Sting question

[nocturnalpulsem]

When they strike, does it always go over the head as seen on discovery channel? Can they strike sideways, or upward, or anyother direction?

N.

 

[Gillian]

IMO,
Overhead. I was checking on my H. arizonensis, a few days ago. I found his burrow had partially collapsed. Worried that he may be trapped, I started excavating him, WITH MY BARE HANDS.
He, in turn, responded by suddenly coming unearthed, faster than I could get my hand out. He struck, and he hit me on my fingernail.

It took a good few hours to get my heart back in my chest, and my eyes back in my head. =D
Peace,
Gillian

 

[skinheaddave]

Most species, including your P.imperator will strike over their head most of the time. That being said, all scorpions are capable of striking sideways etc. as well. They are obviously not capable of striking backwards at all, though.

Some species, such as the heavy-tailed Parabuthis will actualy preferentialy strike from the side. I've also seen the very thin-tailed Opisthacanthus sting food they already have in their chela using a very slanted trajectory.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[nocturnalpulsem]

Ok, I just wanted to know out of curiosity, as well as for the sake of not getting stung because "I didn't know they could do that."

I know emps don't sting often, but I'm a clod and have very bad luck (or karma )

N.

 

[Fausta]

I was stung by my B. Arenicola a few weeks ago. I couldn't get her to move and I nudged her (stupidly) from the back with my hand. She just dropped her tail to the side REALLY fast, slightly rotated, and nailed me in the finger. Felt like my arm was going to fall off. Won't do that again!
Kelly

 

[phoenixxavierre]

Originally posted by skinheaddave
They are obviously not capable of striking backwards at all, though.

Hi Dave,

au contraire mon frere

I had a hit and run by an Opistophthalmus that struck backwards at me hitting me in the hand as it ran!! Got me too!! I've had Pandinus attempt this as well, but not hit thier mark! While I'm sure there are positions from which the scorp would have a very difficult time stinging, this experience made me realize that you can't always assume that they can't sting from a certain direction! lol!

Best wishes,

Paul

 

[skinheaddave]

Paul,

Should have made it clear that I meant backwards in relation to their metasoma, not mesosoma.

Cheers,
Dave