All insects and other pests are considered Arthropods, but that doesn’t help answer the question, ‟What is a scorpion?” An insect? Something else? Even though these creatures closely resemble spiders and ticks – and belong to the same family – they look very different. For example, scorpions are notorious for the two pincers (pedipalps) located on the end of each front leg. Then there is the elongated tail that has a venomous barb, or stinger, attached – but many other insects don’t have these. So, is a scorpion an insect?

Q: WHAT IS A SCORPION?
A: Scorpions belong to a group known as the Arachnids. Pests in this class have eight legs, no wings and two body parts – the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The head and the thorax are fused together.

Q: WHAT IS A "TRUE" INSECT?
A: Creatures classified as ‟true insects” have specific anatomical features. They have six legs, one or two pairs of wings and three body regions – the head, thorax and abdomen. Based on these facts, the answer to the question, ‟Is a scorpion an insect,” is no.

Q: WHERE ARE SCORPIONS FOUND?

A: Scorpions can be found in almost any habitat and can survive in even the harshest of environments. They have the ability to lower their metabolism by as much as one-third, thus diminishing their need for oxygen and food. They’ve been observed in elevated mountains, barren deserts, deep caves and boggy marshes. In residential areas, scorpions are most likely found in shaded locations, including under rocks, woodpiles, logs and heavy foliage.

Q: ARE ALL SCORPIONS POISONOUS?
A: All scorpions are venomous, but not always poisonous to humans. Scorpions are predators that use their venom to paralyze and kill their prey, or for self-defense. In some species, this venom is harmless to humans, but in other species, the venom can be life-threatening.

So, is a scorpion an insect? No. But just like an insect, it can be an unwanted guest in or around your home – and a dangerous one at that. The pest management specialists at Terminix® can put your mind at ease – not only with scorpions, but other pests as well. Call today for a free pest estimate.