Ecoguard

Scorpions are commonly thought of as desert dwellers. There are almost 2,000 scorpion species, but only 30 or 40 have strong enough poison to kill a person. Scorpions typically eat insects, but their diet can be extremely variable-another key to their survival in so many harsh locales. When food is scarce, the scorpion has an amazing ability to slow its metabolism to as little as one-third the typical rate for arthropods. This technique enables some species to use little oxygen and live on as little as a single insect per year. The scorpion has the ability to spring quickly to the hunt when the opportunity presents itself. Such survival skills allow scorpions to live in some of the planet's toughest environments. They are burrowing animals, so in areas of permafrost or heavy grasses, where loose soil is not available, scorpions may not be able to survive.

 

Average, 2.5 in (6 cm); Largest, 8.3 in (21 cm)

 

Scorpions are nocturnal hunters, feeding mainly on arthropods such as beetles, cockroaches, spiders, slaters, centipedes and millipedes. Many scorpions are lie-in-wait ambushers that forage at or in the vicinity of the burrow entrance, but some, notably bark and litter dwellers, are more active foragers. Ground vibrations caused by moving prey are sensed both by slit-like tarsal sensory organs on the scorpion's legs and vibration sensitive tarsal hairs. The clawed grasping pedipalps are used to hold the prey while the scorpion stings or crushes it. The scorpion digests its prey by pouring digestive juices onto the prey and breaking it up with its jaws. The hard outer body casings are discarded. The main predators of scorpions are carnivorous marsupials, rodents, lizards, nocturnal birds, centipedes and other scorpions.  

 

Scorpions are highly adaptable and found virtually all over the world except in places which are extremely cold like in the polar and sub-polar regions. They can exist in rain forests, deserts, coastal areas, hilly regions as well as urban environments living in crevices, burrows and under rocks and logs; Scorpions are nocturnal creatures and are active at night time when they leave their habitat to hunt. They often hide under tree bark, leaves and rocks. Many have made their way to human residences. They often hide at homes behind furniture.

 

 

Scorpions are among world's deadliest animals. In general, it is presumed that Australian scorpions only give a very painful bite, but that may also cause strong allergic reaction even leading to death. Care must be taken while handling scorpions and it is recommended that children are not allowed to handle them. In general, although they look dangerous and are predacious animals, they are not aggresive and will run away unless provoked. Australian scorpions can give a painful sting but are not considered dangerous. First aid for a sting is to apply a cold pack and to seek medical aid if pain persists.