Arthropods of the order Scorpiones, of which 1500 to 2000 species have been described. The most common live in tropical or subtropical areas. They are nocturnal and feed principally on insects and other arthropods. They are large arachnids but do not attack man spontaneously. They have a venomous sting. Their medical significance varies considerably and is dependent on their habits and venom potency rather than on their size. At most, the sting is equivalent to that of a hornet but certain species possess a highly toxic venom potentially fatal to humans. (From Dorland, 27th ed; Smith, Insects and Other Arthropods of Medical Importance, 1973, p417; Barnes, Invertebrate Zoology, 5th ed, p503)
    

concept

Two scorpions: Thelyphonus giganteus and Thelyphonus rufipes. Coloured engraving.

A female scorpion being led into a burrow by her mate. Reproduction of a photograph by P. H. Fabre.

A parody astrological diagram showing opposing aspects of the life of settlers in Jamaica: langorous noons and the hells of yellow fever. Coloured aquatint after A.James, 1800.

Two scorpions: Androctonus priamus and Androctonus margarelon. Coloured engraving.

Two scorpions: Brotheas bonariensis and Brotheas nigrocinctus. Coloured engraving.

A black stick-figure walking past a bush towards black snakes and a scorpion

A star falls into the pit of hell as locusts torture those unelected to heaven. Woodcut, c. 16th century.

Three scorpions: a male and female Scorpio tergestinus and a male Scorpio sicanus. Coloured engraving.

A large scorpion: Buthus defensor. Coloured engraving.

A woman representing astrology or philosophy. Engraving by P. Ghigi after L. Agricola after Raphael.

Scorpions

Images

Catalogue

A black stick-figure walking past a bush towards black snakes and a scorpion

A star falls into the pit of hell as locusts torture those unelected to heaven. Woodcut, c. 16th century.

Three scorpions: a male and female Scorpio tergestinus and a male Scorpio sicanus. Coloured engraving.

A large scorpion: Buthus defensor. Coloured engraving.

A woman representing astrology or philosophy. Engraving by P. Ghigi after L. Agricola after Raphael.