Many people are surprised to learn that scorpions are representatives of the arachnid class. But this is true. Arachnids are a huge class in which more than 35 thousand different species are combined. Their representatives have both common characteristics and unique features. But I want to talk about scorpions in more detail.
A bit of general information
All common characteristics of arachnids are related to adaptability to life on land. These are land arthropods, which have 6 pairs of legs, a trunk consisting of two sections, and simple organs of vision. Many species are completely devoid of eyes. Scorpions are representatives of a class whose respiratory system consists of lungs and trachea. The circulatory system has an open circle, and the heart has a tube shape. Arachnids have a division into male and female.
Typical misconception
The people formed the opinion that scorpions are representatives of the crustacean class. The error is so firmly entrenched in consciousness that it can be very difficult to convince an opponent. The thing is that there is some external similarity between scorpions and crustaceans, and people simply do not want to go into the details of the structure. Such a misconception expressed in an educated company can put a person in an awkward position. That is why it is worth paying more attention to your training.
Scorpion squad: representatives and their distinctive features
The arachnid class is divided into several separate orders:
- spiders
- scorpions;
- ticks;
- salpugi and so on.
Scorpions are representatives of an atypical spider squad. Usually scorpions are not very large. The maximum size is 20 cm. Their body does not consist of two departments, but of three. In the anterior region there are a pair of large eyes, and several pairs of small lateral organs of vision. The body passes into a segmented tail, which ends with a poisonous gland.
The body of this arachnid is protected by a hard cover. The optimal habitat is a warm climate. Inside the unit there is an additional division. All scorpions are representatives of two subspecies: those who choose a moist area to live in and live in dry places.
What does a scorpion eat?
Mostly scorpions are representatives of nocturnal predatory insects. They hunt various spiders and millipedes. Small reptiles and rodent cubs can become more serious prey. In the absence of other prey, scorpions engage in battle with their own kind and engage in cannibalism. According to biologists, it is cannibalism that allows this unit to survive in difficult conditions and spread widely around the world.
Breeding
Outwardly, it is very difficult to distinguish between male and female. Scorpions are viviparous arachnid species. Each individual goes through a direct development cycle without metamorphoses. At one time, the female brings from 5 to 25 babies. The attitude to the offspring of this unit is twofold. On the one hand, the female scorpion takes care of the cubs and even wears them on its back. On the other hand, with a lack of food can eat one or two babies from a brood.
The life span of insects ranges from two to eight years.
Scorpion venom
Scorpion venom is neurotoxic. It accumulates in the final pear-shaped segment of the tail. The direction of the lesion depends on the type of scorpion. In some species, poison acts on insects, in others on mammals. The first kind of poison is not dangerous for humans, in fact, it acts no stronger than wasp venom. The second can paralyze the heart and pectoral muscles, which is deadly for humans.
Danger to humans are 25 species of scorpions. Their bite can disrupt the coordination of movements, cause increased salivation and vomiting. The bite site swells, reddens, itches and is painful to the touch.
You can determine how poisonous an individual is by appearance. Species that are dangerous to humans have fewer claws than the sting on the tail. If a scorpion is dangerous only for insects, then its claws are larger.
Familiarity with individual species
One of the most common species is the yellow scorpion. It is not dangerous to humans. It feeds on small spiders and cockroaches. It lives in Africa, the Middle East, India and Pakistan, on the Arabian Peninsula.
Imperial and stone scorpions are often turned on as pets. This is a very beautiful insect with large claws.
Of the species dangerous to humans, androctonus can be distinguished. This arachnid can feed on mammals. African desert scorpion is considered dangerous. In Mexico and the southern United States, a dangerous woody striped scorpion is found. To individuals dangerous to humans include Arabian thick-tailed scorpions.