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Scorpion Information
INTRODUCTION
Scorpions are arachnids that have a flat, narrow body.
They range from 2.5 to 20 cm in length. They are usually brown in color.
There are about 1400 species that have been discovered.
40 are in the United States.
The earliest scorpion fossils are found from 420 million
years ago.
The life-span of a scorpion can be from 2-8 years.
All species of scorpions are poisonous.
ANATOMY OF A SCORPION
(to see an image of a scorpion's anatomy click
here )
The basic external morphology of most scorpions includes:
1) 4 pairs of legs
2) 2 pincers known more correctly as pedipalps
3) Chelicera which are the appendages which
brings food to the 'mouth'
4) Prosoma which is the 'head' containing
the eyes if present. More commonly referred to as the cephalothorax
5) Opisthosoma which is the abdomen. Contains
7 mesosomal segments, 5 metasomal segments (tail) and the telson (stinger)
6) Pair of pectens
7) Genital operculum
8) Sternum
9) Metasoma
PREY AND HABITAT
Scorpions are found in warm and dry tropical regions,
including the southwestern United States The only dangerous species in
the United States is the slender scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus, which
occurs mostly in Arizona, but also in California, New Mexico, and Texas.
It is pale yellowish-tan, slender, and 1/2" to 3" long. The scorpion is
nocturnal. The young are born live and remain with the mother for a short
period. Scorpions are carnivorous and will eat insects, spiders and even
lizards and snakes. Some scorpions eat other scorpions.
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