Links/Recommended references

Searching for information on scorpion is not easy. Conventional library don't carry many books on scorpions and searching through index of every probable book is not for the weak hearted. To help anyone interested to know further, I have put down a list of my preferred references. Opinions are my own and please do not take offense for my skewed judgement.

The level set usually mean the minimum age to comprehend most of the content. Adults who think that'age 6 and above' is condescending to your level may be mistaken. All books here are not 'children's book' but caters to all ages in our special interest group.

1. 'Tarantulas and scorpions' by Rankin and Walls (TFH) 1994
   Level: For beginners who likes eye candies (age 6 and above)
   Coloured, 64 pages, many colour plates, paperback, 11 pages on scorpions, about US$12
   Rating: 7/10
   - Beginner's guide to keeping scorpions furbished with beautiful pictures. However it has more about tarantula keeping. Also according to David Gaban, the Androctonus crassicauda labelled should be A.australis while A.bicolor looks more like A.crassicauda. It has been verified using Fauna Palaestina: Scorpiones and Dave Gaban is as always right.
2. 'The Biology of Scorpions' by Gary A. Polis (Stanford University Press, 1990)
   Level: For those more technically inclined (age 12 and above)
   Hardcover, 587 pages, black and white photos, illustrations, about US$90
   Rating: 9/10
   - The very best book there is on scorpions so far. Compilation of the many journals and the author's very long (>15 years) research into scorpions. It is however quite technical and a background in anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacolgy is an advantage. Except for researchers and 'nuts' like myself, it has more information than one need.
   Major drawback: cost Australian $150
3. 'Revision of genus Heterometrus' Couzijn, 1981
   Level: For taxonomist (age 18 and above)
   Paperback/hardcover, illustrations with no photos, 196 pages, price unknown.
   Rating: 8/10
   - Specific for genus Heterometrus (which is relatively abundant in Malaysia and Singapore.) For Heterometrus spp identification, nothing beats it. My key on Heterometrus is extracted from it.
4. 'Venomous animals and their toxins' by G.G. Habermehl, 1981.
   Level: For layman who likes to know venom (age 12 and above)
   Hardcover, mainly illustrations, thin, price unknown, small section on scorpions
   Rating: 8/10
   - An easy to read, interesting and yet scientifically sound text on venoms in general. Have a good section on scorpions.
5. 'Bites and Stings' by John Nicol, 1989
   Level: For layman interested in venom
   Hardcover, black and white photos, thick, small section on scorpion, price unknown
   Rating: 7/10
   - Very easy to read and interesting. Tendency to dramatise/sensualise (personal opinion) but is mostly quite scientifically based. Caters more to man-in-the-street who is interested in venom.
6. 'Desert soil fauna' by John A. Wallwork , 1982
   Level: Interesting read for those interested ;) (age 16 and above)
   Hardcover, black and white photos, thick, numerous section on scorpion ecology, price unknown
   Rating: 7/10
   - Contains much information on desert scorpion life history. Finds it up-to-date and interesting. It's so interesting I read the whole book instead.
7. 'Dangerous animals in Malaya' MWF Tweedie, 1941
   Level: Easy read (age 6 and above)
   Paperback, illustrations, thin, price unknown
   Rating: 5/10
   - One of the only few book with a little information on scorpions of Malaysia and Singapore. Some information may be outdated.
8. 'Arachnida' 2nd Edition by Theodore Savory, 1977
   Level: Easy read (age 12 and above)
   Hardcover, mainly illustrations, thick, price unknown
   Rating: 7/10
   - An old book but is interesting classic with good overview of arachnids. Contains clearly presented information on classification, anatomy and life history. Section on familial difference is easier to digest than Sissom's key in 'Biology of Scorpion' but is outdated. The first edition of 'Arachnida' contains some different pictures and information and may prove interesting to read as well.
9. 'Scorpion man - Exploring the World of Scorpions' Laurence Pringle, photos by Gary A. Polis, 1994
   Level: Interesting and inspiring (age 6 and above)
   Hardcover, coloured photo, thin, about US$ 15
   Rating: 7/10
   - Features how Polis, the famous (to us) author of 'The Biology of Scorpion' gains his interest and develops it into a career. Also gives simplified information about scorpions and is the simplest accurate text on scorpion in general. The black and white pictures in 'The Biology of Scorpion' is in full colour here.
10. 'Golden Guide: Spiders and their kin' Herbert W.Levi and Lorna R.Levi, 1990
    Level: any level (age 6 and above)
    Paperback, pocket size, 160 pages, coloured drawings, about US$7
    Rating: 7/10
    - A good general introduction to the Arachnids with emphasis on Araenae. The 3 pages on scorpions is quite informative and deserves at least a read.
11. 'Simply scorpions: A guide for beginners' by Hancock, Kathleen, 1996
    Level: any level (age 6 and above)
    Paperback, line drawings, 44 pages, about US$5
    Rating 4/10
    - The binding is inferior and so is the printing (photocopy). The information is very brief but is reasonably OK on keeping scorpions as pets. The other information is mostly coincidentally repeat of what I have here. Also the section saying that 'scorpions can be overfed' is what most of us dismiss as a myth (carried over from 'Arachnomania'?)
12. 'Scorpions: A comprehensive guide' by Hancock, Kathleen, 1996
    Level: general (age 12 and above)
    Paperback, line drawings, 92 pages, about US$12
    Rating: 6/10
    - The binding and printing is similarly inferior but the information inside is at least worth a read. A much better version of the above in terms of content.
13. 'Fauna of India: Arachnida Vol III : Scorpions' by B.K. Tikader and D.B. Bastawade, 1983
    Level: more for technical people (age 12 and above)
    Hardcover, illustrations, 671 pages, price unknown.
    Rating: 9/10
    - A surprise find which proves to be a 'treasure'. The general information on scorpions is easy to read and presentation clearer than 'Biology of Scorpion'. It contains taxonomic keys and description of many Asia genus and proves invaluable for my work. Sadly, other taxonomic sources is usually more recognised in the international taxonomic circles.....
14. 'Arachnomania' by Phillipe de Vosjoli, 1991
    Level: general (age 12 and above)
    Paperback, b/w photos, 80 pages, 20 pages on scorpions alone, about US$ 9
    Rating: 7/10
    -I read it with low expectation but is elated by its relative accuracy and wealth of information. The disagreement over whether scorpion can be overfed is adequately and objectively discussed which leaves one to decide. Overall, a good book for both tarantula and scorpion care.
15. 'Scorpions' by Conrad J Storad, 1995
    Level: Children (age 4 and above)
    Hardcover, coloured photo, 48 pages, about US$15
    Rating: 4/10
    - Gosh! This really is a children to young people book. The letters are HUGE resulting in the 48 pages being very little information. The photos are nice and the general information decent but..... not for people who manage to read through and understand my webpage. Very elementary but easy to read.
16. 'Looking inside spiders and scorpions' by Dr Paul Hillyard, 1995
    Level: Children (age 6 and above)
    Hardcover, coloured pictures and photos, 19 pages, about US$11
    Rating: 6/10
    - A unique interesting and clear way of presenting anatomy of arachnids. However, it similarly suffers from a lack of information. Layout could be more organised but is generally easy to read.
17. 'Field Guide to Spiders and Scorpions of Texas' by John A. Jackman, 1997
    Level: General (age 12 and above)
    Paperback, colour plates, 201 pages, 8 pages on scorpions, about US$19
    Rating: 7/10
    - Solid book for those in Texas. The illustrations is clear and the taxonomic description concise. However, ecology and other information on scorpions is limited and the species covered is very small.
18. 'Fauna Palaestina: Arachnida I: Scorpiones' by G.Levy and P. Amitai, 1980
    Level: Taxonomist and advance readers (age 16 and above)
    Hardcover, illustrations, 130 pages, about US$30
    Rating: 8/10
    -Information is concise and clear with illustrations to support. Emphasis on taxonomic information may be mind boggling and boring to some. Most species in the region is covered including the infamous Androctonus genus.
19. 'The New Creepy Crawly Collection: Scorpions' by Tamara Green, 1996
    Level: Kids (age 6 and above)
    Hardcover, coloured cartoon like drawings, 24 pages. about US$19
    Rating: 4/10
    - This book covers the basics though information should be taken with a pinch of salt. It is very easy to read but is inaccurate in sections which if you're interested, email me. The drawings and colouring is kiddish and is pricey.
20. 'Tarantula and other Arachnids' by Samuel D. Marshal, 1996
    level: Adult
    Soft cover, 69 color photos, 104 pages, US $8
    Rating: 8/10
    - Solid book and lives up to its recommendation by American Tarantula Society. Only 4 pages on scorpions but is well written for tarantula.
21. The book of Spiders and Scorpions by Rod Preston-Mafham 1996
    Level: kids to adult
    Hardcover, 200+ illustrations some are color photos, 144 pages, US $29?
    Rating:6.5/10
    - A good book which didn't disappoint me. Again the focus is on spiders but there is 5 information filled pages on scorpions. It is well written and quite informative on arachnids.
    
    

Many other books have small sections on scorpions but there are too many to quote here.

Other books recommended but I've not have chance to read.... yet..... ;-)

1) 'Scorpions (Arachnida from Costa Rica)' by Oscar Franke, Stockwell
- Dr Stockwell is also the owner of the Scorpion enthusiast mailing list as well as best scorpion page available (sigh, out of stock)
2) 'Scorpions of Medical importance' by Keegan.
- I'll be receiving it from NHBS hopefully soon.

I'm also reading some papers on scorpions. In my collection includes:
1) Newlands G. 1985 'Re-appraisal of the rock scorpion (Ishnuridae: Hadogenes)'
2) Bullington's paper on Hadogenes
3) Kopstein's paper on' New species in Malaya' 1937 on Lychas tweediei
4) Franitsek Kovarik's paper on Lychas and Hemilychas genus. 1997.
5) Adam Locket's paper on Albinism in Australian scorpions (Urodacus yasenkoi) 1986
6) 3 excellent scorpion books by Herbert Schiejok (Germany) in German. I'm still trying to translate it.

Internet
Sometimes caught in the bewildering span of the web, even Webcrawler, Yahoo, AOL Netfind etc can't help you much. Frustrated that the so called 'scorpion' match turns out to be a rock group, football team or baseball team? Here are some links to get you started.

Almost purely scorpions

• Scorpion Enthusiast Page by Dr Scott A. Stockwell
  - Much referred to in my page. It is, in my opinion, the very best scorpion page on the net. A no-nonsense, scientific, informative and yet interesting page on scorpions by none other than an expert on scorpions, Dr Stockwell. Join his mailing list if you wish to keep up to date with the latest scorpion knowledge. Visit it and I'm sure you'll agree. He owns the scorpion ML
• Hairy scorpion caresheet by Shannon D. Nelson
  - The page owner subscriber of the Scorpion ML with rpofound knowledge in physiology, biochemistry etc. The page is vibrant, informative and simply put superb. It could pose a threat to Dr Stockwell's page as the best scorpion page with its lively animation and scientifically accurate and yet simple to read and interesting content. However, it concentrates on the family Iuridae which includes Hadrurus (desert hairy scorpion) and Anuroctonus.
• Emperor Scorpion page by David Gaban
  - One of the 'benefactor' of my page. Everything most will ever want to know about P.imperator (care etc.) from an expert. Solid page. He's on the scorpion ML.
• Arachnodata
  - The Arachnological information and coordination agency by Matt W.Braunwalder. It is available in both English and Deutsch. A commendable page with good links, interesting projects and information with emphasis on scorpions. A superb resource for those with interest in scorpions. He's on the scorpion and arachnology ML.
• Scorpion Forum by Larry
  A site for scorpion enthusiast to exchange knowledge and perhaps pets. Larry is on the Scorpion ML.
• Scorpion link page
  - An attempt by Jonathan Schwarz to compile the most complete scorpion enthusiast link with ICQ included. There's also links to online scorpion suppliers. He's on the scorpion ML
• Hellenic arachnid society founded by Alexandros Pagidas. The photos of Mesobuthus gibbosus is from him. He's on the scorpion ML.
• Gordon W. 's new scorpion page
  Gordon W.'s new effort at a scorpion page. My server can't establish a link yet but I'm sure it'll be a great page to visit.
• Hunting Scorps in Desert page
  - Pascal Riewe, a contributor of some of the pictures in here as well. He's on the scorpion ML
• Gordon's Scorpion Page
  Somewhere you should take a look
• Scorpions and Centipede photo gallery by Gordon W.
  - Beautiful pictures of scorpions and with common names listed against the scientific names, it helps bridge the gap between latin rattling experts and normal being. He's on the scorpion ML
• Pandinus page by Carl Sandefer
  - A new page which is constantly updated. Got some big jpegs and is currently featuring the genus Pandinus. He's on the scorpion ML
• Discovery online on scorpions
  - Though not a personal webpage, the information on scorpions is quite extensive. Dr Stockwell himself is interviewed.
• Bud's tarantula and scorpion page
  - A page with general information about tarantulas, scorpions and other invertebrates
• Scorpion information by Yak
  A site worthy of a short visit.
• Steve Rayboy's Scorpion page
  - Steve Rayboy is also on scorpion ML.
• Qiuyun's Scorpion page
  - Quiyun lives in Hong Kong and provides stocklist of scorpions available in HK.
• European Scorpion page
• Scorpio
  - everything you want to know of anyone who is born a Scorpio <I'm not>

Arachnids in general (with some emphasis on tarantula and scorpions)

• Arachnology mailing list
  - The biggest arachnology list on the net. The section on Order Scorpiones contains many other links to scorpions on the net. One of the best.
• Tarantula Photo Gallery
  - It's on tarantula only. Still it has the over 150 jpegs of tarantula found in one single page. More tarantula pictures than any book I've seen as well. A must-see for arachnid especially tarantula fans.
• American Tarantula Society
  - A good start point especially for those in America. Their chair, R.G. Breene, is on the Arachnology ML
• Boddan's Arachnology page
  - where some of my pictures come from. He's on the scorpion ML
• Tarantula's Burrow
  - A solid site by Martin Overton of British Tarantula Society (BTS). Includes a survey on bites and stings. A must visit for enthusiast. Gets better each day. He's on the Arachnology ML
• Anansi's Voice from Asia
  - Anansi's page on Asian spiders and arachnids. One of the better sites to look out for information on tarantula. One of the rare asian 'arachnophilic' web sites. It not only gets better each day, I think it is the best english arachnid site by an Asian. He's on the scorpion ML
• Mike Troll's Arachnid page
  - Love for arachnids and creepy crawlies presented in an entertaining way. Very beautiful and interesting site to visit. He's on the scorpion ML.
• Hobo spider web site
  - Lots of information about Hobo spiders (Tegenaria agrestis) and venom by a toxinologist. Darwin K. Vest. A good site to visit for anyone curious about arachnid venom.
• Invertebrates Page
  - By Chad Arment. Good page to visit. It also includes the key to Hadogenes spp (Flat rock scorpions) by Koedoe. He's on the scorpion ML
• Salticids page
  - by David Edwin Hill (a fellow Arachnology ML subscriber). Mainly on jumping spiders Phidippus but is sooo..... good I couldn't give it a miss. He's on the Arachnology ML
• James Cokendolpher's Home page
  - James is a world renown authority on arachnids especially opiliones and is an accomplished nature photographer. He's on the Arachnology ML.
• Jon's pet arachnid and insects page
  Another good site to take a look.

Singapore nature links

• Poisons information database (Singapore)
  - The bigger picture of venom and toxin in Singapore.
• Nature Society of Singapore
  - Conservation of what little nature is left in Singapore.

My other interests (in Singapore)

• Singapore Mount Everest Team
  - enjoying nature and pushing myself
• Extremist
  - to the limits
• Climbster
  - rockclimbing
• Scuba diving
  - to the depths
• Scouting
  - to guide and to serve
• Canoeing
  - round the world......

Book suppliers

• Amazon bookstore
  - Superb source for books on scorpions. Amazon also provides search for second hand book. Doube checking your orders (past, present, future) is idiot proof. Their service is good and catalog quite updated. However, second hand book comes at a price......
• Barnes and Noble
  - Unfortunately, the catalog is at times outdated and I was informed late of a few book being out of print even though the catalog carries it. They do not search for second hand book on our behalf. This is rather irresponsible when one may have cancelled a parallel second hand order thinking that BN carries it. It happens to me..........
• NHBS mailorder bookstore
  - A nature bookstore with a few books on scorpions. A pleasant surprise is that snailmail catalog is sent to each customer. In general, I'm satisfied with their service and their ability to get a out-of-print book at the quoted price without making a fuss of it. The price is in pounds and is comparatively steeper for some items.

To go back

That's all folks...... any queries concerning anything on the page or any of my interest, email Kian Wee