Different Types of Scorpions

A scorpion is a venomous arthropod, belonging to the class of animals known as arachnids. They are closely related to the spiders. The sting of a scorpion is sometimes fatal because certain species are dangerously poisonous. The body structure of a scorpion resembles a crayfish. A scorpion has a pair of pincer-like appendages extending from the sides of its mouth with which it grasps and holds on to its prey/victims. It also has a stinger-mounted, diabolic-looking tail. A scorpion uses its tail to disable its prey as well as to defend itself against predators.

There are many species of scorpions, over 2000 species, to be precise, found all over the world. Some varieties of scorpions are classified as exotic pets. Many of the species are natives of tropical and desert regions of the earth. Scorpions vary in color (there are red, yellow, green and black color scorpions) and in size. There are over thirty species of scorpions in the United States alone.

Depending upon the toxicity of their venom, the scorpions are classified into two types. There are a few species of scorpions whose stings are not harmful. The sting causes sharp pain followed by swelling; however, the effect of the sting is lost after a couple of hours. The toxicity of the venom of the other type of scorpions, is similar to that of the venomous snakes such as cobra and coral snakes. That is, the venom of these arthropods is neurotoxic. The venomous species of scorpions are mostly found in many parts of Mexico.

Species of Scorpions

Here are a few species of scorpions:

Emperor Scorpion - Another name for the emperor scorpion is imperial scorpion; it is a native of Africa. This scorpion is the largest in the world and has a lifespan of up to eight years. The length of an emperor scorpion is around 20 cm. This scorpion is one of the most popular exotic pets because of the low toxicity of its venom and also because of its lengthy lifespan.

Scorpio maurus - This species of scorpions gets its name from "maurus" meaning "dark". It is also known as the Israeli gold scorpion. This species of scorpions was personally named by Linnaeus, a Swedish zoologist, and he also coined the name "Scorpio" which means scorpion. Maurus scorpions are found in the African subcontinent and Asia. The length of this species is 6-8 cm.

Bothriuridae - There are 135 subspecies of Bothriuridae. They are all natives of Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. One of the subspecies of Bothriuridae was recently discovered in the Himalayas. Scorpions of this species are unique because the sternum consists of a couple of transverse bars and they are longer and broader when compared to the scorpions of other species.

Euscorpiidea - This family of scorpions has 79 species. Scorpions of this species are mostly found in Africa, Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and in Asian countries.

The other species of scorpions include Caraboctonidae, Chactidae and so on. Whatever be the species, all scorpions eat smaller insects such as lizards, crickets, and sometimes, other scorpions.