Scorpions
Scorpiones
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SIZE
1in to 2-1/2in long, including the tail
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COLOR
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BITE OR STING
Yes
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WINGS
No
COMMONLY MISTAKEN FOR
General Information
Scorpions are often feared for their painful and poisonous stings. They’re typically not aggressive, but will attack if they are accidentally touched or feel threatened. Learn where scorpions live, how to help keep scorpions away, and get tips to help protect your family from these stinging creatures.
Scorpions are most active at night.
While many people think of scorpions as desert dwellers, these creatures are equipped with incredible survival skills that enable them to live in a variety of environments. In fact, scorpions are found on every continent in the world, except Antarctica.1
Scorpions must have water to live, but can survive for months without food.
Similar to other arachnids like spiders, scorpions have two body regions and eight legs.2
Details
Scorpions eat other small creatures, including spiders, crickets, centipedes, and caterpillars.3
Scorpions can be found under rocks, woodpiles, or other debris.
Indoors, they are often found hiding in dark, secluded areas.
Scorpions enter your home looking for food, as well as a secluded or quiet place to hide and escape the heat.
Scorpions are often feared for their poisonous and painful stings.
If stung, seek medical attention immediately, particularly if the pain persists or spreads, or if you experience more serious symptoms like chest pain, labored breathing, difficulty in swallowing, blurred vision, numbness, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.
Scientists believe that scorpions glow due to fluorescent material found on their hard, outer shell.4
Remove places around your home where scorpions like to hide, like rocks, wood mulches, woodpiles, or other debris.
If you live in an area where scorpions are common, always check your shoes, gloves, sleeping bags, etc. for scorpions before use.
Help keep scorpions away by sealing gaps where they can enter your home, keeping doors and windows closed, and patching any holes in door and window screens.