• Sharad Giramkar

Heterometrus xanthopus is a large scorpion species widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid zones of India. Known for its robust body and potent venom, it inhabits burrows in open landscapes with loose soil. The present study investigates the habitat features of H. xanthopus in and around Pirangut, District Pune, Maharashtra. Systematic field surveys were conducted from June 2023 to May 2024, covering different habitat types such as fallow lands, scrublands, rocky terrain, and plantation edges. Observations included soil texture, vegetation type, burrow dimensions, and environmental parameters. Results indicate that H. xanthopus favours loamy soils with moderate vegetation cover and minimal human disturbance. Burrows averaged 4.2 cm in entrance diameter and 32–44 cm in depth. This baseline study contributes to the understanding of the species’ microhabitat preferences in the Pirangut region, supporting further ecological and conservation research.

Heterometrus xanthopus, scorpion, habitat, Pirangut, Maharashtra

"HABITAT OF HETEROMETRUS XANTHOPUS (POCOCK) (SCORPIONIDAE) IN PIRANGUT, DIST: PUNE, M/S, INDIA", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.1, Issue 2, page no.571-572, July-2014, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1701D35.pdf

"HABITAT OF HETEROMETRUS XANTHOPUS (POCOCK) (SCORPIONIDAE) IN PIRANGUT, DIST: PUNE, M/S, INDIA", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.1, Issue 2, page no. pp571-572, July-2014, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1701D35.pdf