23 Strange and Wonderful Scorpion Facts

By Karin Lehnardt, Senior Writer

Published July 1, 2025

The word "scorpion" is from the Proto-Indo-European root *sker-, meaning "'to cut."_[10]
There are nearly 2,000 species of scorpions, with 70 species living in the United States. Approximately 30–40 scorpion species worldwide are dangerous to humans._[1]
Some scorpions, such as the singing scorpion, rub their legs together to "sing" (stridulation), like crickets. However, unlike crickets, who "sing" to attract a mate, scorpions make the sound to warn predators or rivals._[1]
Of the 70 species of scorpion in the United States, the most dangerous is the Arizona bark scorpion. Its sting causes extreme pain, numbness, and, in rare cases, death. It is nocturnal and can climb walls and ceilings._[12]
Scorpions can survive without food for up to a year if they have enough water. They can do this because they have an extremely slow metabolism. However, even when they are starving, they can still strike immediately._[12]

Some scorpions can run up to 12 miles per hour

The largest scorpion in the world is the giant forest scorpion (Giagantometrus swammerdami), at 9.1 inches. An adult weighs about as much as tennis ball. Despite its massive size, its venom is mild._[7]
The easiest way to kill a scorpion is to cut off its tail. The tail contains the anus, and without it, the scorpion will die of constipation. However, there are safer and more ethical methods for dealing with scorpions._[7]
The smallest scorpion in the world, the Caribbean Microtityus fundorai, is just 12 mm (0.5 inches). Smaller than some ant species, these tiny scorpions often hide under bark, leaf litter, and soil._[6]
Scorpions use their stings to both kill prey and to defend themselves against predators. While most scorpion venom is powerful enough to only kill small animals, around 30–40 scorpion species have venom strong enough to kill a human._[1]

A baby scorpion is called a scorpling

A baby scorpion is called a "scorpling."_[4]
Scorpions existed before the dinosaurs, and they may have been one of the first animals to move from water to land, hundreds of millions of years ago._[1]
The most venomous scorpion in the world is the deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus). Its venom is one of the most expensive liquids in the world, with an estimated cost of $39 million per gallon. Its venom has been used to treat cancer, malaria, and bacterial infections such as tuberculosis._[8]
Though not the most venomous scorpion in the world, the Indian red scorpion kills more people than any other scorpion. Most deaths occur due to pulmonary embolism (fluid in the lungs)._[5]
Scorpion venom is a biomedical marvel. It is a cocktail of neurotoxic proteins, salts, acidic proteins, and organic proteins, which affect its victim's neurologic, cardiovascular, hematologic, and renal systems._[2]
Scorpions are not insects but arachnids, like ticks, mites, and spiders. They are part of a larger group of arthropods called chelicerates, which includes sea spiders and horseshoe crabs._[1]
The deathstalker scorpion is not only the deadliest scorpion in the world, it also has the fastest lunge, at 51 inches (130 cm) per second, which is faster than the blink of an eye._[13]

A deathstalker usually lives 4 to12 years

Before they mate, scorpions perform a dance known as a promenade a deux (French for "walk for two")._[1]
Scorpions are unique among arachnids because they give birth to live young. The embryos develop inside the mother's body and are nourished by a placenta-like connection._[1]
Scorpions can survive extreme temperatures, ranging from -15 Celsius (5 Fahrenheit) to 45 Celsius (113 Fahrenheit)._[11]
Scorpions can survive nuclear fallout and can withstand up to 10 times more radiation than humans. While they may not be able to survive the actual nuclear blast, they could survive the aftermath._[3]
Globally, scorpions sting around 1.5 million people per year, with around 2,600 deaths. Most fatalities occur in the rural areas of the Middle East, Mexico, India, and North Africa._[2]

Most scorpion stings have the same pain level as a wasp sting

Scorpions can survive being frozen and then thawed._[11]
Scorpions have between six and twelve eyes. Despite their numerous eyes, their eyesight is typically poor, and they rely on vibrations and touch to hunt._[9]