Top 16 Most Fascinating Facts About Scorpions

Scorpions are invertebrate animals with eight legs belonging to the Arachnida class (spider-shaped animals). They are characterized by a tail with a poisonous hook. They are cultural icons, with the Scorpio constellation in Western astrology and gods in ancient Egypt.

There are over 30 scorpion species found in Arizona. The most common in the Phoenix area is the Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda), which has extremely potent venom and the highest fatality rate.

Scorpions tend to live in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 - 37°C, but they can handle temperatures remarkably well. Researchers have frozen scorpions overnight, and the next day, when the ice melts, the scorpions shake themselves off and walk away as if nothing happened.

The average lifespan of a scorpion is 2-10 years. Some special species can live up to 25 years.

Except for Hemiscorpius lepturus species with cell-toxic venom, all other scorpion species have neurotoxic venom. These toxins affect the nervous system and contain small amounts of proteins, sodium, and potassium cations. Scorpions use their venom to kill or paralyze prey; this action is fast and effective.

Fortunately, the venom of most scorpion species is harmless to humans, although it can cause reactions such as pain, numbness, or swelling. Some scorpion species, mainly in the Buthidae family, can be dangerous to humans. The most dangerous scorpion species include Leiurus quinquestriatus - with the strongest venom in the Buthidae family, and species in the Parabuthus, Tityus, Centruroides genera, especially Androctonus - also have potent venom. The scorpion species responsible for the most human deaths is Androctonus australis, or the fat-tailed scorpion of North Africa. Although its venom is only half as potent as Leiurus quinquestriatus, those stung can die.

Scorpions generally do not have enough venom to kill a healthy adult human. Some people allergic to scorpions may die more quickly. The simplest symptom after a scorpion sting is localized pain and numbness for a few days. Scorpions are generally timid, so they only sting when hunting or defending themselves. In dangerous situations, scorpions usually flee or stand still.

Scorpions can regulate the amount of venom injected, typically 0.1-0.6 mg. This is also a hint at the scorpion's strategy to conserve its venom for other encounters. Scorpions have two types of venom: a mild type that only stuns the opponent and a strong type that is lethal. Perhaps scorpions expend so much energy on this potent venom that they take several days to recover after using up their available venom.

Scorpions belong to the class of invertebrates, segmented body, with eight legs belonging to the Arachnida class (spider-shaped animals). The body of a scorpion is divided into two parts: the cephalothorax (anterior body segment) and the abdomen (posterior body region):

• The abdomen includes the lower abdomen and tail.
• The cephalothorax/Anterior body segment: consists of the carapace, eyes, pincers (part of the mouth), sensory pincers, and 8 legs.

The lower abdomen: divided into 8 segments. The first segment contains the reproductive organs and the vestige of a reduced organ called the genital operculum. The second segment is a pair of sensory organs similar to Pectines. The remaining four segments include two lung leaves. The lower abdomen is covered with a horn-like carapace.

The tail: consists of 6 segments (the first segment like the last abdominal segment). The scorpion's anus is located at the last segment, which also carries venom. The last segment consists of a sac, a pair of venom glands, and a venom-injecting sting.

Carapace: surrounds the body, some parts have hairs serving as balance organs. An outer layer of the carapace, originally transparent, will fluoresce greenish-yellow under ultraviolet light. Newly molted scorpions will not fluoresce until their carapace hardens. That layer may remain uncracked in fossils for hundreds of millions of years.

In rare cases, scorpions may be born with two tails. It is not a new species but merely a genetic anomaly.

Unlike species in the Spider class, scorpions give birth to offspring. Scorpions are born one by one and cling to their mother's back until they undergo at least one molt. Before the first molt, scorpion offspring cannot survive without relying on their mother.

Scorpion offspring resemble their parents. They grow by molting. After 5-7 molts, scorpions become mature. Molting begins with the inner skeleton, as the carapace at the edge of the anterior body segment cracks. Their sensory pincers and legs molt first, followed by the abdomen. Once molted, their carapace is very soft and vulnerable to attack. The process of hardening this carapace is called sclerotization. The initial outer carapace is colorless, but when it hardens, it fluoresces.

The maximum lifespan of a scorpion has not been determined. They can live at least 4 years and up to 25 years (H. arizonensis species). Scorpions prefer to live in temperatures around 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68-99 degrees Fahrenheit) but can tolerate temperatures from 14 to 45 degrees Celsius (57-113 degrees Fahrenheit). Scorpions are nocturnal and burrowing animals. They dig burrows during the day to find cool hiding places, often under rocks, and come out at night to hunt. Scorpions have a fear of light and are preyed upon by birds, spiders, lizards, marsupials, and mice.

Scorpions have the ability to regenerate, with each scorpion species having separate males and females. Scorpions reproduce by transferring sperm cells from males to females.

First, the male scorpion holds onto the female's sensory pincers and begins a dance. In fact, the male is leading the female to find a place to deposit its sperm sac. This ritual may also involve additional actions such as vigorous shaking or kissing the female's sensory pincers (sometimes the male injects a small amount of its venom into the female), all aimed at reassuring the female.

Once a suitable spot is found, the male scorpion deposits the sperm sac and guides the female to hold onto it. The female will insert the sperm sac into her genital opening, where it ruptures, releasing sperm into the female's body. Copulation can take anywhere from 1 to over 25 hours, depending on the male scorpion's ability to quickly find a spot to deposit its sperm sac. If too slow, the female may become impatient and leave.

Once copulation is complete, they separate. The male quickly withdraws to avoid the rare chance of being eaten by its mate, although this cannibalistic behavior is seldom observed in scorpions.

Most scorpions are ambush predators, but they can adjust their behavior to suit their environment. Some simply wait in burrows and strike when prey passes by. Others actively forage to pursue prey. Feeding habits seem to change depending not only on the availability of prey but also on the number of predators. There is evidence that higher predator densities lead to higher rates of scorpions preying on conspecifics. Some scorpion species have even been observed using a similar tactic to trap-door spiders – setting traps on sand to ensnare passing prey.

Scorpions, nocturnal predators, are essentially blind. Their eyes can be used to detect motion, but they primarily rely on fine hairs and sensory structures called pectines to detect prey and other carnivorous animals and navigate their environment. Upon finding food, they use a combination of powerful claws and venomous stingers to immobilize prey. Since venom production can be an energy-intensive process, adults often rely on their claws to dismember smaller prey and reserve their venom for larger predators and prey. Like spiders, scorpions must liquefy their food to eat it.

Scorpion offspring spend their early days living on their mother's back. Mother scorpions tend to fiercely protect their young, using this time to receive nutrients from the brood sac surrounding them. After completing their first molt, scorpion offspring will adopt nutritional regimes similar to those of adults. Some mothers may kill their freshly molted offspring, but a hungry mother may also provide food for her offspring if prey is not readily available.

Scorpions prey on small arthropods and insects. They primarily use their pincers to catch prey. Depending on the potency of venom and the size of the prey, scorpions either sting their prey or crush them with their pincers. This immobilizes or kills the prey, making it easier for the scorpion to consume. Scorpions have a unique feeding mechanism involving their pincers, which are small claws near their mouth, a feature found in only a few species (including spiders). The pincers are sharp and can be used to tear apart prey for easier digestion.

Scorpions can only digest food in a certain liquid form; any solid matter (such as the prey's hair or exoskeleton) is left behind. Scorpions have been found in many fossils dating back approximately 425 to 450 million years.

Additionally, scorpions can be prepared into various dishes... However, some species are highly venomous and inedible, so caution must be exercised before consuming scorpion meat to ensure it is safe. It is advisable to wait a few days after capture, thoroughly wash away any toxins, and after cooking, add flavorings according to personal preference; many people consider the scorpion's abdomen the tastiest part. Scorpion dishes are mainly sold in certain regions. Due to environmental changes, some scorpion species are at risk of extinction, which could affect agriculture as scorpions prey on insect pests harmful to crops.

Although their sting isn't lethal to a healthy adult, it can be fatal to children and the elderly, and is said to be about 100 times more painful than a bee sting.

Venom from a Deathstalker scorpion can kill, but it can also bring immense wealth. Priced at $39 million USD per gallon (approximately 907 billion VND), Deathstalker scorpion venom is the most expensive liquid on the planet.

Even with all the money in the world, you still can't buy a gallon of scorpion venom. Instead, you can only purchase a tiny amount. $130 USD (3 million VND) is the price you'd have to pay to own a droplet of venom smaller than a grain of sugar.

Scorpions may be opportunistic predators, but they are also prey to any larger, more formidable species. Their massive claws and venom often aren't enough to deter larger animals – and scorpions in most ecosystems find themselves preyed upon by numerous species of birds, mammals, and even other arachnids.

In some cases, predators have even evolved immunity or high resistance to scorpion venom. Bats and mongooses have evolved immune or high resistance to the toxins scorpions produce.

The southern grasshopper mouse (Onychomys torridus) is a carnivorous mouse species found in desert areas, often seen in the United States and Mexico. According to scientists, this mouse species has evolved the ability to block signals of paralysis from scorpion venom to the brain, preventing the effects of the venom, allowing them to remain painless when exposed to scorpion venom.

The southern grasshopper mouse has developed a particularly creative defense mechanism. While it is not immune to the venom, the mouse produces a protein that blocks pain receptors to its brain. Other predators such as meerkats and shrews have developed specific hunting techniques that allow them to neutralize scorpions without being stung. Larger bird species such as hawks and hornbills are simply too large and powerful for scorpions to pose any threat. Some scorpion predators even have venom of their own – with giant Amazonian centipedes in South America and tarantula hawks being two of the most notable venomous scorpion predators.

Scientists have found that scorpions are ingenious architects, constructing burrows equipped with warm and cool chambers to adapt to harsh desert environments.

Under the leadership of Dr. Amanda Adams, from Ben-Gurion University (Israel), a team of scientists studied the burrows of the giant hairy scorpion, scientifically known as Scorpio Maurus palmatus, in the Negev Desert, Israel. After capturing the scorpions, scientists poured molten aluminum into the burrows, which solidified to create casts. The castings were then analyzed using 3D laser scanning and computer software.

The results revealed that the burrows of Scorpio Maurus palmatus are highly complex structures, not just simple holes on the ground. Each burrow begins with a vertical entrance leading to a flattened area located several centimeters below the surface.

The burrow structure is divided into distinct sections, including warm and cool chambers. At night, before venturing out to hunt prey in the chilly desert, scorpions retreat to the warm chamber to raise their body temperature. During the day, they retreat into the cool, damp chamber located deep underground to escape the heat.

Dr. Adams, as cited by Science Daily, suggests that the burrow-building techniques of scorpions could be applied to human construction projects to cope with ongoing climate change.

Scorpion venom is incredibly difficult to obtain. It must be manually milked from each scorpion, with each extraction yielding a maximum of 2 milligrams.

Consider this: if you had a scorpion, you would need to milk it 2.64 million times to fill a gallon. Milkers also face the risk of being stung by scorpions. While a sting is not lethal to a healthy adult, it is certainly painful.

Another reason for the exorbitant cost of scorpion venom is its medical applications. The venom contains numerous components that are invaluable in the development of groundbreaking drugs. For example, chlorotoxin in scorpion venom can bind to certain cancer cells in the brain and spine, aiding in the identification of tumor size and location.

Researchers also use scorpions to combat malaria in mosquitoes. Kaliotoxin in scorpion venom has been tested to treat bone disorders in mice, with hopes for similar efficacy in humans. As scientists delve deeper into scorpion venom research, they discover more applications, driving up the demand for scorpion venom. Therefore, efforts are underway to find faster methods of milking scorpions.

From a chemical standpoint, no one can be entirely sure what causes scorpions to glow, but we all understand it's a remarkably unique ability. When a scorpion is immersed in alcohol, the alcohol emits fluorescence. Unbelievably, fossilized scorpions have even been found to fluoresce under ultraviolet light after hundreds of millions of years.

Scientists attribute a glowing scorpion to its outer shell, or exoskeleton – specifically, the transparent layer. As scorpions regularly molt to grow, researchers observed that until the outer shell completely hardens, its transparent layer no longer fluoresces under UV light.

Researchers have floated various ideas: the blue light from scorpions could help them find each other in the dark, shield them from sunlight, or even deceive their prey. However, a 2011 study suggested that scorpions use their outer shell to detect UV rays – because they want to avoid them (after all, they're nocturnal predators; a scorpion will always seek the darkest place to venture out during the day, even under moonlight). A further study indicated that scorpions use their entire body as a giant eye to detect UV rays – if they sense their body gradually glowing, it's time to find a darker spot.

A group of scientists has unearthed numerous fossilized traces of wide-winged scorpions in white limestone layers at the Chẽ neighborhood stone mine, Hai Phong.

The team of scientists includes: Dr. Phipippe Janvier (Director of the Center for Research on Ancient Diversity and Paleo-Environment, France); Dr. Nguyen Huu Hung (Vietnam Museum of Nature), and Dr. Ta Hoa Phuong (University of Natural Sciences). Wide-winged scorpions, scientifically known as Euryptida, belong to the Arthropoda phylum; ranging in size from a few centimeters to 20 centimeters; however, there are species, reaching over 2 meters in size like representatives of the genus Pterygotus discovered in the Givet stage (380 - 375 million years ago) of the Devonian period in North America.

They are predatory animals, living in freshwater and brackish environments; swimming and clinging to the bottom. Wide-winged scorpions first appeared on Earth in the Ordovician period (500 million years ago), flourishing in the Silurian, Devonian, and Carboniferous periods before completely disappearing in the early Permian period (280 million years ago).

Prior to this, in 2002, British scientists Simon J. Braddy, Paul A. Selden, and Dr. Doan Nhat Truong (Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources) first discovered fossilized wide-winged scorpions in limestone layers at the eastern slope of Ngoc Xuyen village, Do Son peninsula, Hai Phong City; including a new species Rhinocrcinosoma dosonesis; confirmed to have an age from late Silurian to early Devonian (415 - 410 million years ago).

The discovery of fossilized wide-winged scorpions, along with other fossil groups such as: Silurian plants, Trilobites, Agnatha fish, Bivalves, and Brachiopods (over the past years), allows paleontologists to date and reconstruct the ancient geographical and environmental conditions that formed the sedimentary rocks containing them in the Northeastern coastal area of Vietnam.

Scorpions are characterized by a tail with a venomous sting. They are cultural icons with the scorpion constellation in the Western zodiac. Below is a size comparison of various scorpion species worldwide:

• Giant Forest Scorpion: Heterometrus, commonly known as the Giant Forest Scorpion, is a genus of scorpions in the family Scorpionidae. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and China (Tibet). This genus includes some of the largest living scorpions. The Giant Forest Scorpion can reach sizes up to 23cm.
• African Rock Scorpion: The African Rock Scorpion is a species of scorpion, reaching up to 20.32cm in length. Their bodies are dark brown or black. They are distributed in deserts, grasslands, and semi-arid regions in countries in southern Africa such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, and Botswana. Thin pincers, but thick tails, with the stinger segment as wide as the rest of the tail. They are nocturnal, residing in shallow burrows under rocks during the day.
• Emperor Scorpion: Scientifically named Pandinus imperator, is a native African scorpion species. The Emperor Scorpion is one of the largest scorpion species in the world, with adult specimens averaging around 20 cm in length. However, some large forest scorpions, such as Heterometrus swammerdami, hold the record as the largest scorpion species, measuring 23 cm in length. They have a lifespan of 5-8 years under captive conditions, but likely live longer in the wild. Its large size, coupled with its mild venom and long lifespan, makes it a popular pet scorpion, leading to widespread capture and threatening its extinction.
• Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion: Also known as the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, these are the largest scorpion species in North America, often reaching lengths of 14 cm. Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions are widespread in desert regions of Arizona, California, Utah, and Nevada. They have a distinctive coloration – often with greenish backs and yellow legs – and are named for the hairs on their tails and legs. Due to their large size, they are extremely adept hunters and often prey on snakes and lizards, even large desert roaches found in Arizona.
• Vietnamese Black Scorpion: A scorpion species found in muddy areas of Vietnam and Laos. They can reach lengths of up to 12 cm. They are a communal species, but cannibalistic behavior has been observed, and if provoked, they can be extremely aggressive even towards their own kind.

'When it comes to scorpions, the bigger, the better,' Indiana Jones said in the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It turns out, Jones' knowledge is accurate.

A group of researchers at the National University of Ireland put that idea to the test, finding that smaller scorpions with smaller pincers actually have stronger venom than larger species. According to the university, there are over a million cases of scorpion stings each year, with thousands resulting in death.

The research team analyzed 36 scorpion species including the deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus), the rock scorpion (Hadogenes granulatus), the bark scorpion (Scorpion Centruroides noxius), the Israeli gold scorpion (Scorpio maurus).... They found that the smallest species had venom potency 100 times greater than the largest.

Their analysis included measurements of the average length of the scorpions as well as the efficacy of their venom. The results confirmed Jones' knowledge to be accurate - the smaller the scorpion, the more dangerous its venom, and vice versa. The Brazilian yellow scorpion, typically measuring 5-7.5 cm, has venom potency 100 times greater than the rock scorpion, which can grow up to 20 cm.

However, not only body size - the size of the pincers also correlates. For example, research found that the thick-tailed scorpion of South Africa has venom potency over 10 times greater than the Israeli gold scorpion, despite having significantly smaller pincers.

Scorpions use both their venom and pincers to capture prey and for defense. According to the researchers, the discovery indicates an evolutionary trade-off between these two weapons. Species that allocate more energy to larger pincers will have less energy for venom. This leads to larger scorpions with massive pincers being able to rely less on venom, and smaller species with smaller pincers evolving stronger venom.

Scorpions in Vietnam have low toxicity; many people even use scorpions soaked in alcohol for pain relief. Species of scorpions with venom that can be fatal to humans are found only in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

The sting of Vietnamese scorpions typically causes swelling, heat, redness, and pain for about 12 hours, but it does not cause death. Sometimes victims only feel a slight itching at the site of the bite, but shortly afterward, some experience dizziness, sweating, tearing, runny nose, nausea, stiffness of limbs, and, worse, full-body seizures, arrhythmia...

When bitten by a scorpion, clean the wound thoroughly, disinfect the sting site with 10% Povidone iodine or 70% alcohol, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. Take pain relievers such as aspirin, paracetamol... and antihistamines like phenergan, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine to soothe. Sometimes corticosteroids, dapsone may be necessary to improve skin damage.

Insects like centipedes, spiders, scorpions... can completely contain neurotoxic substances or enzymes that cause swelling. They can completely cause systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, rash, jaundice, muscle stiffness, cramps, numbness, bacterial infections. These symptoms are not common, but after disinfecting the bite, it is best to go to the hospital immediately for examination and treatment by a doctor.