Updated September 30, 2021
By Adrianne Jerrett
Reviewed by: Sylvie Tremblay, M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Genetics
Caribbean scorpions are poisonous, but they aren't always dangerous to humans. Most scorpions have venom in the stinger on their tail which they use to subdue prey. Often it's the scorpions with smaller pincers that are more poisonous, as they primarily rely on their stingers rather than their pincers for hunting. Regardless of their method for subduing prey, most scorpions are sit-and-wait ambush predators and will only use their stingers to catch prey or as a defense mechanism when they are threatened.
Types of Scorpions
Scorpions are in the class Arachnida, meaning their closest relatives include spiders, ticks and mites. Scorpions are found on every continent across the globe except Antarctica, and live everywhere from arid deserts to lush rainforests.
Scorpions have excellent survival skills, with some scorpions being able to freeze and reanimate when conditions become warmer. In times of food scarcity, scorpions can slow their metabolism so they require less food to live.
Caribbean scorpions primarily belong to either the Centruroides or Tityus genera. Both of these genera belong to the scorpion family Buthidae. Scorpions in the Buthidae family use neurotoxins in their venom.
Venomous Scorpions
Of the over 2,000 scorpion species worldwide, only 30 to 40 scorpion species are venomous enough to kill humans. For the most part, scorpions in the Caribbean only produce mild effects in humans when stung. Pain from mild scorpion stings resembles that from a bee sting. Localized swelling may occur, but symptoms should subside within a few hours.
One scorpion that is potentially dangerous to humans in the Caribbean is the Trinidad thick-tailed scorpion (Tityus trinitatis). This is the only scorpion species in the West Indies that have caused human deaths. Trinidad thick-tailed scorpion stings can cause acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Most people who seek medical treatment after a sting will recover with no long-term side effects, though children need to be more carefully monitored than adults.
Scorpions Found in Trinidad
Trinidad thick-tailed scorpions are endemic to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Of the nine scorpion species found on the island, the deadly Trinidad thick-tailed scorpions are the most common, making up around 90 percent of the local scorpion population. They rarely attack humans despite their potentially fatal venom, only inflicting their sting when stepped on or handled roughly.
Little is known about other scorpion species in Trinidad, including Ananteris cussinii, Broteochactas nitidus and B. laui. However, it is known that the light brown, spotted dwarf scorpion (Microtityus rickyi) is nontoxic. The dwarf scorpion is the smallest on the island, with the largest adults measuring less than three-quarters of an inch.
Interesting Facts About Scorpions
While sometimes they can be spotted in trees, scorpions usually live on the ground and may be hidden among leaf litter, under logs and rocks or among vegetation. Often scorpions are more active at dusk, night or dawn when the lighting is low. This makes it difficult to see and avoid accidentally stepping on a scorpion.
However, there is one amazing feature all scorpions have that makes them easier to see at night: under ultraviolet and black lights they glow in the dark. This bright blue-green light is caused by a fluorescent layer in scorpions' exoskeletons.
No one really understands why scorpions do this. It could be reminiscent of an ancient defense mechanism, to protect them from the sun, to help them find other scorpions, to distract prey or even help them better hide their body so they don't expose themselves when waiting for prey. Regardless, if someone is worried about standing on a scorpion at night, shining a black light on the ground can be a good way to help spot them.
FAQs
Venomous Scorpions
Are scorpions in the Caribbean poisonous? ›
Most of the scorpions in the Caribbean only produce mild effects in humans if they sting them, except for the Trinidad thick-tailed scorpion of the West Indies, which has been recorded to cause human fatalities.
What is the most dangerous type of scorpion? ›
Among the most dangerous scorpion species is Leiurus quinquestriatus, also known as death stalker scorpion. This type of scorpion carries the some of the most potent venom in the group.
What is the survival rate of a scorpion bite? ›
A mortality rate of 20% is reported in untreated babies, 10% in untreated school-aged children, and 1% in untreated adults, but these rates vary across years and regions. In terms of venom lethality, the venom of Androctonus australis and Leiurus quinquestriatus are the most toxic.
Where are the deadliest scorpions in the world? ›
The most venomous scorpion is the deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), belonging to the Buthidae family. It has an LD50 of just 0.25 mg/kg based on subcutaneous injections given to mice. The deathstalker is distributed in arid desert and scrubland regions throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
What should people do if they encounter a scorpion? ›
Just leave it alone. Scorpions are tiny to small, so even if they wanted to chase you (they don't), you can easily get out of the way.
How long do you have after a scorpion sting? ›
What to Expect: Pain at the sting site is usually gone by 24 hours. Shock waves of tingling also gone by 24 hours. Numbness and tingling around the sting may last 2 to 3 days.
What is the friendliest scorpion in the world? ›
Different scorpion species are found in warm climates around the world. The scientific name for the emperor scorpion is Pandinus imperator. They're actually popular pets because, despite their looks, they're not very aggressive.
Can I sleep after scorpion sting? ›
If stung on an arm or leg, rest the affected limb in a supportive position. If having a hard time swallowing, limit intake to sips of water. If this symptom does not resolve or gets worse over the next hour, seek medical attention. Don't take or give any medicines to make you sleep or to feel calm or less anxious.
Which scorpion is the friendliest? ›
And, as far as scorpions go, they are docile. Emperor scorpions require a reasonably long-term commitment, and finding a willing pet sitter might pose a problem. This scorpion is the one most often recommended for first-time scorpion owners, though it's not an advisable pet for young children.
Handling Scorpion Stings
- Wash the bite area carefully with soap and water.
- Apply cool compresses or an ice pack to the bite.
- Keep the bitten area raised and still to prevent the venom from spreading.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
Here's a fun bark scorpion fact: sometimes, scorpions can 'play possum' or appear dead. Homeowners are then stung when attempting to pick them up. The muscles that administer a sting can actually fire in a dead scorpion, under certain circ*mstances. If you find a dead scorpion, use a broom and dustpan to pick it up.
Can you survive a scorpion sting without treatment? ›
Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Healthy adults usually don't need treatment for scorpion stings. Young children and older adults are most at risk of serious complications. Scorpions are arthropods — a relative of insects, spiders and crustaceans.
Has a scorpion ever killed someone? ›
However, scorpion stings account for approximately 3,000 deaths a year worldwide. The Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) is one species known for being especially dangerous, being responsible for most scorpion sting fatalities in South America.
Which color scorpion is poisonous? ›
One such story is that only black scorpions are dangerous. There is no rule of thumb for determining whether a scorpion is dangerous or not based on colour alone. Highly venomous scorpions come in a variety of colours ranging from black, brown, yellow, light brown, orange and a mixture of all of the above.
Are scorpions deadlier than snakes? ›
Scorpion stings kill more people around the world than any other animal, except snakes (from snake bites).
Are scorpions in Jamaica poisonous? ›
Are they dangerous? All species of scorpions are poisonous. Scorpions with fatal stings are not native to Jamaica. For native scorpions, their sting will hurt.
What scorpions are found in the Caribbean? ›
Caribbean scorpions primarily belong to either the Centruroides or Tityus genera. Both of these genera belong to the scorpion family Buthidae. Scorpions in the Buthidae family use neurotoxins in their venom.
Do scorpions live in the Caribbean? ›
The Caribbean islands are endowed with a rich and largely endemic scorpion fauna, the origins of which have not been previously investigated with modern biogeographical methods.
What happens if you get stung on scorpion Island? ›
If the player is stung by the scorpion, they will pass out and wake up in front of their home.
