  Scorpions are predatory arthropods of the order Scorpiones. They are distributed almost in every continent except Antarctica. Though scorpions are known to be venomous, only 25 species of the total 1752 described species of scorpion have venom capable of killing a human being. Scorpions prefer to live in areas where the temperatures range from 20 °C to 37 °C. They are known to glow when exposed to certain wavelengths of ultraviolet light, due to the presence of fluorescent chemicals in their cuticles. The approximate lifespan of a typical scorpion is 4-25 years. Scorpions prey over small arthropods and insects, although larger kinds have been known to kill small lizards and mice. The large pincers of a scorpion are studded with highly sensitive tactile hairs, and the moment an insect touches these, they use their chelae (pincers) to catch the prey. Depending on the toxicity of their venom and size of their claws, they will then either crush the prey or inject it with neurotoxic venom. This will kill or paralyze the prey so the scorpion can eat it. |
