Scorpions are a carnivorous arthropod species related to spiders, yet they do not resemble them.
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Black Scorpion (Image: tropicarium) |
Scorpions are armored from head to tail, covered in a tough layer of keratin. Their cephalothorax is not segmented, featuring both simple and compound eyes, along with six pairs of highly agile appendages. The first pair of appendages is pincers, while the second pair, known as pedipalps, is large. When raised, these pincers resemble powerful iron hands, serving as excellent tools for capturing prey; the remaining four pairs of legs are used for running, referred to as walking legs.
The scorpion’s abdomen is long and distinctly divided, with the anterior portion consisting of seven segments that are relatively broad, and the posterior portion comprising five segments that are comparatively narrow. The tail ends in a bulbous structure containing venom. The protruding part resembles a stinger, elevated like a blade, used to strike spiders or insects with great ferocity.
There are many species of scorpions: scorpions found in Mexico, Indonesia, and India are known to deliver fatal stings. Scorpions are not only fierce towards their prey but also exhibit ruthless behavior towards their “relatives.”
Before mating, the male and female scorpions intertwine their pedipalps and engage in a dance that lasts for hours. However, once the male completes the fertilization process, the female’s aggressive nature emerges, and she may devour the male. Interestingly, she shows affection towards her offspring. After giving birth, the young scorpions climb onto their mother’s back and live there comfortably. The mother carries her young while foraging and takes care of them attentively until they mature and are ready to venture off on their own.
Scorpions are also considered an important medicinal resource, with their entire body used for medicinal purposes, providing effects such as calming, pain relief, and detoxification.
(Image: fr.ch)
