The scorpions we see in the Skiatook area are called bark scorpions. They are small (maximum length 2½ inches) brown arachnids (a word derived from the Greek meaning “spider”). They have a faint stripe or two down the back. Arachnids, such as scorpions, spiders, ticks and mites, are arthropods with 8 legs. The term arthropod comes from the Greek words meaning “jointed legs.” Crabs and crawdads (crustacea) are arthropods with 10 legs. Insects are arthropods with 6 legs, centipedes and millipedes are arthropods with many legs (40-400).
The scorpion’s stinger is at the tip of its tail. When it stings, it brings the tail forward and stings in front of its head. The venom is a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. The venom of local scorpions is mildly toxic. A sting is only slightly more painful than that of a bee or wasp. There will be pain and swelling at the site, but it rarely causes problems.
As the weather turns cold in the fall, it is not unusual to find a scorpion in the house. Some come in because it’s warm, others are brought in with wood intended for the fireplace. They are hidden beneath the bark. Our dog found the one pictured (left photo) in the living room . Scorpions are excellent climbers. We once found one behind the picture that hangs on the wall above the head of our bed.
Scorpions in the southwestern U.S. are far more dangerous. A sting by one could be life-threatening. In Mexico before the 1960s there were over 1500 deaths per year from scorpion stings, in the 1970s around 500 deaths per year, today fewer than 50 deaths per year. The significant decrease in scorpion deaths today is primarily attributed to improved medical care, including wider access to antivenom and other therapeutic treatments.
The large scorpion pictured here was one we found in Tucson, Arizona.
One of my earliest childhood memories, as a 5-year-old growing up in Africa, was being stung by a scorpion. I don’t so much remember the sting. What I remember is my Dad cutting my foot with a razor blade to get the venom out.
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