurs in areas of less than 600 mm of rain per annum and is absent in southern Africa from the extreme Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, much of the Free State and the Highveld. It is adapted to areas of soft to hard gritty soil and digs shallow burrows in sand at the base of shrubs, under rock, logs or any suitable cover. Parabuthus scorpions are of great medical importance and all species must be regarded as potentially lethal. 

Uroplectes (Lesser thick-tailed scorpions)

This Afrotropical genus occurs in a wide range of habitats from Afromontane forest to desert in southern and eastern Africa. It includes about 40 described species of small to medium (30 to 60 mm) scorpions. They are very variable in colour; often brightly coloured yellow, orange, brown and even olive green usually patterned with darker markings. Species can be arboreal occurring under tree bark, in holes in trees or actively hunting on vegetation or wandering about on the forest floor. Uroplectes can deliver an extremely painful sting that subsides after 1 to 4 hours rarely longer, with the possibility of slight local swelling. Ice treatment and an analgesic is all that is required for pain relief. There are some reports that a few species' stings result in minor systemic symptoms.

Hottentotta

This genus, formerly known as Buthotus, occurs from northern South Africa up through eastern Africa and into the Middle East and India. In southern Africa there are 3 species that occur in the Northern Cape to Namibia, Namibia and the Northern Province respectively - all hot semi-arid to arid regions. They occur in sandy areas under stones, logs and make a 60 to 100 mm deep burrow under succulent shrubs.

Karasbergia (Pygmy thick-tailed or Micro thick-tailed scorpions)

This monotypic genus (includes only 1 species), is endemic to the Northern Cape (Augrabies Falls and Richtersveld region) and into central Namibia. It has a maximum size of only 23 mm and due to its small size, this common scorpion is usually overlooked. It can usually only be detected by UV (ultraviolet) light. Karasbergia methueni is nocturnal. This pelopilous scorpion constructs burrows in hard soil under stones.

Karasbergia is of no medical importance and it is doubtful if the sting can penetrate human skin.

Lychas (Bark scorpions, tropical thick-tailed scorpions)

This mainly Indian Australasian genus has 3 African species. One reaches its southern limit in Zimbabwe and in the northern Kruger National Park.

Afroisometrus

A single species, Afroisometrus minshullae, was a species of Lychas until recently placed into a monotypic genus. The change is taxonomically dubious.

Pseudolychas (False bark scorpion)

Three species are known from the eastern half of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Pseudolychas prefers moist habitats and has benefited from human development, finding Gauteng gardens to its liking. Only about 30 mm long, this scorpion is of no medical importance.