SCORPIONS

Mordant Scorpion, Uroctonus mordax

Order: Scorpiones (Scorpions)

Size: Up to 2 1⁄2"

Habitat: Moist forested areas

Range: California and Oregon

Scorpions are in the same class as spiders (the arachnids) but belong to their own order (Scorpiones). As a group, they have elongate, segmented bodies; eight legs; conspicuous pincers; and a long, thin tail that is held arced over the body and ends in a stinger. The color is reddish brown or yellowish. Although fearsome looking, the Mordant Scorpion is relatively harmless to humans and is sometimes kept as a pet. The sting can be painful but is not poisonous to humans. At night, they reside in underground burrows, under rocks, or around decaying logs, emerging during the day to feed on insects and spiders. The pincers are used to grab prey and bring it to the mouthparts, while the stinger is used mainly for defense. Females birth up to three dozen tiny young that cling to her back until they are able to fend for themselves.