Black Scorpions

Scorpions are predators animals which are generally considered insects, but they are not. As a matter of fact, insects are one of their major staple diets. They have been on earth for millions of years. There are as many as 1700 living species of scorpion and out of them, only 1.47% of them are poisonous. They play a major role in the food chain cycle by eating insects.

Black Scorpion Animal

Size And Diversity

The black scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus, of the family Scorpionidae), or the Asian forest scorpion, is a resident of tropical Asian regions. Black scorpions typically live under logs and other natural debris. Black scorpions are large in comparison to other scorpions (generally considered as giant). Black emperor scorpion, an African species found in guinea has a body length of about 18 cm and a mass of 60 grams.

Black Scorpion

Food They Eat

Scorpions generally eat insects and some rodents. They are opportunistic predators that eat any small animal they can capture and kill which include spiders ,bugs and even sometimes other scorpions. Talking about black scorpions,in their natural conditions insects like cricket or worms are present. So they consume them without a growth accelerator. 

Scorpion Eats Insect

Habitat

They can be observed in many types of habitats, but deserts and semi-arid regions are the most common ones. Most scorpions hide in holes or under logs to protect themselves from predators. There is a scorpion called bark scorpion, which rests on vertical surfaces like trees, bushes and walls. Black scorpions are mostly found in South Africa, East Asia, Southern Europe and Australia. 

Smuggling of Black Scorpions

Black scorpions have high demand on the market for various purposes and for that they are smuggled a lot. They can cost on average hundreds of dollars. In words of a local Herat dealer, a 60 gram black scorpion was sold at a price of $120,000. They are in high demand in various sectors but mostly used for medical research.Its venom is used to develop compounds for anti cancer medicines. 

In some countries like China, they are popular street-food snacks. Since they are found in asian regions, they are highly smuggled in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc. Due to this many species have gone extinct and some are on the verge of extinction. Their venom is also in high demand in the USA and Europe. 

According to a report published in the Wall Street Journal - their venom is sold for $39 million a gallon.

Interesting Facts About Black Scorpions

• Scorpions were around long before the first dinosaurs.

• They dance before mating.

• They give birth to live young.

• Some baby scorpions stay with their mother for 2 years.

• They glow in UV light.

• Some scorpions can go a year without food.

• Their venom can include dozens of different toxins.

• They’re stingy with their stingers.

• Their venom can kill or save lives.

• Black scorpions are non poisonous. Their venom is so weak that it can’t even kill its prey.

Solved Questions

1. Which scorpions are most poisonous?

Ans. Deathstalker is the most poisonous scorpion.

2. Which country has the most scorpions?

Ans. Mexico has the most scorpions in the world.

3. What is the size of black scorpion?

Ans. Average size of black scorpions is about 10 cm.

Conclusion

Scorpions may be dangerous animals but actually they are quite interesting, which will not harm you until and unless you mess with them. They play a vital role in the proper functioning of the food chain. They are often called the friends of farmers as they eat the insects which harm their crops. We should respect and avoid animal exploitation as our survival is also dependent on them directly or indirectly.