Scorpion

The scorpion is a small hunting animal with eight legs, two front claws, and a curved tail that ends in a stinger. Scorpions are not insects. They are arachnids, which means they belong to the same group as spiders, ticks, and mites. About 2,000 different kinds of scorpions live around the world. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Most scorpions live in warm, dry places like deserts. But scorpions also live in rainforests, grasslands, and even mountain forests. They hide during the day under rocks, logs, or in small burrows they dig in the sand. At night, they come out to hunt.

A scorpion's body has two main parts. The front part holds the legs, claws, eyes, and mouth. The back part is a long, segmented tail that curves up over the body. At the tip of the tail is the stinger, which can inject venom. Scorpions use their claws, called pedipalps, to grab prey. Then they decide whether to crush it or sting it. Big, strong claws usually mean weaker venom. Small, thin claws usually mean stronger venom.

Scorpions eat insects, spiders, and sometimes small lizards or mice. They are patient hunters. A scorpion can sit still for hours waiting for something to walk by. Scorpions can also go a long time without food. Some kinds can survive a full year on a single meal. This is useful in the desert, where food is hard to find.

Most scorpions are not dangerous to humans. A sting from the average scorpion feels like a bee sting. But about 25 kinds have venom strong enough to seriously hurt a person. The deathstalker, found in North Africa and the Middle East, is one of the most dangerous. Even so, doctors now have medicines called antivenoms that can treat most serious stings.

Something strange happens when you shine a black light on a scorpion. Its whole body glows a bright blue-green color. A chemical in the outer shell soaks up ultraviolet light and gives off visible light. Scientists are not sure why scorpions glow. Some think it helps them find each other in the dark. Others think it may help them sense light and find shelter. The mystery is still open.

Scorpions are also very old animals. Fossils show that scorpions have been on Earth for about 435 million years, long before the first dinosaurs. They were among the first animals to crawl out of the ocean and live on land.