Can Scorpions Sting Themselves? This Is The Answer!
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Scorpions have a reputation as some of the most dangerous animals around. Every scorpion has venom, but only a small number of species have a sting strong enough to seriously harm people.
One question comes up again and again: can scorpions sting themselves?
Can scorpions sting themselves? A scorpion's tail can physically reach its own body, and an accidental hit is possible. But scorpions do not sting themselves on purpose, and the old story that they commit suicide when trapped is a myth.
Below, we look at where that myth comes from and answer a few related questions.
Can Scorpions Kill Themselves With Their Own Venom?
No. There is no evidence that scorpions kill themselves with their own venom.
Older experiments and biologists who study scorpions report that a scorpion's venom has little or no effect on the scorpion itself. A scorpion's hard outer shell also makes it hard for a sting to get through.
Why Do People Think Scorpions Sting Themselves?
The belief comes from a very old legend. The story says that a scorpion trapped by fire will sting itself to death rather than suffer.
People really did see scorpions thrashing near fire. The interpretation was wrong.
Scorpions are cold-blooded (ectothermic). They cannot control their body temperature, so their bodies heat up quickly when surrounded by flames.
Extreme heat damages the proteins inside their bodies. That causes spasms and convulsions, and the tail curls and jerks toward the body. It looks like the scorpion is stinging itself, but the heat is what kills it.
Arizona State University's Ask A Biologist also notes that scorpions stinging themselves to death is a myth, not natural behavior.
Do Scorpions Kill Themselves In Fire?
No. Scorpions don't commit suicide to escape fire. Fire can kill a scorpion through heat and dehydration, but not by its own sting.
Can Dead Scorpions Sting You?
Possibly. A dead scorpion's stinger is still sharp and may still hold venom, so pressing on it can cause an injury.
Treat dead scorpions with care, especially the Arizona bark scorpion, the most venomous scorpion in the United States. Pick them up with tongs or a tool, never bare hands.
If someone is stung, the University of Arizona advises calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Young children and older adults are the most vulnerable to stings, so get medical help quickly for them.
Final Verdict
A scorpion's tail can reach its own body, but scorpions don't sting themselves on purpose. The famous "suicide" in fire is a heat reaction, not a deliberate act, and scorpions are largely resistant to their own venom.
Sources
- Not So Scary Scorpions, Ask A Biologist, Arizona State University
- What You Need to Know About Scorpion Stings, University of Arizona Health Sciences
