What would happen if a scorpion stung you?

Thank you,
Sophie Tullier, 4
Hardy’s Creative Childcare Center, Auburn

Dear Sophie,

Because I know you live here, I would say that most likely very little would happen to you if a scorpion stung you. But, if you were to live in many other places of the world, more serious consequences could occur. We have only one native scorpion species locally. It’s scientific name is Vaejovis carolinianus. It is small, dark brown and usually lives under logs or stones in wooded areas, but occasionally enters houses. It is not considered to be dangerous, but if handled it is likely to use its sting to defend itself. The sting of our local scorpion feels a bit like a bee sting but not as painful as the sting of a yellow jacket. The pain usually goes away very quickly with very little if any swelling. For most people there are no lingering symptoms at all. (For a few people, however, more serious problems may occur because of allergic reactions to the sting.)

Around the world there are well over a thousand different kinds of scorpions. Only 40 or 50 species worldwide are considered dangerous and some of those can cause human death. Among the most dangerous are the yellow scorpion and the fat-tailed scorpions of the Middle East and northern Africa, and the bark scorpions of Mexico including one species that also occurs in the southwestern United States.

Some scorpions have powerful venom to subdue their prey and rely very little on their pincer-bearing pedipalps. Other scorpions, especially some of the large species, have pincers that are large enough to subdue their prey and only rarely use their sting. Some of these, like the one in the picture with me, can be handled very easily without fear of being stung. This one is the black emperor scorpion from western Africa. It makes a very good pet because it rarely stings and isn’t dangerous even if it does.

If you see a scorpion, the best thing to do is to appreciate it from a distance. Don’t try to handle it or destroy it, just leave it alone (or scoop it up in a jar and put it back outside) to continue being a part of nature.

Thanks for your question,
Aubie and Dr. Folkerts