Have you ever wondered what are the differences between a scorpion and a scorpion? In this article on our site, we will clarify that doubt and we will give you some interesting details about these animals. We begin by telling you that the word scorpion has its origin in the Latin scorpĭo, -ōnis, and this in turn from the Greek σκορπίος (skorpíos), while scorpion comes from the Hispanic Arabic al‘aqráb, and this from the classical Arabic ‘aqrab.
However, biologically they are the same animal, which has been named in two different ways, so we can consider both words as synonyms and, in this sense, there is no difference between a scorpion and a scorpion. The use of one word or another has to do with the preference or custom of a particular country or area. Once we have clarified this aspect, let's learn more about these unique animals.
What is the difference between a scorpion and a scorpion?
As we have already mentioned, a scorpion or scorpion corresponds to the same animal. There are no differences between them. What happens is that depending on the region or zone, one name or another is used to refer to the same animal.
For example, in Mexico, there are areas where the word scorpion is mostly used, while in others, especially to the north, scorpion is used. In countries like Venezuela and Argentina, one or the other is used interchangeably. In Spain the word scorpion is in disuse, generally using scorpion. In English speaking countries the word scorpion is used, in Italian scorpiones and in Portuguese speaking escorpião.
It is important to mention that there are regions where these words are used to refer to other animals that do not correspond to these arachnids, such as the scorpion fly, the scorpion fish and the scorpion spider, which due to their morphological similarity or degree of toxicity of their venom are associated with this order.
As for the taxonomic language it refers to, it is order Scorpions. However, it is usual to find the use of the word scorpion in scientific literature as well.
Classification of scorpions or scorpions
Scorpions belong to the phylum Arthropods, class Arachnida and to the order ScorpionsAbout two thousand species of scorpions have been described worldwide. The taxonomic reports of these animals vary, so that they are classified between 13 and 20 families of scorpions, each with different orders. To make the distinctions between one family and another, their anatomical and morphological characteristics are specifically used. In several countries, there are endemic species of scorpions, and every time the reports are updated due to new species identified.
Some families of the order Scorpions
Some of the best known families of scorpions are the following:
- Pseudochactidae.
- Buthidae.
- Microcharmidae.
- Chaerilidae.
- Chactidae.
- Euscorpiidae.
- Superstitioniidae.
- Vaejovidae.
- Caraboctonidae.
- Iuridae.
- Bothriuridae.
- Hemiscorpiidae.
- Scorpionidae.
- Urodacidae.
- Heteroscorpionidae.
Of the families mentioned, Buthidae is the one with the largest number of species, having more than 900. In addition, some of the most poisonous scorpions in the world are found in this family.
Examples of species of scorpions of the Buthidae family
Here are some examples of scorpions of the Buthidae family:
- Buthus occitanus (located in the Iberian Peninsula).
- Centruroides gracilis (located in America).
- Androctonus australis (located in Africa and Asia).
- Tityus serrulatus (located in South America).
- Leiurus quinquestriatus (located in North Africa and the Middle East).
Parts of the scorpion or scorpion
The scorpions can measure between about 8 millimeters to 23 centimeters approximately and their coloration when they are adults varies between yellow, brown and black, there are even some depigmented species. The anatomy of these animals is made up of the following parts:
Prosoma
Corresponds to the anterior region of the body It is a highly chitinized area and is a kind of shield on which there is a small protuberance with the middle eyes, and in front of these are the lateral eyes, which they may vary in number. Also in this region we find the pair of pedipalps, which are two pincer-shaped appendages with which these animals manage to hold and immobilize their prey, in addition to having a sensory function.
On the other hand, they have the chelicerae, which are not large and correspond to the mouthparts of these animals, which they also provide them with the possibility of holding and tearing the food. The chelicerae are made up of pieces called fixed and mobile finger The pedipalps are followed by four pairs of legswith locomotor function and they increase in size from the first to the most distal of the tweezers.
Opistosoma
Corresponds, in turn, to the rear region of the body. It is subdivided into mesosome and metasoma:
- Mesosoma: in the mesosome we find seven segments, where the genital opening and some combs are located, which are sensory organs typical of the scorpions There are also respiratory structures, which communicate with the outside, which these animals can open or close at will. Likewise, here we find the digestive system.
- Metasoma: For its part, the metasoma is made up of five segments, which is highly quinitized and its final part culminates with the telson, where the poisonous gland of this group and the stinger are located, which is the structure they use for inoculation.
Is the scorpion or scorpion poisonous?
All scorpions are poisonous This is one of their main characteristics. However, only the scorpion sting of about 30 species identified worldwide and belonging almost exclusively to the family Buthidae, they are highly dangerous for humans. In this sense, the poison of the rest of the families of these arachnids is only harmful to the prey they feed on. Therefore, the bite of most of these animals is not a lethal risk for people.
Scorpion venom is a mixture of potent toxins that primarily attacks the respiratory system and cardiovascularr of the victim, and reports indicate that more than one million accidents with people occur worldwide, of which a little more than three thousand are fatal.
Behavior of scorpions or scorpions
Regarding the behavior of scorpions, we can say that most of the time they remain hidden, coming out of their shelters when they go to feed or reproduce. In general, they can be quite aggressive both when hunting and defending themselves, just as the females are when they carry their young on their bodies, as we explained in the article on How are scorpions or scorpions born?
Scorpions or scorpions are unique animals, with a peculiar behavior and with some exclusive characteristics of this order. These animals have quite sensitive sensory traits, which are made up of chemo, mechano and photoreceptor systems, so they are very efficient hunters but also quite active when it comes to to defend Another particular trait of these animals is their ability to fluoresce when exposed to ultraviolet light, which seems to be related to an evolutionary aspect of them.
