In 1969 the genus Protophthalmus Lawrence was created to contain a unique new psammophilous scorpion from the Namib Desert. This scorpion, P. holmi Lawrence, was regarded as the first scorpionid with well marked psammophilous characters to be recorded. The discovery of another closely allied species in the Kalahari desert is thus of considerable interest. This new scorpion seen against the ecological and behavioural background now possible, has introduced factors which necessitate a re-appraisal of the genus Protophthalmus. On its own, holmi was very unique, but with the discovery of the new Kalahari species, Opisthophthalmus concinnus described below, the links with Opisthophthalmus C. L. Koch are clear. It is the author's opinion that Protophthalmus is congeneric with Opisthophthalmus and the evidence for this view will be provided in this paper. Keywords: New species, Opisthophthalmus, Protophthalmus, Psammaphilous scorpions, Scorpionides.