Scorpion
Scientific Name: Varies by species (e.g., Androctonus, Leiurus, Hadrurus)
Order & Family: Order: Scorpiones, Family: Varies (e.g., Buthidae, Scorpionidae, Hemiscorpiidae)
Size: Scorpions range in size from approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) to 9 inches (23 cm) in length, though most commonly they are between 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm).
Natural Habitat
Scorpions are highly adaptable and found in a wide range of habitats across various continents, excluding Antarctica. They typically prefer arid and semi-arid regions like deserts, but can also be found in grasslands, forests, savannas, and even mountainous areas. They seek shelter under rocks, logs, bark, in burrows they dig themselves, or in existing crevices.
Diet & Feeding
Scorpions are carnivores and predators. Their diet primarily consists of insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and cockroaches. They also prey on spiders and other small invertebrates. Larger scorpion species can sometimes eat small lizards, snakes, or rodents. They use their pincers (pedipalps) to catch and crush prey, and their stinger to inject venom for immobilization.
Behavior Patterns
Scorpions are nocturnal and solitary creatures. They hunt at night, primarily detecting prey through vibrations in the ground. During the day, they hide under rocks, in crevices, or burrows to avoid predators and extreme temperatures. They undergo molting as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton. Reproduction varies; some species lay eggs, while others give birth to live young that are carried on the mother's back until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: All scorpions possess venom, but only a small percentage (around 25 out of over 2,500 species) have venom potent enough to be lethal to humans. Stings are painful and can cause swelling, numbness, and in severe cases (especially with certain species and in vulnerable individuals like children or the elderly), systemic effects like nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and cardiac issues. Localized allergic reactions are also possible. Potential Benefits: Scorpions play a role in their ecosystems as predators, helping to control populations of insects and other small invertebrates. Their venom is being researched for potential medical applications, including as antimicrobial agents and for cancer treatment.
Identified on: 8/30/2025