Scorpions are truly some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. They look scary, but they are full of surprises. Here are some cool and easy-to-understand facts about them:
1. Where the Name Comes From
The word “scorpion” comes from an ancient root that means “to cut.”
2. So Many Species!
There are almost 2,000 types of scorpions in the world.
Around 70 species live in the United States, and only 30–40 species worldwide are dangerous to humans.
3. Scorpions Can “Sing”
Some scorpions rub their legs together to make a sound—just like crickets!
But scorpions do it to warn predators, not to find a mate.
4. The Most Dangerous Scorpion in the U.S.
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most dangerous American scorpion.
Its sting can cause severe pain, numbness, and rarely, death.
5. They Can Survive Without Food
Scorpions can live up to one whole year without eating, thanks to their slow metabolism.
6. The Largest Scorpion
The giant forest scorpion can grow up to 9 inches long—as big as a man’s hand!
Even though it looks scary, its venom is actually mild.
7. Cutting the Tail Kills Them
A scorpion’s tail also contains its anus, so without it, the scorpion cannot survive.
(But there are safe, ethical ways to remove scorpions without harming them.)
8. The Smallest Scorpion
The smallest one, Microtityus fundorai, is only 12 mm long—smaller than many ants!
9. Why Scorpions Sting
They use their sting both to catch prey and defend themselves.
Only a few scorpions are venomous enough to be deadly to humans.
10. Baby Scorpions Have a Cute Name
A baby scorpion is called a scorpling.
11. Scorpions Are Ancient
Scorpions existed before the dinosaurs!
They may have been among the first creatures to live on land.
12. The Most Venomous Scorpion
The deathstalker scorpion has the most dangerous venom.
Its venom is so valuable that one gallon could cost $39 million.
Scientists use it to help study cancer, malaria, and infections.
13. Deadliest to Humans
Among all scorpion species, the Indian red scorpion is the most deadly to humans.
14. What’s Inside the Venom
Scorpion venom is a mix of neurotoxins and proteins that can affect the heart, brain, blood, and kidneys.
15. Scorpions Aren’t Insects
They are arachnids, like spiders and ticks.
16. Lightning-Fast Attack
The deathstalker has the fastest strike—faster than a blink!
17. Scorpion Dance
Before mating, scorpions perform a “dance for two”, pulling each other around gently.
18. Live Birth
Scorpions don’t lay eggs.
They give birth to live babies, which ride on their mother’s back until they grow stronger.
19. Extreme Survivors
They can live in temperatures from –15°C to 45°C, and can even survive 10 times more radiation than humans.
20. How Many People Get Stung
Every year, scorpions sting around 1.5 million people, and about 2,600 people die—mostly in rural areas of India, Mexico, North Africa, and the Middle East.
