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Poisonous Scorpions

Scorpions are nocturnal animals that live in tropical areas and deserts. They find shelter during the day in underground holes, beneath rocks and in burrows. At night, they venture out to hunt for food. Their primary predators are birds, centipedes, lizards, mice, possums, and rats.

One undeniable fact is that scorpions are poisonous. Their venom is the cause of widespread fear and at the same time, fascination. A few of the species are non-aggressive and possess a sting comparable to that of a bee sting, but other scorpions have a venomous sting that can kill.

Scorpion venom is a neurotoxin, a chemical made up of different small proteins, sodium, and potassium cations that can be used to kill or paralyze prey. An exception to the rule is the scorpion Hemiscorpius Lepturus, which secretes cytotoxic venom.

Among the most dangerous scorpion breeds are Leiurus Quinquestriatus Scorpions, also known as Death Stalker Scorpions. This type of scorpion carries the most potent venom in the family. Other scorpions in the same family, such as the Parabuthus, Tityus, Centruroides, and Androctonus are also known to possess strong venoms.

Androctonus Australis, or the fat-tailed scorpion that can be found in North America, is the cause of many human fatalities; this scorpion tends to inject a lot of venom into its prey. Most deaths occur in the young, the elderly, or the infirm.

Scorpions can control the amount of venom that they inject into their prey. The usual amount that they release is between 0.1 and 0.6 milligrams. The two types of venoms are the translucent venom, also called prevenom, designed to stun, while opaque venoms are designed to kill. Evidence suggests that they only use their venom for defense or to hunt for food.

Usually, venoms are used only for arthropods so most scorpions are harmless to humans. But some scorpions that have strong venom do exist, and should be avoided at all costs.

Garden Scorpions

Striking Scorpions

Deadly Scorpions

Desert Scorpions