Unlike most other animals that live in deserts, Androctonus does not dig burrows to protect itself from a sandstorm.

The resistance of Androctonus to sandstorms is suspected to be due to its unusual exoskeleton surface texture.

It has a very thick and powerful tail,[3] and stripes on the sides of its dome for better vision while attacking another animal or for the use of self-defense.

[4] Androctonus australis has very potent venom[5] and is one of the world's most dangerous scorpions due to its relative toxicity and temperament.

[3] It has the most potent venom of its kind, it is mainly composed of neurotoxins, cardiotoxins and myotoxins and additional hemotoxins, deaths in humans usually occur by heart and respiratory failure, sometimes by cerebral hemorrhage, organ dysfunction and shock.