Scorpions

Scorpions vary greatly in size, ranging from 9 mm to 23 cm (1/3″ to 9″). They are usually yellow or brown. However, some species show a polymorphism with significantly different patterns of striping or coloration. Although the most common color is yellow, many species are dark-colored including black and navy blue. Often a lighter (whitish/yellow) tip at the end of the tail can be seen. The most easily identifiable characteristics of scorpions are the nine pairs of overlapping plates or prosoma, and the narrow pedipalps projecting from the front rounded segment or mesosoma.

The stinger is located at the end of the telson, which is a segment of the tail that has the anus and genital openings. The telson is tipped with a venom gland containing neurotoxins and powerful cytotoxins, but only small mammals are killed by the venom. For humans, it is certainly very painful to receive an injury from a scorpion sting, though almost always not fatal as long as medical care is provided.