About Scorpions

Scorpions have been reviled and simultaneously held sacred by many cultures over the years. Their deadly stingers and strange shape have made them appear mysterious and strange. They come in many shapes, sizes and colors. Their hues can range from concealing brown to a shiny black lacquer. They have unique ways of dealing with predators, rearing their young and hunting prey.

  1. Classification

    • Scorpions are eight-legged invertebrates, which puts them in the arthropod category along with tarantulas, black widows and the daddy long legs. They belong to the group of arachnids called Scorpionida. Scorpions live throughout the world and there are more than 2,000 different species of scorpions.

    Venom

    • The trait the scorpion is most noted for is its deadly venom. The venom in the tail is called a neurotoxin. Neurotoxins attack and damage the nerve cells, which can cause the victim to become paralyzed and unable to control critical functions like breathing. Like poisonous snakes, each variant of scorpion has different levels of toxicity in their venomous stingers. While some have less than others, they all have venom, including the young.

    Raising Young

    • Unlike a majority of arachnids and insects, the scorpion cares for and literally carries its young on its back. Young scorpions have soft, undeveloped shells, pincers and tails and need the protection of their mother. This gentle care takes place until the scorpion youngsters shed their soft skin and grow a new hard outer carapace in a process called molting.

    Prey

    • Scorpions live in harsh climates and as a result they have to take advantage of the resources available. This has made them into cunning hunters. The majority of scorpions thrive on catching and paralyzing small insects with their venom. However, scorpions have been known eat small rodents as well. Their food must be eaten carefully and slowly, however, as scorpions can only digest liquid. This means that the only the most edible meat is eaten and done so with much chewing as to liquify the food.

    Misconceptions

    • A major misconception is that the scorpion allows itself to be eaten by its young. While this is true for some other arachnids, it is not true of scorpions. This misconception has most likely arisen from the sight of a scorpion mother carrying her young on her body as part of her child rearing. Another misconception is that all scorpion stings are fatal. While no one should ever drop their guard around a venomous animal, many species of scorpion in the United States do not deliver lethal doses of neurotoxin. However, always be safe and keep your distance. Seek medical attention if stung.