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Scorpion Facts

Scorpion Facts
Scorpion is a close relative of spiders, mites and ticks. It belongs to group called arachnids. There are 1200 species of scorpions that can be found all over the planet except on Antarctica, Greenland, New Zealand and certain small islands. Most species of scorpions live in warm climate. Few species can be found in cooler climate. Scorpions are very old creatures. According to the fossil data, scorpions exist on the Earth 430 million years. Prehistoric and modern scorpions look alike, except that modern scorpions are two times smaller in size.
Interesting Scorpion Facts:
Scorpions vary in size depending on the species. Largest species of scorpions can reach 7 inches in length. Smallest species are usually 0.5 inches long.
Deadliest species of scorpions (with the strongest venom) are medium in size.
Scorpion's body is covered with hard shell that acts as outer skeleton of the body. As the animal grows, it molts 5 to 7 times until it reaches adult size.
Scorpion's body is segmented and it consists of cephalothorax (fusion between head and thorax) and abdomen. Scorpions have 4 pairs of walking legs and a pair of pincers.
Scorpions use pincers to grab its prey. Venom is used both for attack and for defense. Scorpions are carnivores. They usually feed on insects.
Scorpion injects venom and digestive juices into the prey. Once digestion is completed, scorpion will suck liquid food from the body of the prey.
Scorpions do not drink much water and they can survive very long time without water. Most of required water can be absorbed from the food.
Type of food determines the type and strength of the venom. The most deadly species live in North America and Middle East. Out of 1200 known species, around 30 to 40 are deadly for humans.
When the prey is scarce, scorpions can slow down their metabolism and survive by eating only one insect per year. Also, frozen scorpions are able to "revive" when they are defrosted after exposing to the sun. Scorpions are also one of the rare animals that can survive nuclear detonation.
Scorpions are nocturnal (active at night) creatures. They will hide under the rocks, leaves or in the abandoned building during the day.
Predators of scorpions are birds (such as owl) and baboons.
Scorpions glow under UV lamp. Scientists believe that production of fluorescent substance is associated with molting.
Mating dance performed by females may last for hours. Males will release sperm on the ground and females will collect it. Eggs will develop inside the female's womb, during a period of one year.
Female gives birth to live babies that are known as scorplings. Babies have venom in their body from the moment of their birth. They stay with mother until their first molt.
Average lifespan of most scorpions is between 3 and 8 years.


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