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How Many Species of Scorpions Are There ?

Types of Scorpions | Species of Scorpions

Types of Scorpions

Are you interested and fascinated by the insects and animals which are poisonous? So you might want to know more about them. The species of scorpions is one of them. There is a myth that goes around is, all scorpions are poisonous but it is not true.

Some species of scorpions are non-poisonous as well. The majority of people get scared of scorpions so, you need to have proper and correct information about them.

Are you ready to get familiar with this super-cool critter with a serious sting in its tail?

Species of Scorpions-Introduction

Scorpion is a part of the class Arachnida of the order Scorpiones. It is an invertebrate that has eight legs just like its cousins’ ticks, spiders, and mites.

The body of scorpions mainly has two parts namely the abdomen and cephalothorax. So they look like little lobsters, accoutered with the segmented tails curved over their back and a pair of pincers.

Except for Antarctica, these cool critters are found on every continent but most commonly in areas of hot drylands and deserts.

Scorpion has a splendid way of catching its grub because it grasps its prey with pincers and scourge with its poisonous tip of the tail (known as telson). The telson comes forward to sting which kills the ill-fated victim.

The historical evolution of scorpions goes back to 435 million years ago. So now you must be thinking, how many species of scorpions are there?

Well, there are almost 2000 known species of scorpions according to the current records. But only 30 or 40 are poisonous strong enough to kill a person. So now let’s get to know some of the species of scorpions.

Different Species of Scorpions

Buthidae is one of the largest scorpion families with over 800 scorpion species. It is mostly found in tropical, subtropical, and partly in temperate habitats.

Hemiscorpiidae is one of the scorpion families which has seventy-two species of scorpions in it. They are known to inhabit all the continents, especially in subtropical and tropical habitats.

Few of the world’s largest scorpions are part of the scorpiondae family containing approx. 240 species of scorpions.

Below is the Listing of the Species of Scorpions:

  • Black Scorpions

Also, famous as the Asian forest scorpion, the black scorpion is a resident of tropical Asian regions. Black scorpion can grow to a length of 10 cm and is estimated to live up to 8 years. They mostly live in debris and under the logs. But people often confuse them with Malaysian forest scorpions. Its venom is not considered lethal.

  • Albino Scorpions

White or albino animals often mesmerize people by their appearance. True albinism is hard to find and hardly exists, but with anthropods, it means a freshly molten individual.

In order to grow the scorpions, shed their skin and an underlying white skin comes into view but it darkens as it gets hard. A freshly molten scorpion is an easy target for predators because they lose their outer skin which is hard.

  • Emperor Scorpions

This species of scorpion is one of the largest because it grows up to 23 cm in length. They can scale from dark brown to green and are glossy black.

They glow in a blue hue when they reflect ultraviolet rays which is really fascinating. Ivory Coast, Ghana, West Africa, Sierra Leone, and Senegal are home to this scorpion.

  • Blue Scorpions

It is a resident of America and Africa and is called with different names in different places. For example, it’s “alacran azul” in Cuba.

It is kept as a pet also as it hardly shows any signs of cannibalistic behavior. It is comfortable in living with other scorpions as it has adaptable behavior. But as long as you provide proper food and shelter.

  • DeathStalker Scorpions

This is a venomous scorpion is also popular as gold scorpion it has a gold or tan color. It is a resident of Northern Africa and the Middle East. This scorpion is ubiquitous in warm habitats and deserts, but can also flourish in dry forests.

It lives in burrows by digging them. Its venom causes an increase in heart rate, convulsions, fever, and coma. Heart or respiratory failure can be the effect of this venom.

  • Pseudo Scorpions

Pseudo-scorpions imply “false scorpion”. It is famous for its pear-shaped, flat body and pincers similar to real scorpions. pseudo only gets to be 2mm to 8 mm in length and lacks the scorpion’s long tail and sting. It resides in tree hollows, under stones, in caves, and within fractured rocks.

  • Red Claw Scorpions

Red claw scorpion is famous as Tanzanian red claw. People keep it as a pet but it is not suitable for novices because it can be aggressive and can sting. Its diet includes insects, small mice, insects, and other rodents. It is native to areas which have high humidity rate. It is 10cm to 12.5cm in length.

  • Sand Scorpions

As the name implies sand scorpions prefer to live on dry sand. They sense prey and locate their mates fascinatingly because they have a chemosensory system. It helps them through vibrations on the sand surface.

They have a unique appearance as their color matches that of sand. Their legs are also unique as they have bristly combs which provide traction on sandy ground. They reside in Arizona and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, Utah, and Texas.

  • Tailless Whip Scorpion

This species of scorpion is famous for its whip-like front legs. It’s a cross between a scorpion and a spider. This critter is 10cm to 25cm including legs.

It is a resident of tropical parts of North and South America. Estimate tells that about 250 species of tailless scorpions exist. They dwell under stones or barks and sometimes they enter homes.

  • Lesser Brown Scorpion

This species of scorpion has a lesser life span as compared to other scorpions. Its life span is 3 to 5 years. It does not lay eggs but directly gives birth to scorpions and because of that immature ones stay on their mother’s back until the first molt.

This scorpion feeds on millipedes, spiders, and even small rodents. It is venomous in nature. If a person is a bit, he/she may have swelling and pain. You need to give medical assistance if a person has such issues.

CONCLUSION

Often the scorpion stings are innocuous, but they are surely venomous. Different scorpions have different types of venoms. Side effects include localized swelling, pain, and numbness.

Serious effects include troubled breathing and vomiting. So, you need to be cautious if you come across a scorpion. This article informs you about the species of scorpions so that you can differentiate among them.

If you are a novice, please do not keep them as pets, especially if you have kids. Respect the creature and maintain a safe distance.

 

 

 

 

 

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