Arizona bark scorpion

The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, once included in Centruroides exilicauda) is a small light brown scorpion  common to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. An adult male can reach 8 cm in length (3.14 inches), while a female is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 7 cm (2.75 inches).[1]

Centruroides exilicauda

Centruroides exilicauda, the Baja California bark scorpion, is a species of bark scorpion  found in Baja California. It is closely related to the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), but is not considered dangerous. Previously only distinguished by geographic range, the two variants were classified in 1980 as the same species. Subsequently, differences in venom toxicity were recorded, and in 2004, DNA analysis [1] showed them to be separate species. The Baja California bark scorpion is a slender, long-tailed scorpion, and although it is typically sand-colored it appears in darker colors.[2][3]

Leiurus hebraeus

Leiurus hebraeus is a species of scorpion, a member of the family Buthidae. It was once considered as a subspecies of Leiurus quinquestriatus but recently it was elevated to the rank of a species.[1]

Deathstalker

The deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus) is a species of scorpion, a member of the family Buthidae. It is also known as the Palestine yellow scorpion,[1][2][3][4] Omdurman scorpion, and Naqab desert scorpion, as well as by many other colloquial names, which generally originate from the commercial captive trade of the animal. To eliminate confusion, especially important with potentially dangerous species, the scientific name is normally used to refer to them. The name Leiurus quinquestriatus roughly translates into English as "five-striped smooth-tail".[5] In 2014, the subspecies L. q. hebraeus was separated from it and elevated to its own species Leiurus hebraeus.[6] Other species of the genus Leiurus are also often referred to as "deathstalkers". Leiurus quinquestriatus is yellow, and 30–77 millimetres (1.2–3.0 in) long, with an average of 58 mm (2.3 in).[7]

Emperor scorpion

The emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is a species of scorpion native to rainforests and savannas in West Africa. It is one of the largest scorpions in the world and lives for six to eight years. Its body is black, but like other scorpions it glows pastel green or blue under ultraviolet light. It is a popular species in the pet trade, and is protected by CITES to prevent over-collecting that might affect the species' survival.

Hadrurus arizonensis

Hadrurus arizonensis, the giant desert hairy scorpion, giant hairy scorpion, or Arizona Desert hairy scorpion is a large scorpion  found in North America.

Hadrurus spadix

Hadrurus spadix is a large (around 15 centimetres (5.9 inches)) scorpion native to the southern deserts of North America. It is a burrowing scorpion which spends a lot of time digging in the sand and enlarging its burrow. A similar species is the giant desert hairy scorpion.

Centruroides

Centruroides is a genus of scorpions of the family Buthidae. Several North American  species are known by the common vernacular name bark scorpion. Numerous species are extensively found throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles and northern South America.[1] Some are known for their interesting patterning or large size (among Buthidae); most if not all fluoresce strongly under ultraviolet  illumination, except after moulting. They contain several highly venomous species, and fatalities are known to occur. The venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides limpidus limpidus contains the neurotoxins Cll1 and Cll2.

Striped bark scorpion

The striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is an extremely common scorpion  found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico. It is perhaps the most frequently encountered scorpion in the U.S.

Heterometrus

Heterometrus, whose members are also known by the collective vernacular name Asian Forest Scorpion, is a genus of scorpions belonging to the family Scorpionidae. It is distributed widely across tropical and subtropical southeastern Asia, including Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, India (Nicobar Islands, Andaman Islands), and China  (Hainan).[2][3] It is notable for containing some of the largest living species of scorpions.

Heterometrus laoticus

Heterometrus laoticus or Vietnam forest scorpion,[citation needed] is a scorpion species  found in peaty areas of Vietnam and Laos. They can reach lengths of 12 cm (4.7 in). They are a communal species, but cannibalism has been known to occur, and if caught, they can be extremely violent even towards their own kind.

Opistophthalmus

Opistophthalmus is a genus of scorpions  known commonly as burrowing scorpions, tricolored scorpions, serkets, or hissing scorpions. They are found predominantly in southern Africa. They are known for making deep and elaborate burrows.

Opistophthalmus glabrifrons

Opistophalmus glabrifrons (commonly known as the shiny burrow scorpion[1][2] or the yellow-legged burrowing scorpion[3][4]) is a large (adult size: 11–15 cm[5][3]) species of burrowing scorpion found in Southern and Eastern Africa.[

Androctonus australis

Androctonus australis, the yellow fat-tailed scorpion, is a hardy desert scorpion from North Africa, Somaliland, the Middle East, Pakistan and India.

Fattail scorpion

Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, one of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species in the world.[1] The genus was first described in 1828 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg.[2]

Tityus serrulatus

Tityus serrulatus, the Brazilian yellow scorpion, is a species of scorpion of the family Buthidae. It is native to Brazil, and its venom is extremely toxic.[1] It is the most dangerous scorpion in South America and is responsible for the most fatal cases.[2]

Pandinus

Pandinus is a genus of large scorpions  belonging to the family Scorpionidae. It contains one of the most popular pet scorpions, the emperor scorpion (P. imperator). The genus is distributed across tropical Africa.[1][2][3]

Parabuthus transvaalicus

Parabuthus transvaalicus (known as the Transvaalicus thick-tailed scorpion, South African thick tail, or giant deathstalker) is a species of venomous scorpion from semi-arid parts of southern Africa.[

Scorpio maurus

Scorpio maurus is a species of North African  and Middle Eastern scorpion, also known as the large-clawed scorpion or Israeli gold scorpion and lesser known as Zerachia scorpion.

Hottentotta tamulus

Hottentotta tamulus, the Indian red scorpion, also known as the eastern Indian scorpion, is a species of scorpion of the family Buthidae. It occurs in most of India,[2] eastern Pakistan[1] and the eastern lowlands of Nepal,[3] and recently from Sri Lanka.[4]

Scorpio maurus

Scorpio maurus is a species of North African  and Middle Eastern scorpion, also known as the large-clawed scorpion or Israeli gold scorpion and lesser known as Zerachia scorpion.

Arizona bark scorpion

The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, once included in Centruroides exilicauda) is a small light brown scorpion  common to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. An adult male can reach 8 cm in length (3.14 inches), while a female is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of 7 cm (2.75 inches).[1]

Emperor scorpion

The emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is a species of scorpion native to rainforests and savannas in West Africa. It is one of the largest scorpions in the world and lives for six to eight years. Its body is black, but like other scorpions it glows pastel green or blue under ultraviolet light. It is a popular species in the pet trade, and is protected by CITES to prevent over-collecting that might affect the species' survival.

Striped bark scorpion

The striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is an extremely common scorpion  found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico. It is perhaps the most frequently encountered scorpion in the U.S.

Fattail scorpion

Fattail scorpion or fat-tailed scorpion is the common name given to scorpions of the genus Androctonus, one of the most dangerous groups of scorpion species in the world.[1] The genus was first described in 1828 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg.[2]

Scorpio maurus

Scorpio maurus is a species of North African  and Middle Eastern scorpion, also known as the large-clawed scorpion or Israeli gold scorpion and lesser known as Zerachia scorpion.

Scorpions glow in ultraviolet light

Scorpions also glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. This otherworldly luminescence results from a substance in their exoskeleton called beta-carboline. When exposed to UV rays, they emit a bright blue-green light. Baby scorpions and recently molted ones exhibit this striking fluorescent trait. 

The exact purpose of scorpion bioluminescence remains debated among experts. Some researchers suggest that the glow may protect them from the harmful UV radiation in sunlight. Field observations have also led scientists to believe that fluorescence could play a part in hunting, luring, or disorienting prey. Finally, the glow might also be a signal or identifier among scorpions.

Scorpions perform a special mating dance

During mating season, male scorpions first track down a suitable female by following the enticing chemical cues she leaves behind. Upon finding a prospective partner, the male works to pique her interest by performing various actions, such as waving his pincers or tail.

Known as the promenade à deux  (or dance for two), the ritual begins when the male takes hold of the female's pincers and guides her through an intricate choreography. Together, they perform mesmerizing movements, swaying back and forth or side to side in perfect unison. 

This enthralling spectacle may last anywhere from mere minutes to several hours. Throughout the dance, the male diligently searches for the ideal surface to deposit his spermatophore, a sperm-filled capsule vital to their reproductive process. 

Once he finds the perfect spot, he leads the female to the spermatophore, which she carefully retrieves using her genital opening. This crucial moment in their dance signals the fertilization of her eggs.

Scorpions are edible

If you travel to some regions of the world, you might be surprised to know they eat scorpions as a delicacy. Once these creatures die, you can eat them safely because their venom becomes harmless and inert upon death. Adventurous eaters should enjoy these animals' unique flavor and texture without the risk of being stung.

In some communities, scorpions are a valuable source of protein. Adults and children in remote areas hunt them. Today, scorpions have started to pop up in crowded city food scenes. Urbanites can easily find these exotic arachnids at street food stalls and local markets; they are usually deep-fried, grilled, skewered, and candied.

While dangerous, scorpions can also heal

Scorpion venom has two sides: it can harm and heal. For example, researchers have found that some of its components can selectively target cancer cells, offering promising leads for developing innovative cancer therapies7. 

Moreover, the venom has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, opening avenues for new antibiotic discoveries. Some ingredients of scorpion venom can suppress the immune system. People with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis might benefit from this venom effect.