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Scorpions (Order Scorpiones)

- Desert denizens -

Summary: Scorpions are related to spiders but display crab-like pincers and a long tail with a stinger on the end. Scorpions could be a cross between a spider, and crab which had a yellowjacket as a first cousin!

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Scorpions [pictures of scorpions] are related to spiders and mites but belong to their own order, Scorpiones. They are eight-legged with crab-like pincer appendages on the front end. The scorpion's tail is usually elongated and terminated by a stinger.

Scorpions use their stinger to subdue prey and in defense. Some scorpions can deliver a deadly venom when they sting while in others the venom and sting are no worse than that of a wasp. Highly venomous species occur in northern Africa, the Middle East, South Africa, east Africa, South America and one species in the southwestern US (Centruroides). Antivenom (antivenin) is available for many of the poisonous species worldwide.

 

Scorpions venture out at night in search of prey. During hot days they may wander into houses in search of shade and water. They are most often encountered outdoors under loose debris of one sort or another. Gardeners should protect their hands with work gloves.

As arthropods go, scorpions are pretty far down most people's priority list unless you happen to live in an area where they are common. For this reason there are no standard reference books devoted entirely to scorpion biology. However, the following field guides are excellent sources of additional information about North American species.

Related information: [National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders];[A Field Guide to Spiders & Scorpions of Texas]; [Ticks and Spiders]

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Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.


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Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

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