Knowra Scorpion Scorpion A scorpion is an arachnid with grasping pincers and a segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger. Scorpions use their pincers and venom to capture prey and defend themselves.
Pectines : Comb-like sensory organs on a scorpion’s underside that detect chemical and mechanical cues. These organs help scorpions sense surfaces and locate mates while moving across the ground.
Arachnid : An arthropod in the class Arachnida, typically with four pairs of legs and no antennae. Scorpions belong to this group alongside spiders, ticks, and mites.
Scorpionism : Poisoning caused by a scorpion sting. Its severity depends on the species, the amount of venom, and the victim’s health.
Paleozoic : The geologic era lasting from about 541 to 252 million years ago. The earliest known scorpion fossils date to the Paleozoic.
Emperor scorpion : A large, dark scorpion native to tropical West Africa. Its broad pincers and relatively mild venom contrast with species that rely more heavily on venom.
Trichobothria : Fine sensory hairs that detect air currents and vibrations. They help scorpions detect nearby movement, including potential prey.
Arthropod : An invertebrate animal with a segmented body, jointed appendages, and an external skeleton. Scorpions share the defining body plan of this vast animal group.
Antivenom : A medicine made from antibodies that neutralizes toxins in animal venom. Antivenoms are used for severe scorpion envenomation in some regions.
Silurian : A geologic period lasting from about 444 to 419 million years ago. Fossils from this period document some of the oldest known scorpions.
Deathstalker : A small, pale scorpion native to arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. Its potent venom makes it one of the best-known medically significant scorpions.
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