Texas Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)
Aug 21, 2013 01:19:23 #
Ed Greding
Loc: Texas
These scorpions have a painful sting, but are almost never fatal. Their ancestors were probably among the first animals to energe from the water onto land, almost 500 millions. No birds sang in the trees, nor did small mammals rustle in the bushes---both lay millions of years in the future, as did even the dinosaurs. But be careful: some species of scorpions do have fatal stings.
Aug 21, 2013 03:56:17 #
Aug 21, 2013 05:19:58 #
If you wanna find 'em easier, turn on a black light -- they Glow In The Dark. I dunno about that non-fatal stuff though; I jumped into a pair of moccasins when I was just a sprout to bring the dog inside right before a tornado landed near us, only to discover that one of these suckers (or one of his cousins) had taken up residence without signing a lease.
I was ONE VERY sick kid for about a week and my foot was swollen to about the size of a volley ball. The Doc's were saying that it was really lucky I stepped on one of the non-fatal types, yet I'm here to tell ya, it might have been easier if I had actually found one of those lethal ones . . . it sure wouldda been over quicker.
I was ONE VERY sick kid for about a week and my foot was swollen to about the size of a volley ball. The Doc's were saying that it was really lucky I stepped on one of the non-fatal types, yet I'm here to tell ya, it might have been easier if I had actually found one of those lethal ones . . . it sure wouldda been over quicker.
Aug 21, 2013 13:01:06 #
1stJedi wrote:
If you wanna find 'em easier, turn on a black ligh... (show quote)
I'm sure glad we don't have to put up with Scorpions and Tornado's over here!!!
Aug 22, 2013 00:36:04 #
Ed Greding
Loc: Texas
1stJedi---I know how you felt: like you'd been hit by an 18 wheeler Mac. But if you're lucky enough to be stung by the species I showed, the pain quickly diminishes, throbs for about 2-3 hoiurs, then goes away (usually)--Ed G.
Doddy-Many species fluoresce under long wavelength UV light, and are thus very pretty. And it does make them easier to find when out camping at night, thus to avoid.
I just returned from my first trip to beautiful England, and didn't miss scorpions a bit.--Ed
Doddy-Many species fluoresce under long wavelength UV light, and are thus very pretty. And it does make them easier to find when out camping at night, thus to avoid.
I just returned from my first trip to beautiful England, and didn't miss scorpions a bit.--Ed
Aug 22, 2013 02:32:27 #
Doddy wrote:
I'm sure glad we don't have to put up with Scorpions and Tornado's over here!!!
Ohhh Doddy, you need to get out more mate: you haven't really lived till you've been through a tornado or two.
Aug 22, 2013 02:37:51 #
Ed Greding wrote:
These scorpions have a painful sting, but are almost never fatal. Their ancestors were probably among the first animals to energe from the water onto land, almost 500 millions. No birds sang in the trees, nor did small mammals rustle in the bushes---both lay millions of years in the future, as did even the dinosaurs. But be careful: some species of scorpions do have fatal stings.
Ed, interesting that you posted this image.......a couple of days ago I posted a scorpin image......Link:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-142081-1.html
It's a little California one though! I feel a theme coming on here!
Aug 22, 2013 09:25:50 #
shutterbug65
Loc: Oakville, Canada
Are they good eating. Just askin.
They are so nasty looking they must be good for something.
They are so nasty looking they must be good for something.
Aug 22, 2013 10:17:07 #
That looks like the little brown ones we have here in West Texas, got stung by one when I was 17. Bastard got me twice (I was asleep) and it had almost no affect on me. They inject formic acid, same as an ant bite, but if you are allergic it can be quite an ordeal.
Aug 22, 2013 11:56:35 #
1stJedi wrote:
Ohhh Doddy, you need to get out more mate: you haven't really lived till you've been through a tornado or two.
No thanks 1stJedi...I do like to get out ..not blown about!!!
Aug 22, 2013 12:23:58 #
Feel free to keep them in Texas...our little brown sand scorpions here in FL sting like an ant bite - so they tell me. I have been lucky so far...scorpions at least - tons of ant bites. ;-(
Aug 23, 2013 06:23:55 #
Ed Greding
Loc: Texas
Thanks for your replies and comments! In southeast Asia and elsewhere scorpions are impaled on a stick, roasted and eaten as a shish ke-bab. I've never tried that, but given their anatomy and consistency I doubt they would have much nutritional value. Some Asian, African and Middle Eastern species are very dangerous. One African one (Androctonus) is usually fatal to human beings, and at least one species living in the semi-deserts of Durango, Mexico can be. But they are still fascinating and wonderful creatures. Long live the Scorpions!
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