Scorpion | Description, Habitat, Species, Diet, & Facts
What are Scorpions?
You may be surprised to learn that scorpions are not insects but belong to the class of arachnids. This means that they, like spiders, have eight legs. Not all scorpions are the same. There are over 1700 different species of scorpions such as the Arizona Bark scorpion and the emperor scorpion. However, they all have similar characteristics that we have provided below.
What do Scorpions look like?
Like all arachnids, scorpions have eight legs, but unlike spiders, they have large claws and a long tail with a venomous stinger at the end. They have a sturdy exoskeleton that comes in a variety of colors including black, brown, blue, yellow, and green.
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Scorpions are also available in a variety of different sizes. The smallest scorpions are about ½ inch in length, while the largest scorpions can be over 8 inches long.
Scorpion Anatomy:
1 = Cephalothorax
2 = Abdomen
3 = Tail
4 = Claws
5 = Legs
6 = Mouth
7 = pincers
8 = Moveable claw or Manus
9 = Fixed claw or Tarsus
10 = Sting or Telson
Where do they live?
Scorpions live in many parts of the world and in almost any habitat. This includes deserts, rainforests, grasslands and caves. They like to burrow in soil, sand or rocks, making it difficult for predators and prey to spot them.
What do Scorpions eat?
They mainly feed on insects, but some larger species may occasionally eat a small lizard or rodent. When hunting, they capture prey with their claws and then paralyze it with their stingers.
How venomous are Scorpions?
All scorpions are poisonous. Some venoms are specific to certain prey and more toxic to some animals than others. Of all the species of scorpions, there are about 25 that can be deadly. You should never play with a scorpion. If you see one, be sure to let your parents or teachers know.
Are they in danger?
Some species of scorpion are rarer than others, but in general, scorpions are not endangered. Some species, such as the emperor scorpion, are protected to prevent collectors from taking too much from the wild.
Interesting Facts about Scorpions
Different species have different lifespans. Most live 4 to 25 years.
When food is scarce, a scorpion can slow down its metabolism to the point where it can last up to a year on just one meal.
They are nocturnal, sleeping during the day and coming out at night in search of food.
Scorpions’ predators include lizards, mice, birds, and opossums.
They do not see very well, but rely mainly on touch and smell.
Baby scorpion, also known as baby scorpion, is carried by the mother on her back until she is able to survive on her own.