Scorpion
by Robert Bales
Title
Scorpion
Artist
Robert Bales
Medium
Photograph - Photo
Description
Found this scorpion while geocaching in the desert.
Scorpions are predatory arachnids of the order Scorpiones. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping pedipalps and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger. Scorpions range in size from 9 mm / 0.3 in.
The evolutionary history of scorpions goes back to the Silurian era 430 million years ago. They have adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions and can now be found on all continents except Antarctica. Scorpions number about 1750 described species,[ with 13 extant families recognised to date. Only about 25 of these species are known to have venom capable of killing a human being. The taxonomy has undergone changes and is likely to change further, as genetic studies are bringing forth new information.
Scorpion stings are painful but are usually harmless to humans. For stings from species found in North America, no treatment is normally needed for healthy adults, although medical care should be sought for children and for the elderly. More harmful stings from species found in South America, Africa, and western Asia may require medical attention.
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Uploaded
November 5th, 2016
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Viewed 691 Times - Last Visitor from Wilmington, DE on 03/11/2024 at 11:32 PM
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Comments (7)
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Your image is very nice but yuck...just yuck. The first time I lived in HI, I had the really little ones in my cottage. Thankfully we never got stung, I was told the smaller they are the more potent their sting, not sure if that's true or not. Also, if you are allergic to bee stings, there's a good chance you will have a reaction to a scorpion sting. l/f