Scorpions have roamed the Earth for hundreds of millions of years. While people fear their venomous stingers, these arachnids possess survival skills that rival any creature on the planet. For instance, they can slow their metabolism down to almost zero to survive harsh famines. Furthermore, they glow under ultraviolet light due to a mysterious chemical in their armor. Prepare to meet the ultimate survivors of the desert.
Scorpions
Scorpions are actually older than dinosaurs. Fossil records show they existed 430 million years ago as aquatic creatures. Consequently, they adapted perfectly to changing environments over eons.
They glow bright blue-green under ultraviolet light. Scientists believe this fluorescence might help them detect shelter or avoid exposure during the night. However, the true biological purpose remains a mystery to researchers.
Scorpions can survive a full year without food. They lower their metabolism drastically when prey becomes scarce in the desert. Thus, they consume very little oxygen while they wait for their next meal.
Only 25 species have venom strong enough to kill a human. Therefore, most stings feel similar to a bee or wasp sting. In fact, most species remain harmless to healthy adults.
They carry their babies on their backs for several weeks. After birth, the scorplings ride on the mother until their first molt. This maternal care protects the soft young from predators.
Scorpions can live submerged underwater for two days. They survive this because their “book lungs” do not need constant air intake. This adaptation helps them survive sudden floods in their habitat.
The Deathstalker carries the most dangerous venom mixture. However, researchers use components of this deadly poison to treat brain tumors. Thus, the deadliest Scorpion actually helps doctors save human lives.
Some species live for 25 years in the wild. This lifespan makes them some of the longest-living arachnids on the entire planet. In contrast, most spiders only live for one or two years.
Scorpions consume their food in liquid form only. They use enzymes to digest their prey externally before they slurp up the nutrients. Therefore, they leave behind only a dry husk of their victim.
The Emperor Scorpion grows to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. Despite its massive size, its venom is mild and rarely harms humans. Consequently, pet owners often keep this specific species in terrariums.
They dance before they mate with a partner. The male grabs the female’s pincers and leads her in a “promenade à deux.” He guides her to a suitable spot to deposit his sperm packet.
Scorpions can freeze solid and wake up later. They survive freezing temperatures because their blood contains antifreeze-like compounds. These chemicals protect their internal organs from fatal ice damage.
They possess hairs on their legs to detect vibrations. These sensory hairs allow them to feel the movement of prey from far away. Thus, they hunt effectively in total darkness without using their eyes.
Scorpions inhabit every continent except Antarctica. You can find them in scorching deserts, lush rain forests, and even high up in the mountains. They are incredibly versatile survivors in almost any climate.
They shed their exoskeleton to grow larger. During this molting process, they become soft and vulnerable until their new armor hardens completely. Therefore, they hide in safe burrows to avoid danger.
