Rare Scorpion Colony Inhabits England
Scorpion colonies become rarer as you go further north around the globe, but since 1860 a, ever expanding colony of these sometimes venomous creatures has existed in Southern England. These creatures are often associated with hot, dry, desert lands but they are learning to adapt.
There are more than 2000 known species of scorpion and these are found in many parts of the world. They are more common in the southern hemisphere except in New Zealand and Antarctica. Scorpions are usually associated with hot desert lands but they are also found in less warm, wet regions and the furthest point north that they have been discovered is on the Isle of Sheppey, in Sheerness, Kent, England. There is a small number of the euscorpius flavicaudus variety which is relatively harmless and rarely uses its stinger. Its poison is very weak and a sting from one of these is no more painful than a pin prick to human beings. These scorpions are common in South Western Europe but something of a rarity in England.
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Some scorpions are so poisonous that they can even be killed by their own stingers. This lack of immunity means that mating is a very dangerous business, so a special, very cautious ritual is needed to prevent either participant from being stung to death during the procedure.
Source: Creative commons Wikipedia.org
The male grabs hold of the female’s pincers with his own and the pair shuffle backwards and forwards. Their deadly stinging tails are entwined together to stop them from accidentally touching their bodies.
After this mating dance the pair go their own separate ways and the eggs develop and hatch within the female’s body. Once hatched the young climb out and lay on their backs for about fourteen days until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
Source: Wikipedia.org
Different species of scorpion have different life spans and it is thought that they live for between four and twenty-five years. They are nocturnal creatures and don’t like light. If disturbed by a bright torch light, they will run and hide underneath something.
In general scorpions are very timid creatures and will usually run away if confronted by a larger animal. Some animals feed almost entirely on them and others like the meerkat, have even developed immunity to their sting.
Source: Wikipedia.org
These fascinating creatures also have the ability to glow in ultraviolet light.
Source: Wikipedia.org
This is because they have fluorescent chemicals in their shells, but there is not enough beta-carboline, which is the substance that gives this glow, in younger scorpions. It is not produced in larger amounts until the creature is fully adult.
Source: Wikipedia.org
The scorpion has been part of legend for thousands of years and it is present in Roman, Greek and Persian folklore. It has always been revered and also feared because of its sting, however, while all scorpions sting, only a few are lethal.
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13 Responses to “Rare Scorpion Colony Inhabits England”
On June 22, 2009 at 11:19 am
Apparently also they are less toxic when they live in colder areas, or areas that have cold winters. Although I have not seen one they also live in southern Alberta where I am living now. (or I should say I am in central Alberta and scorpions are in southern Alberta)
On June 22, 2009 at 11:35 am
We have scorpions in the field next door, and when they cut the wheat I will probably get a few in the garden or the kitchen!
Interesting, I never knew they were in the UK!
On June 22, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Yes I must agree with you. Thanks for sharing!
On June 22, 2009 at 1:35 pm
You must join Fear factor to feel the scary atmosphere with scorpions!
On June 22, 2009 at 1:52 pm
A very interesting article. I am glad we don’t have scorpions round here.
Christine
On June 22, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Interesting article Louie! One good thing about Michigan is that there isn’t too many poisunous (however you spell it) stuff
On June 22, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Nice, informative article, Louie. Sheerness is a few miles down the river from where I live. The colony still inhabits the docks down there, and I’m led to believe that the dock workers are used to them, just letting them carry on doing whatever it is that scorpions do!
On June 22, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Ugh!
Hope they stay over there!
Clay
On June 22, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Scorps are awesome. The common hedgehog also eat scorps and are immune to their venom.
On June 22, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Thanks for that.
On June 23, 2009 at 8:22 am
This gives me the hibby gibbies. Ever since the book, Pearl, I’m scared of encountering a scorpion.
I know you said only a few are dangerous, but I’m still scared of them.
On June 24, 2009 at 7:22 am
Thank You Very Much for sharing this helpful informative article.
– Kimpol
House Wife
On June 28, 2009 at 8:27 am
Whilst camping last bank holiday 25/06/09, in Tarporley, Cheshire. I encountered a very small black scorpion. It was roughly 3cm long, and was hiding behind my shoe. I must have startled it, as its tail went up and was aggressive looking. I caught it in a box and showed it to other campers before setting it free in some bushes near by. I really wish I had thought to take a photo, because they are so unheard of in England no-one believes us!!!!! But we all know (approx 20 people) that it was a SCORPION!
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