Scorpions are important predators, controlling insect populations and serving as prey for birds, reptiles, and mammals. They contribute to biodiversity and are studied for medical applications, like venom-derived drugs for pain relief or cancer treatment.

No, scorpions are not aggressive; they sting only in self-defense when threatened or accidentally disturbed. They prefer to flee or hide rather than attack.

Scorpions have poor eyesight, with 2-12 simple eyes that detect light and movement but not detailed images. They rely more on vibrations sensed through hairs on their body and pincers.

Yes, scorpions can slow their metabolism dramatically, surviving up to a year on just one insect. They can also go months without food if they have access to water.

No, this is a myth. Baby scorpions have the same venom potency as adults; they just inject less volume. Larger adults can deliver more venom, potentially making their stings more severe.

The giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus swammerdami) from India can reach up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length, making it the world's largest.

Scorpions reproduce sexually through a courtship "dance" where the male deposits a spermatophore. Females give birth to live young (viviparous), carrying 2-100 babies on their back until their first molt.

Many scorpions, especially species like the Arizona bark scorpion, can climb smooth surfaces like walls, glass, and trees using tiny hairs and claws on their legs. They cannot climb completely smooth, polished surfaces without texture.

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Clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and elevate the limb. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen (e.g., difficulty breathing, muscle spasms), especially for children or the elderly. Antivenom may be needed for severe cases.

Most scorpion stings cause pain, swelling, and numbness lasting 24-48 hours, but are rarely fatal. Globally, about 1.5 million stings occur annually, with around 2,600 deaths, mainly from species like the deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus) in regions without medical access.

Yes, all scorpions produce venom, which they use for hunting and defense. However, only about 30-40 species have venom potent enough to be dangerous to humans; most stings are comparable to a bee sting.

Scorpions are carnivorous, primarily feeding on insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. Larger species may eat lizards, snakes, or small mammals. They use their pincers to capture prey and inject venom to subdue it before digesting externally.

Scorpions are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in diverse habitats like deserts, rainforests, mountains, caves, and even intertidal zones. They prefer warm, dry areas but can adapt to high elevations up to 5,500 meters.

There are over 2,500 described species of scorpions, divided into about 22 families, with new ones still being discovered through genomic studies.

Scorpions are predatory arachnids (related to spiders and ticks) with eight legs, a pair of grasping pincers, and a segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger. They belong to the order Scorpiones and have existed for over 400 million years.

Sticky traps can catch scorpions occasionally but aren’t reliable for prevention. They’re best used for monitoring, not as a standalone control method. Learn more with our article titled Scorpion Detectors vs Glue Traps: What Works Best?

Peak season runs from March to October, with the highest activity in July and August, when they mate and search for water and shelter.

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Yes. Many scorpions, especially the bark scorpion, can climb walls, ceilings, and even bed skirts, thanks to tiny gripping hairs on their legs. Learn more with our article titled Do Scorpions Climb Walls, Beds, or Ceilings?

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They squeeze through tiny cracks—often as small as 1/16 inch. Common entry points include door sweeps, dryer vents, foundation gaps, and poorly sealed windows. Learn more with our article titled How To Keep Scorpions Out Of Your House

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Scorpions are nocturnal and most active from late spring through early fall. In hot climates like Arizona and Texas, activity spikes at night after temperatures drop slightly.

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Most scorpions aren’t deadly, but the Arizona bark scorpion, which is found in multiple states across the Southwest, can cause intense pain, numbness, and even breathing difficulties—especially for children and pets. Read more about the dangers associated with scorpions:

• Are Children More at Risk from Scorpion Stings?
• Are Scorpion Stings More Dangerous for Pregnant Women?
• Are Scorpion Stings Worse Than Bee Stings?
• Are Smaller Scorpions More Dangerous? What Size Tells You About the Sting.

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Scorpions in the Southwest often enter through cracks near baseboards, plumbing, and vents. They tend to hide in dark, cool places like closets, garages, and under furniture. Learn more by reading our article titled Where Do Scorpions Like To Hide In Your Home?

Not much is known about why scorpions glow under UV light, but some theories suggest that although they can't see it, they can 'feel' it when it's bright. Our Scorpion Detectors emit just enough UV light to illuminate them, but not enough to make them avoid it.