SCORPION, Scorpio, a genus of arachnida, of the order pmelmonaria, formerly includ ing the whole of the family 'scorpion/dm, to all of which the popular name is still extended. Scorpions are natives of warm climates, both in the eastern and western hemispheres. The species are numerous. They have the body elongated, and no marked division between the thorax and abdomen. Six segments of the abdomen are broad; but the last six are narrow, forming it tail; and the last segment is modified into a curved and sharp sting, having two pores on its lower side, from which the venom flows, supdlied by two poison-glands in the base of the segment. The palpi are modified. into pincers or claws like those of the lobster, by means of which prey is seized. There are four spiracles or breathing pores on each side of the abdomen. There are two remarkable comb-like appendages on the under surface of the thorax, the use of which is unknown. The number of eyes is various; in the restricted genus Scorpio, of which the Commos Scourrox (S. Earoncens) of the south of Europe is an example, there are only six; but in some of the genera eight and twelve. Scorpions feed on beetles and other insects, and after seizing them, pierce them with the sting before eating them.
They also eat the eggs of spiders, etc. They lurk under stones and in holes and crev ices, but come forth to seek their prey, running with great activity. In running, they carry the tail curled over the back. When alarmed or irritated, they show great fierce ness, evidently aware of the power of their sting, and moving it in all directions, as if threatening an adversary. They are universally disliked, and not a little dreaded, being apt to get into houses, and into beds, hiding themselves under pillows, in shoes, boots, etc., so that accidents 'are very frequent in countries where they abound. The sting of a scorpion is seldom fatal, but even that of the common European scorpion is very painful, and that of some of the largest species—which are 6 in. long—is much more severe, attended with much nausea and constitutional derangement, nor do the effects soon cease. It is of use to press a large key or other tube on the wound, so as to force out part of the poison. The best remedy is ammonia, internally adminis tered. and also applied externally.
The female scorpion displays great regard for her young, which she carries for some time great numbers to her back, limbs, and tail.