Scorpions in the dark

Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws 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 (Typhlochactas mitchelli) to 20 cm (Hadogenes troglodytes).

Scorpions are found widely distributed over all continents, except Antarctica, in a variety of terrestrial habitats except the high latitude tundra. Scorpions number about 1,752 described species, with 13 extant families recognised to date. The taxonomy has undergone changes and is likely to change further, as a number of genetic studies are bringing forth new information.

Scorpion venom has a fearsome reputation, but only about 25 out of almost 1500 species are known to have venom capable of killing a human being.

Source - Wikipedia

Globally, 1988 species of scorpions are known to occur (Rein, 2012) of which, 11 3 valid species of 25 genera under 6 families exist in India.

Giant scorpions were known to occur during the prehistoric Silurian period about 450 million years before. Except their body size they have still maintained the body structure almost same till present, for which t hey are termed as "Living Fossils". They are the abundant in arid and semi - arid zones and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. They are nocturnal, shy and hide under stones, barks and thin crevices, burrows and occasionally in dark corners of houses. They are poisonous , though all are not fatal to human beings . According to the habitats, the scorpions are divided into three categories : burrowing (Psammophilous or Pelophilous), Rock dwelling (Lithophilous) and Arboreal. All scorpions are carnivorous in nature and cannibalism is rarely seen. Mating is a very remarkable process in scorpions. After mating, males run away or sometimes are killed and eaten by females. The young ones remain on mother's back for 10 to 20 days during which they complete two molts.

Source: Zoological Survey of India - http://zsi.gov.in/checklist/SCORPIONIDA%20OF%20INDIA.pdf

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