IN PHOTOS: Indian Red Scorpion spotted in Maharashtra's Nashik district

The Indian red scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus), one of India’s most venomous species, was spotted glowing blue-green under ultraviolet light in Nashik district. Captured by scientist Rajesh Sanap, the sighting highlights the scorpion’s natural fluorescence caused by compounds in its exoskeleton. (Pics/Rajesh Sanap)

Updated On: 2026-01-30 11:57 AM IST

Compiled by : Tarun Verma

The Indian red scorpion (Hottentotta tamulus) was captured glowing in a brilliant blue-green color under ultraviolet (UV) light (Pic/Rajesh Sanap)

The scorpion was sighted outside the protected area in on the descending slope of a small hillock at Nashik

Pictures of the Indian red scorpion were captured by Rajesh Sanap, a scientist at the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, revealing how the scorpion’s otherwise ordinary brownish appearance transforms into a luminous spectacle when exposed to UV rays

Certain compounds present in the scorpion’s exoskeleton (outer body layer) react to ultraviolet light, producing fluorescence, making it a biological reaction

Wildlife expert Rajesh Sanap also noted that while scorpion sightings are fairly common, they are difficult to detect with the naked eye and are more easily observed using a UV torch

The Indian red scorpion is one of the most venomous scorpion species in India, and this particular creature was spotted on Wednesday in the Nashik district

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