34 Things You Need to Know About Scorpions (2024)

Did you know that scorpions can live up to 25 years or have four pairs of legs?  Scorpions are an ancient species famously known for their sting.

They range in size from 9mm to 21cm, making them one of the most notable arachnid species. Scorpions have unbelievable senses of smell and can detect prey from a long distance.

Scorpions are mostly night creatures who like to hide in dark places during the day and come out to hunt at night. 

In this article, you can find interesting facts and things you need to know about scorpions. So, keep reading.

1. Are scorpions poisonous?

Yes, Scorpions are poisonous. The poison is stored in the stinger at the end of the tail and can be injected when the scorpion feels threatened or hunting their prey.

This venom can be life-threatening. It is important to know which species of scorpion you might encounter and how dangerous they can be. 

Some scorpion stings are not harmful because scorpions do not always inject venom. Redness, swelling, and a burning or stinging feeling could all be side effects of the sting. Scorpions usually sting as a last defence mechanism they have against threats. 

Typically, you won’t need medical attention for a sting that contains no venom. A sting can usually be treated at home with ice, elevation, painkillers, and antibiotics.

2. What are scorpions attracted to?

Scorpions are attracted to flies and other small insects; aka their main meal and prey.

Cleaning up any loose garbage that may be lying around may help prevent your property from becoming a scorpion attraction.

3. Where do scorpions hide?

Scorpions can hide beneath rocks, logs, boards, and other debris. But some scorpion species, like the bark scorpion, snooze on vertical objects like walls, plants, and trees. 

On the other hand, scorpions pass the day in their burrows. And they become usually active during the night to hunt.

4. The life cycle of a scorpion

After mating, the female scorpion will build a nest to lay her eggs. Depending on the species; a female scorpion may lay 10–200 eggs simultaneously. Once they hatch, it takes approximately five to six months for young scorpions to mature and live independently.  

5. Process of reproduction

Scorpions are competent in reproducing quickly and easily. The process begins when a male and female scorpion come together to mate. 

It can be done through courtship rituals, where the male offers food or performs other behaviors to attract the right female. 

6. Do scorpions lay eggs?

Yes, indeed, they do! Scorpions are known as an arachnid, and like other arachnids such as spiders and ticks, scorpions lay eggs. 

The gestation period for a batch of scorpion eggs can vary greatly depending on the species but it takes anywhere from 3-6 weeks. 

7. Younger scorpions

When scorpions are born, they resemble miniature versions of their parents. Scorpions in the nymphal stage climb onto their mother’s back soon after birth.

8. What do baby scorpions look like?

Baby scorpions resemble adult scorpions in appearance but are much smaller and have a light, creamy hue.

As dangerous as an adult scorpion, a baby scorpion can sting. Due to their small size, pale hue, and absence of black light glow, baby scorpions are a little tougher to identify than large scorpions.

9. How many babies do scorpions have?

Typically, a mother scorpion gives birth to 20 to 47 nymphs. Baby scorpions are born with an extremely delicate exoskeleton or outer covering. For ten to twenty days, they climb up onto their mother’s back and ride there until their exoskeleton becomes rigid and tough.

10. Are baby scorpions poisonous?

The potency of a scorpion poison depends on the scorpion’s species. Normally, baby scorpions are not as venomous as their adult counterparts and are unlikely to cause serious harm if they sting you. 

11. What do scorpions eat?

Scorpions are opportunistic predators that typically feed on a wide variety of food, such as insects, spiders, worms, and even small lizards. Scorpions can also be cannibals, which may account for the occasional odd-looking scorpion with missing legs or claws!

12. Do scorpions eat spiders?

Yes, scorpions eat spiders. Scorpion can feed on many types of insects and worms, and spiders are on the scorpions’ menu.

13. Do scorpions eat cockroaches?

Yes, scorpions eat cockroaches, and they are most frequently present in environments where cockroaches are present.

14. Do scorpions eat ants?

Yes, they eat ants. Ants are a source of pleasure for scorpions. 

15. Do scorpions eat mice?

Yes, they do eat small mammals like mice. They use their stingers to inject their prey with neurotoxic poison, then feed on it.

16. Do scorpions eat cactus?

Yes, scorpions do eat cacti. That’s their main food source, making up almost half of their diet. With their strong claws and pincers, scorpions tear off each piece of cactus to feed on.

17. Do scorpions eat beetles?

Yes, beetles are a main source of food for scorpions. Scorpions often even feast on traditionally dangerous insects like wasps.

18. Do scorpions eat ticks?

Yes, scorpions also eat ticks.

19. Do scorpions eat lizards?

Yes, scorpions eat lizards. Similarly, they also eat other pests, including bugs, snails and snakes.

20. How long can scorpions go without food?

Scorpions do not consume food daily as humans do. And in drier environments, scorpions have been known to survive for up to a year without food as long as they have access to water.

Typically, scorpions locate food (e.g. pests) once every two to three weeks, contributing significantly to the ecosystem by controlling bug populations. 

21. Can scorpions climb walls or glass?

Whatever has a rough surface, a scorpion can climb it. Their feet are equipped with tongues, which are tiny pincers.

Nevertheless, they cannot hold smooth surfaces like glass or plastic. They cannot climb even smooth metal. Glass and smooth metals are not climbable by scorpions.

22. Can scorpions swim? (can scorpions live in water?)

The capability to swim is poor in scorpions. However, if they find themselves in the water, they can swim.

They can survive in moisture despite containing insufficient swimming abilities. There are no lungs in scorpions. Their exoskeleton serves as their respiratory system.

23. Can scorpions jump?

No scorpions cannot jump. They nevertheless have the strength to do so when they spot prey. Most animals are also capable of making short jumps. As soon as they spot food, they have the strength to leap or run into action.

24. Is scorpion edible?

Scorpions are edible. In parts of Asia and Africa, they have been eaten for centuries. However, it should be mentioned that some species of scorpion may be harmful and should not be consumed.

25. Do scorpions hibernate?

Yes, scorpions do hibernate! Scorpions enter a dormant state during colder winters to conserve energy and wait out the cold. They will hide in crevices or under logs to keep warm and protect themselves from predators. 

26. Do scorpions make noise?

A scorpion does indeed hiss in a low-pitched rattle. Scorpions make this sound to alert fellow scorpions and potential predators that they are dangerous. Most people believe that a scorpion hissing sound is a defence warning. However, scorpion’s noise is typically unnoticeable to humans.

27. Are bark scorpions deadly?

The most dangerous scorpions are Bark scorpions, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure in humans and other animals. Their venom contains neurotoxins.

28. Can a scorpion kill a cat?

This question has been asked by many cat owners concerned about the safety of their furry friends. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the cat, its age, and the type of scorpion involved. 

Generally speaking, smaller cats, such as kittens, are more at risk than larger cats since they may not be able to fend off a dangerous scorpion. Older cats may also be more vulnerable due to reduced mobility and agility.

29. Do chickens eat scorpions?

The daring nature of chickens leads them to gobble almost anything that comes their way, even scorpions. Because the two animals are not active simultaneously, it is relatively uncommon for chickens to consume scorpions. 

30. Does lavender repel scorpions?

Yes, lavender plants and oils give out a perfume that deters scorpions from entering your home. Along with lavender, fixing gaps around your home’s entryways will keep scorpions out. The natural scorpion-repellent lavender works well.

31. Do cats eat scorpions?

Scorpions can fall prey to a cat attack. Cats can eat scorpions like any other pest. Most cats will not be harmed by eating scorpions, and there will be no allergic responses.

Cats eat mice, but scorpions are just as entertaining. And most cats are agile enough not to get stung by a scorpion; it is always possible.

32. Does diatomaceous earth kill scorpions?

Diatomaceous earth can kill scorpions. However, it works when scorpions get in contact with Diatomaceous earth for a longer period.

To protect your house, spatter a generous amount of diatomaceous earth around the gaps, crevices, or openings of doors, windows, and baseboards. 

33. Will bleach kill scorpions?

The answer is undoubtedly yes; bleach may kill scorpions. It is a somewhat cost-effective and an efficient method for getting rid of scorpions.

The inner body of the scorpion rots or eats away when it gets in touch with bleach, killing the scorpion instantaneously.

34. How to prevent scorpions from getting in your bed? (how to keep scorpions out of your house?)

Scorpions enjoy catnapping on beds because they do so frequently. Never ditch anything hanging from your bed to the floor. One approach to keep scorpions away is to keep your bed a few inches away from the wall. 

 This creates a gap that makes it difficult for scorpions to climb and gives them fewer hiding places. Also, use light-colored bed sheets to spot unwelcome guests easily. 

Conclusion

Scorpions are fascinating creatures, simple, but dangerous. From their unique anatomy to the powerful venom and nocturnal habits, we could learn much about them. 

We hope these 43 facts about scorpions have been educational and eye-opening. If you fear scorpions, we hope learning more about them has helped alleviate some of your concerns. 

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