Scorpions

Scorpions are an order of arachnids known as Scorpiones. They have a flattened body with a pair of pincers (pedipalps), a segmented opisthosoma, and a curved tail ending in a venomous stinger. They are largely nocturnal and solitary predators.

There are more than 2,000 described species worldwide, found on every continent except Antarctica. They inhabit deserts, savannas, forests, caves, and human-altered environments. They prefer warm, dry conditions, but some tropical species tolerate higher humidity. They fluoresce under ultraviolet light.

Scorpions are opportunistic predators feeding on insects, spiders, small lizards, and other arthropods. They use their pedipalps to seize prey and inject venom to subdue it. Most species are nocturnal hunters and rely on chemical cues and vibrations to locate prey.

Reproduction involves a courtship dance in which the male guides the female with his pedipalps. Fertilized eggs develop into live young that climb onto the mother's back, where they remain until their first molt. Lifespans typically range from two to seven years.

Venom is a complex mixture of peptides that can cause pain and swelling; in some species, effects may be life-threatening. For many scorpions stings are mild in healthy adults, but genera such as Androctonus and Centruroides are more dangerous, and regional antivenoms exist.

Scorpions are ancient arthropods, with a fossil record dating back about 400 million years. They occupy diverse ecosystems and play critical roles as predators of insects and other small animals. While some species face habitat loss or collection pressure, scorpions as a group are not broadly endangered.