Scorpions are found in the Arachnida animal group and live in environments ranging from deserts to grasslands and tropical rainforests, such as those found in the Himalayas, North Carolina, British Columbia, and Brazil.
Scorpions have been around for hundreds of millions of years, according to scientists, and they fluoresce under UV light, making them ideal subjects for study.
The scorpion and the spider are close cousins, according to Arachnida classification. Scorpions, on the other hand, are distinguished by a rear tail that is segmented and ends in a venom-filled curve. A pair of pinchers are showcased on the scorpion’s front.
Scorpions have four pairs of legs and hunt their prey by sensing vibrations through sound and touch, but they only have two tiny eyes. Scorpions are mostly active at night as adults, and they are mostly solitary and nocturnal. Spiders, insects, and other tiny invertebrates are the main foods of scorpions.
Scorpions have become a synonym for evil and betrayal. Shields and flags of soldiers who aided at Christ’s crucifixion adorn its image.
Scorpions come in approximately 2,000 different varieties. Just over 20% of venomous animals, on the other hand, are fatal to humans.
1. Spitting Thick Tail Black Scorpion
This large scorpion species from South Africa may reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. This species is found in scrublands and desert regions throughout Africa.
They have two tiny pinchers and a strong, thick tail. They have a powerful sting. The first kind of venom produced by this scorpion is a warning sting or immobilize small prey, while the second kind is more toxic and delivered to bigger animals.
The Spitting Thick Tail Black Scorpion can spit venom up to 1 meter (3ft), causing temporary blindness in the eyes of its intended victim, as its name suggests. This species’ venom is as deadly as cyanide.
2. Yellow Fat Tail Scorpion
In Africa and the dry parts of the Middle East, the Yellow Fat Tail scorpion is a tough desert scorpion. The Yellow Fat Tail grows to a length of 10cm (3 in) and is known by its scientific name Androctonus australis, which comes from the Greek words “Andras” meaning “man” and “kteinein” meaning to “kill.”
Its massive pinchers are used to hold on to prey, and its tail is arched over its head in order to sting it. This species is responsible for the deaths of numerous individuals each year.
3. Arizona Bark Scorpion
This is one of the world’s deadliest scorpions, and it originated in the United States. The Sonoran Desert in the United States and Mexico is where they are most common. The male and female species may reach 8 cm (3 in) in length as adults. The Bark Scorpion’s sting is numbing or hot, and it causes a tingly or burning feeling in the affected region. Humans can be killed by the venom’s potency.
4. Shield-Tailed Scorpion
This arachnid grows to a length of 9 inches (22 cm) and comes from the Arabian Penpalce. One of the world’s biggest scorpion species is thought to be this one. The scorpion’s tail curves over its back, and it is usually sandy-yellow in color. Humans are Venomous to it, although lizards, spiders, and scorpions are its preferred prey.
5. Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
Its venom and sting are well-known among arthropods. This threat may be found in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s aggressive and carries one of the most toxic neurotoxins, making it a cousin of the Yellow Fat Tail. The sting of the Arabian Fat-Tail causes respiratory failure and paralysis, as well as attacking the central nervous system.
6. Brazilian Yellow Scorpion
The deadliest scorpion species in South America. This species’ venom is very harmful. Between 2018 and 2019, the number of people bitten by scorpions rose to over 140,000, according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
Parthenogenesis, or the female reproduces without any male participation, is an unusual and notable characteristic of the Brazilian Yellow Scorpion. Every year, female scorpions produce up to 30 nymphs and baby scorpions.
7. Yellow-Legged Burrowing Scorpion
The Shiny Burrow Scorpion, also known as Hissing Scorpions, is another name for this scorpion species. When they are disturbed, the Hissing Scorpions make a noise. They’re mostly found in Southern Africa’s climates. Their burrows in sandy soil are well-known for their depth and spiraling shape. The Yellow-Legged Burrowing Scorpion has enormous pinchers and fat bodies, making it larger than most other scorpion species.
8. Tanzanian Red Clawed Scorpion
This African scorpion, found in Tanzania, is the name given to it. The pinchers are crimson in color, and the body is black. They grow up to 12.5cm (4.9 in) long and prefer humid environments, such as those found in the African rainforest’s floor. While it is mostly used as a defensive tool, it may become aggressive when threatened. The primary delicacies of this species are frogs, insects, mice, and other rodents.
9. Deathstalker Scorpion
The Deathstalker lives in the Middle East and Africa’s scrublands and deserts, and is renowned as one of the world’s deadliest scorpions. It grows to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length and has a distinctive yellow color along its legs and tail. One of these stalkers’ stings is exceedingly painful, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. A sting from a Deathstalker may also cause muscle convulsions and comas, which are further complications.
10. Indian Red Scorpion
The Indian Red Scorpion is found in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Eastern Nepal, and India, and is considered the world’s most lethal scorpion species.
The sting of an Indian Red Scorpion is characterized by excruciating pain, heart problems, vomiting, nausea, and sweating. They are dark orange to reddish in color and grow to 3.5 inches (8.8cm). It may cause the respiratory system to shut down and lead to death in more serious situations.
11. Emperor Scorpion
The savannas and rainforests of Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast are native to this species. Because of their black color and reddish pinchers, they are commonly mistaken with Tanzanian Red-Clawed and Malaysian Forest Scorpions.
When they reach an length of 8 inches (3 in), they are one of the world’s most gigantic creatures. Due to its size and color, the Emperor Scorpion is considered a formidable species. Their victims are caught and crushed with their massive pinchers. The Emperor Scorpion, on the other hand, is a calm species that isn’t particularly hostile.
9 Largest Scorpions
The five largest species are mentioned above. Emperor Scorpions, Tanzanian Red-Clawed Deathstalker Scorpions, Spitting Thick Tail Black Scorpions, and Shield-Tailed Scorpions. The remaining nine mammoths of the species are shown below.
1. Florida Bark Scorpion
This species, which grows up to 4.7 inches (11.9 cm) in length, is sometimes called the Slender or Brown Bark Scorpion, similar to the Deathstalker. This species favors habitats in Central and North America, particularly Ecuador, Mexico, and Florida. Jamaica, Cameroon, and the Canary Islands are also home to the Florida Bark Scorpion. In English, it is known as Alacran Azul or Blue Scorpion, and it also calls Cuba home.
This species spends the day hidden in the bark of trees and under rocks, hunting at night. The tarantula is the primary predator, and even after being bitten by the Florida Bark Scorpion, they can be killed with ease.
2. Vietnam Forest Scorpion
These scorpions are completely black and reach lengths of 4.7 inches (11.9 cm). They prefer to dwell on the forest floor, hidden beneath logs and leaves, ready to ambush prey. They prefer to live in humid forests in Laos and Vietnam. Other scorpions are on the dinner menu, and they aren’t too picky about what they eat. The venom heals people with pneumonia, but the Vietnam Forest Scorpion is hostile. This species is eaten by Vietnamese indigenous people, who use it in wine as a major ingredient.
3. Transvaal Fat-Tailed Scorpion
The Transvaal Fat-Tailed Scorpion has a well-known and distinct look owing to its heavy tail, which is often referred to as the South African Thick Tail Scorpion. They have a dark brown color and reach a maximum height of 5.5 inches (13.9 cm). In African countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, the desert is their preferred habitat. The scorpion rubs its tail against its back, making a distinct sound as a warning, which is a uncommon trait.
4. Malaysian Forest Scorpion
The Malaysian Forest Scorpion, which grows to be 6.3 inches (16 cm) long and is totally black, is a close relative of the Emperor and Giant Forest species. They burrow under logs and in the ground and are known to live in tropical forests in Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The Malaysian Forest Scorpion reportedly goes for extended periods without eating during periods of food shortage.
5. Giant Hairy Scorpion
Arizona Hairy Scorpion and Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion are two other names for this species. With a length of 6.7 inches (17 cm), it is the biggest scorpion species found in North America. The species has green and yellow legs and can be found in deserts in Nevada, Utah, California, and Arizona.
The hair that grows on their legs and tail gives them their name. This huge scorpion species enjoys lizards, snakes, and even Arizona’s massive centipede.
6. Javanese Jungle Scorpion
The rainforest of Indonesia is home to this species, which originated there. They grow to an average length of 4 to 7 inches (10-17cm) and are dark brown or black with a green hue. To survive, Javanese Jungle Scorpions must have a temperature of 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They’re well-built and pincers are used for defense or when they feel threatened.
7. Dictator Scorpion
This species features a huge and robust pair of pinchers that are similar to those of the Emperor Scorpion. They’re black or dark brown in color and grow to an average of 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Scorpions, such as Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon, may be found in Central African countries. This is a timid species that spends the majority of its day in its burrow, despite being a gigantic scorpion.
8. Rock Scorpion
The Rock Scorpions, which grow to 8.25 inches (21 cm) in length, hold the second position among the biggest scorpion species and are known as Flat Rock Scorpions due to their ability to squeeze into tight spaces in South African rocks. The Rock Scorpions have a slender tail and a dark brown color with light-colored ridges down their backs. The sting is feeble and resembles a bee sting, despite the fact that this species is huge.
9. Giant Forest Scorpion
The Giant Forest Scorpions, which grow to 9.1 inches (23 cm) and weigh about 2 ounces (56 g), are the world’s biggest scorpion species.
The Giant Forest Scorpion eats reptiles, lizards, insects, and other scorpions in the rainforest areas of Sri Lanka and India. The stinger is small and only utilized as a last resort when they are threatened, despite its size. They catch and rip apart prey with their huge pincers. They are loners who lead secluded existences.
15 Other Scorpions From Around The Globe
Scorpions from North America, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America will be featured in this section.
1. Asian Forest Scorpion
The Black Scorpion, sometimes known as the Black Scorpion, is found in Southeast Asia. Although it is often mistaken with the Malaysian Forest Scorpion, it is a distinct species. The length of a mature Asian Forest Scorpion is 5 inches (12.7 cm). Except for the stinger’s tip, which is reddish-brown, the stinger is jet black in direct sunlight and has no other hues. They’re aggressive and territorial, to say the least. This species’ venom is non-lethal.
2. Large-Clawed Scorpion
The pincers or claws of the Large-Clawed Scorpion are brown and range in color from reddish to golden-brown. The Israeli Gold Scorpion is another name for them. This species is found in arid woodlands and deserts throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
3. Spider Hunting Scorpion
Spiders don’t bother this species. It’s a scorpion that eats trapdoor and wolf spiders and grows up to 5 cm long. They’re nocturnal hunters who live in southern Australia’s semi-arid areas. The Golden-brown Spider Hunting Scorpion has dark brown patches on its entire body, from pinchers to the stinger.
4. Flinders Ranges Scorpion
The arid Flinders Ranges area in Australia is home to this species. They are Australia’s largest scorpion species, with a 4.7-inch (11.9-centimeter) body. The body of the Flinders Ranges Scorpion is uniformly brown. They eat only once a month, and their metabolism is sluggish.
5. Marbled Scorpion
Because of its habitat preference for cities, this scorpion is the most commonly found in Australia. It’s a tiny, slender scorpion with a dark brown marble pattern over a light brown canvas on its tail, legs, and body. It has various hues ranging from gray or slate to a dark cream color.
6. Dwarf Forest Scorpion
In Australia and Tasmania, there are approximately six different species of forest known as wood scorpions. Tasmania is home to this single scorpion species.
With light brown or darker brown patterns, the Forest Scorpion is yellow to orange-brown. They prefer to live in places with a lot of moisture. A Dwarf Forest Scorpion’s sting causes hours of discomfort and inflammation, which may last for several days.
7. Salt Lake Scorpion
This scorpion is one of the most interesting. It grows to around 45mm (1.5 inches) in size and has adapted to the barren, harsh salt lakes of South Australia. While actively hunting for food, such as resting flies and small spiders, they usually take advantage of the warm summer evenings.
8. Sand Scorpion
The temperature requirements of sand scorpions are typically 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. They, on the other hand, stay out of any location that goes above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In drier parts of America and across the world, they favor deserts.
The Sand Scorpion is just as happy living on the surface as it is buried in the sand. The shell of this species is lengthy and tanned, making it larger than most scorpions. Its prey, which it pursues at night, is protected by a long tail that can swivel over its head. They use the sand to communicate and receive signals about their surroundings.
9. Buchar’s Scorpion
These might be multiple species of tiny scorpions. They may be found in the dunes of West and South Australia. The scorpions have natural camouflage as they wait to ambush their prey because of their light hue.
10. Northern Scorpion
In Montana, the Northern Scorpion is the only species. Southeast Montana, around sandstone cliffs, is where you’ll find these scorpions at their best. Scorpions are very hesitant to attack or sting people. The venom, on the other hand, causes paralysis when it is injected.
11. Striped Bark Scorpion
With two black, broad stripes down their backs, the Striped Bark Scorpion is typically yellowish to tan in color. Even though they grow to roughly 2 inches, they are often smaller than the Arizona Bark Scorpion. Their shape is distinctive, being long and slender. In varied habitats, such as grasslands, rocky slopes, and juniper breaks, this species usually lives in debris, under boards or rocks. They don’t burrow, so they’re active foragers.
12. Southern Unstriped Scorpion
Southern Unstriped Scorpions can be found in Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North & South Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky if you reside in the southern states of America. They’re nocturnal predators that feed on large-bodied insects and spiders, and they reach an average of 1.5 inches in length. The Southern Devil Scorpion is another popular name for this species.
13. Yellow Ground Scorpion
This species is frequently mistaken for the Arizona Bark Scorpion. It’s yellow with thin appendages and has a granular body texture. It lives in the southeast of Arizona and is a nocturnal hunter.
14. Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
This scorpion may be brown or yellow with four dark brown stripes beneath its tail, and it is one of the smaller species. They can be found in places such as Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, where they grow to around 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Rolling grasslands, deserts, and rocky mountains are all home to the Lesser Stripetail Scorpion. The sting may last anywhere from thirty minutes to even hours.
15. Lesser Brown Scorpion
Scorpions, like the Lesser Brown Scorpions, can be found in tropical areas of Hawaii. The sting, which is similar to a bee and is mostly used to immobilize prey or for defense, is native to Asia and lacks a neurotoxin. It eats millipedes, spiders, insects, and tiny rodents and is nocturnal. They’re black or brown with a diameter of 3.5 inches.
Scorpions That Aren’t Scorpions
The arachnids listed below may or may not be actual scorpions, despite the fact that their names would suggest otherwise.
Giant Whip Scorpion
The fact that they can grow up to 2 inches long (5 cm) adds to the terror of this species’ name. Grampus and Vinegarron are two other names for them. They are nocturnal and capture termites and cockroaches with their pedipalps, which they feed on at night.
The Giant Whip Scorpion has four pairs of eyes and is dark brown in color. The front pair of eyes is located in the front of the head, while the side pairings are located in the sides. The Giant Whip Scorpion has limited vision and employs one of the four pairs of legs to perceive their surroundings while they travel. They spray an acidic chemical that smells like vinegar from the end of their tail, which looks like a whip.
Tailless Whip Scorpion
The Tailless Whip Scorpions are a cross between a spider and a scorpion with no whip-like tail that look similar to the Whip scorpion. Cave Spiders and Whip Spiders are two common names for this group. In tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Asia, North, and South America, the species may be found. This species measures approximately 2 inches in length, including its legs.
With broad, flat bodies and long slender legs, the Tailless Whip Scorpion ranges from dark brown to blackish-brown. Venomless, they are harmless to humans and do not bite.
Pseudoscorpion
Book scorpions are Pseudoscorpions, which are considered false scorpions. They don’t have a venomous stinger, unlike most bees. Instead, their pincers inject venom that kills prey. They range in color but are generally reddish-brown and reach a maximum length of less than 1/8 inch. Their flattened bodies make them resemble teardrops or ovals. Because they produce silk, which they utilize to make cocoons with during chilly weather, pseudoscorpions look a lot like spiders.
Wind Scorpion
When startled, this species moves at a rapid pace, hence its name. Sun Spiders, Camel Spiders, and Solifugids are all names for them, but they aren’t spiders or scorpions. The reddish-brown, tan, or light gray Wind Scorpion becomes up to 4 inches long as an adult. If they’re threatened or disturbed, they can’t sting but will bite. The bite itself is not dangerous, although it may cause discomfort and pain.