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Scorpion Stings

All scorpions use their stings as a defense mechanism, or a weapon to incapacitate prey. But their stings vary, depending on which scorpion specie they are.

Some stings are mild, like that of a bee. Other stings are rarely serious and usually result in pain, with minimal swelling that is tender to the touch. However, there are some scorpions that possess deadly stings, which can result in death.

One common thing that all scorpions have is that the sting possesses venom, which is neurotoxic in nature. One of the deadly stingers is the Australian Androctonus Australis. It is a fat-tailed scorpion that injects large quantities of venom into its prey. Because it injects more than the usual amount of venom into its victim, most of the result is death. People who succumb to the sting are often children, the elderly, and unhealthy adults.

Some scorpions, like the Emperor Scorpion, have a sting that is like a bee sting. This scorpion is non-aggressive, and only strikes when provoked. This jet-black colored species is often kept as a pet scorpion.

Another carrier of a deadly sting is the desert scorpion, also well known as the "Death Stalker" or "Yellow Scorpion," because of its appearance. This species produces one of the most dangerous stings that can kill prey easily. Once stung, the symptoms would be fever, coma, convulsion, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and increased fluid secretion into the lungs and bronchioles.

If a scorpion stings you, follow these simple steps: wash the sting area with soap and water, apply a cool compress on the area to reduce any swelling, and stay calm. If the symptoms are severe, seek medical attention at once.

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