Just yesterday, nature enthusiast Denis Magro shared some fascinating shots on Facebook of a Euscorpius sicanus, a species of scorpion, or ‘Skorpjun’ in Maltese, spotted in the wild.

The Euscorpius sicanus is the only native scorpion species in the Maltese Islands. This small arachnid, measuring around 50mm in length, poses no real threat to humans. Its venom is extremely mild, and its stinger is unlikely to penetrate the skin easily.

These scorpions are nocturnal hunters, typically preying on small arthropods found in leaf litter. During the day, they seek refuge under stones, logs, and occasionally in dark, humid areas like cellars. While it’s rare, they can sometimes be found inside homes.

Here’s a fun fact – the Maltese scorpion's harmless nature was noted as early as 1536 in ‘Insulae Melitae Descriptio’ by Jean Quintin, the first known detailed description of the Maltese Islands. Quintin wrote, ‘Scorpions, fearful animals elsewhere, are seen here innocuous in the hands of boys playing with them; I myself saw one eating them’.

While there’s no need to fear these fascinating creatures, you might want to stick to a safer meal choice!

Have you ever spotted a scorpion in Malta?