Scorpions, known taxonomically as Scorpiones, are an order of arachnids native to Earth. They are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are around 1,750 known species of scorpions on Earth.
Overview
Physiology
Scorpions are arachnids, meaning they have eight legs and a pair of pedipalps. In scorpions, these pedipalps are tipped with chelae, commonly called claws or pincers. Along with the claws, another signature appendage of the scorpion is its tail, which is tipped with a venomous stinger.
All scorpions possess venom, though the potency of the venom varies between species. They range in size from smaller than a penny to as large as a human's hand. They possess eight eyes and pincer-shaped chelicerae for guiding food into their mouths.
Another thing that makes them stand out is the fact that they fluoresce a bright blue or green under exposure to ultraviolet light. This is caused by the presence of fluorescent chemicals in the cuticle covering the scorpion's carapace. It is unknown as to why they fluoresce.
Behavior and diet
The exact behavior of scorpions varies between species, some are docile, some are timid, and some are aggressive. Scorpions with large thick tails and small pincers will generally rely on their tails to paralyze or kill their prey by injecting venom into the prey item. On the other hand, scorpions with large pincers and small thin tails will rely on the crushing power of their claws to subdue their prey.
Scorpion diet is quite varied, they'll eat smaller insects, spiders, other scorpions, and even larger prey such as lizards and small mammals. They can survive for months without eating, though they must have a source of water to keep them hydrated.
Relationship with Humans
Due to being venomous bugs with a creepy appearance, scorpions have garnered quite the negative reputation for humans, a large number of which fear them. Despite this, there are some humans who keep scorpions as pets.
Scorpions are quite prominent in a lot of human cultures, often symbolizing evil, though it has sometimes been the symbol of a god, such as with the Egyptian goddess Serket. In China, scorpions are seen as a delicacy.
In 1987, in the jungles of Guatemala, a single scorpion had crawled up onto the back of CIA operative, Colonel Al Dillon. Sergeant Mac Eliot removed this scorpion using his knife, before placing it on the ground and squishing it under his boot.
Trivia
- The species of scorpion used in the 1987 film, Predator, is not native to the area that the film is set in. Hadrurus arizonensis, also known as the giant desert hairy scorpion, is found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of North America and Mexico. This species was likely picked due to its high availability, cheap price, and non-potent sting.
- When picked up by the Jungle Hunter, the scorpion incorrectly appears as red in his thermal vision before fading to blue and then black. In real life, scorpions do not emit a thermal signature as they are not warm-blooded.
- A species of scorpion-like creatures appear in the non-canon Aliens: Space Marines mini-comics, specifically in Aliens: Desert Storm, where it is used as the host for a brood of Scorpion Aliens.
- The Xenomorph tail bears quite the resemblance to that of a scorpion's, and in some appearances, even has the same paralyzing function.
Appearances
Gallery
