Spotted Scorpion - Mesobuthus eupeus C.L.K.
Scorpions belong to arachnids, they are relatives of insects. The Latin name for arachnids, Arachnida, is derived from the name of a heroine from Ancient Greek mythology — the weaver Arachne, who was transformed into a spider by Athena.
The species is distributed from Syria, Turkey, and the southern part of European Russia to Afghanistan, Southern Mongolia, and Northern China.
The body is colored in light yellow or brownish-yellow tones with dark spots, and often with longitudinal stripes on the dorsal side. The body length ranges from 25 to 52 mm, averaging 50 mm. The mass is relatively small, averaging 378 mg, with only a few individuals reaching 1.0 g. The abdomen ends with a swollen segment with a hook-shaped curved sting. A pair of venom glands is located in the bulbous segment.
Scorpions are nocturnal predators; with the onset of darkness, they go hunting for woodlice, centipedes, spiders, crickets, or small cockroaches, which are their food. Grasping their prey with their pincers, the scorpion arches its tail upwards and forwards, striking its victim with its sting. Cannibalism is very rare in this species.
They do not dig burrows and prefer to use natural spaces under stones or other shelters.
Scorpions are known for giving birth to live young and showing tender care for their offspring. The female carries her young for about a year. About 15-20 young are born. The newborns have a white covering. After shedding the amniotic and serous membranes, the young climb onto the mother's body and stay there for 10-12 days.
The lifespan is about 8 years.
A scorpion sting is very painful for humans; the burning pain is often much stronger than that from a bee sting.
The affected area quickly turns red; swelling appears throughout the limb. Then cramps and stiffness of the neck and body muscles begin, tears and profuse sweating occur, breathing becomes rapid, the pulse weakens, and vomiting, diarrhea, and general weakness are observed. However, in most cases, scorpions are not dangerous, and fatal outcomes are rare.
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