Scorpiones (Scorpions)

Scorpions are predatory arachnids. They have eight legs and recognized by a large pair of grasping pedipalps and a narrow, segmented venom tipped tail.

There are over 2,500 described species, found in a wide range of habitats worldwide. Scorpions primarily prey on insects and other invertebrates, but some species hunt vertebrates, by using their large pincers to restrain and kill prey, or to prevent their own predation, while using their venomous sting.

During courtship, the male and female grasp each other’s pincers and dance while he tries to move her onto his sperm packet. All known species have live birth and the female cares for the young, transporting them on her back as their exoskeletons harden.

The exoskeleton contains fluorescent an outer layer called a “cuticle.” This cuticle has a thin section called the “hyaline layer.” The hyaline layer is what reacts to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as black light or moonlight, and causes the scorpion’s body to glow. This layer is not developed when the young are developing their exoskeletons, and thus the young do not glow.