As their nickname suggests ‘eight-legged animals’ scorpions resemble spiders in many awe-inspiring ways. The female has lengthy legs, a pair of claws, and a poisonous sting at the end of the tail.
In this article, we discuss seven different types of scorpions with some differences between each one.
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- Chaerilus Scorpions
- Pseudochactidae Scorpions
- Fat-tailed Scorpions
- Iudridae Scorpions
- Bothriuridae Scorpions
- Burrowing Scorpions
- Chactidae Scorpions
1. Chaerilus Scorpions
Scientific name (genus): Chaerilus
Only in South and Southeast Asia are these scorpions found, and they often live in tropical climates. They hardly ever reach a length of 3 inches.
The Asian bush scorpion, which is often found on Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island, serves as their representative. These Asian scorpions are not dangerous to humans since they are stocky and have venom that is extremely mild by human standards.
In contrast to many other types of scorpions, Asian bush scorpions are unable to scale vertical surfaces and often consume insects.
2. Pseudochactidae Scorpions
Scientific name (family): Pseudochactidae
We know very little about these types of scorpions because they were only recently found. They are typically found in arid or at least partially arid environments in Central Asia.
Since there is no information available regarding their venom or behavior, much more research is still needed.
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3. Fat-tailed Scorpions
Scientific name (superfamily): Buthoidea
These scorpions are aptly called because their tails which are very much thicker than other scorpion families have extremely thin tails. Types of scorpions with more than one thousand species which makes it to be the biggest family of scorpions exist.
Fat-tailed scorpions can be extremely big and there are specific types that reach 5 inches in size – that’s a rather impressive size for a scorpion. They have up to 10 eyes, this is so close to the six eyes that a spider has.
Most of the scorpions of this family are known to possess very toxic venom. For this reason, people do not encounter these animals often and therefore death is rare but should be prevented. The most deadly scorpion, known as the deathstalker, belongs to this family.
These are cosmopolitan scorpions, which are spread all over the world except in the Antarctic. Venom of several of these scorpions has been used in medical research.
4. Iuridae Scorpions
Scientific name (family): Iuridae
“Giant hairy scorpions” are among the most well-represented species in the small family Iuridae. These scorpions are found only in the deserts of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. There are very few genera with larger members, and they are all very enormous.
Some can reach the size of up to 6 inches and are normally colored yellow. The venom of these scorpions is particularly unpleasant despite the fact that this is normally not toxic in the United States.
They are primarily nocturnal, like all scorpions, and they burrow throughout the day to prevent overheating.
5. Bothriuridae Scorpions
Scientific name (family): Bothriuridae
The tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Asia, Africa, and South America are home to these scorpions. North America and Europe have not reported any sightings.
The representative of this types of scorpions family, which is often found in southeast Australia, is the forest scorpion (Cercophonius squama). They only become defensive when cornered and aroused; otherwise, they are nocturnal and sedentary.
One genus (Cercophonius) was also found in the Himalayas, extending their previously believed range, and the majority of these species are excellent burrowers.
6. Burrowing Scorpions
Scientific name (superfamily): Scorpionidae
In addition to tropical and dry settings in Africa, species of this types of scorpions family can be found in parts of tropical regions in Southeast Asia. Some of the largest types of scorpions in the world are members of this family; some of them may grow up to 8 inches in length.
Because of their exceptional strength, these scorpions can tear apart meat and capture and kill victims with their pincers.
Since their venom is so minor and only produces localized pain and redness in humans, they don’t rely on it too much.
7. Chactidae Scorpions
Scientific name (family): Chactidae
This types of scorpions family includes more than 200 species, the majority of which have only lately been identified and described. They have not spread to other continents; they are native to the Americas.
The California forest scorpion, which is typically found in oak woodlands and redwood forests, is one of the representative species.
In California, this types of scorpions like moist areas and typically stay away from humans because they are helpless due to the fact that their sting is absolutely painless.
Conclusion:
Scorpions are creatures that have evolved to survive in dry and semi-arid environments. In order to endure the heat and to hide from larger predators like birds, foxes, coyotes, and larger scorpions, they typically burrow. They are regarded as nocturnal animals as a result.
Because they rarely come into touch with humans and because their venom isn’t strong enough to kill a healthy person, most scorpions aren’t deadly to humans.