 Due to their stings' quick-acting venom, they rely to lesser extent on their slender pinchers (chelae) to hold onto prey.Three species, "P. schlechteri", "P. transvaalicus", and "P. villosus" are thought to be able to spray venom from their tails.These three are also the largest buthids in the world, reaching lengths up to 140 mm and masses up to 14 g.

Other consistent features include a dorsal head covering (carapace) that lacks granular ridges (carinae), while the tail's upper coverings (tergites) have only one inconspicuous middle (median) ridge.