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Scorpion – how to identify, avoid, and treat scorpion stings.

Scorpion camouflaged in rocks

Scorpion
Scorpionidae order

Description: Brown Bark ScorpionBlack ScorpionScorpions are dull brown, yellow, or black (the most common is the brown Striped Bark Scorpion).  Their color often camouflages them and makes it difficult to see amongst rocks and dirt.  They have eight legs and distinctive 7.5- to 20-centimeter long (3- to 8-inch long) lobster-like pincers (which they use to hold their prey) and jointed (segmented) tail usually held over the back. Its stinger is located at the end of its segmented tail.  There are over 1,000 species of scorpions of which about 25 species produce venom powerful enough to kill a human being.

A Scorpion's stinger is located at the end of its segmented tailSymptoms and Treatment: Scorpions sting with their tails, causing local pain, swelling, possible incapacitation, and death. Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes cold compresses to reduce swelling.

Habitat: Decaying matter, under debris, logs, and rocks. They are nocturnal and feed at night. Sometimes hides in boots.

Distribution: Worldwide (except Antarctica) in temperate, arid, and tropical regions.

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