Debunking Myths on Scorpions
By Matt Ellerbeck, May 2009
Scorpions are among the world's most misunderstood and feared creatures. Human fear of scorpions is mainly derived from that fact that scorpions have the ability to inject toxic venom. Scorpions are, however, not as dangerous as many people believe. Out of the 2,000 scorpion species found around the world, only around 25 species are equipped with a venom that is powerful enough to be lethal to humans.
Out of the approximately 100 scorpion species found in the United States,
only the Arizona Bark Scorpion - Centruroides sculpturatus possesses venom
that is toxic enough to cause human fatalities. Fatal stings are rare,
however, in the United States. According to the University of Arizona,
Cooperative Extension, no fatal scorpion stings have occurred in the United
States in 20 years. Furthermore, according to Health24.com, less then 5% of
scorpion stings result in symptoms requiring medical attention. Anti-venoms,
improved medical protocols, and a greater knowledge of scorpions have
reduced the chances that stings will be fatal.
Scorpions have venom as a means to quickly kill or immobilize prey.
Scorpions can and do control how much venom they inject during a sting as
the venom is crucial for subduing prey. If the scorpion depletes all of its
venom it will take several days to restock the supply. Due to these facts,
scorpions may not want to waste their valuable venom during defensive
stings. Stings occur in which no venom is injected, these are known as 'dry
stings.'
Scorpions are not malicious creatures that stalk out humans to sting.
Scorpions are also not usually aggressive creatures, but rather wary, timid,
and retiring. Most people are stung by scorpions when they accidently step
on them, stick their hands or feet into places that act as shelter for
scorpions (such as under rocks, under debris, etc.) or when someone
intentionally handles them. Taking precautions such as always wearing proper
footwear outdoors and never sticking your hands or feet into places that may
act as potential hides will greatly reduce the chances of receiving a
scorpion sting. Common sense and caution outdoors with help alleviate
confrontations between humans and wildlife.
Scorpions are extremely valuable components to natural ecosystems, as they
play complex roles of both predators and prey. Scorpions also act as natural
gauges for environmental degradation. When scorpions cease to turn up in
habitats that should support them, it is a strong indicator that the
environment has been severely degraded. In this respect, scorpions act like
'the canary in the coal mine' for certain natural habitats. Scorpions (along
with all other arthropods) are among the planet's most important fauna as
they are comprehensively unified into all of the world's ecosystems. If
these species were eliminated it would cause extreme break downs in the rest
of the ecological community, which would then cause serious ramifications to
all forms of life, including humans.
Scorpions are also valuable to medical research. The venoms of several
different species are being looked at as they may be instrumental in the
creation of new antibiotics and various cancer treatments, including brain
cancer.
To find out more about Matt Ellerbeck and scorpions, see his
website
Copyright © 2009 Matt Ellerbeck
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