Scorpions and their habitats

Nowadays, almost all the scorpions live on all major landmasses except Greenland and Antarctica. They range from Canada and central Europe to the tips of South America and Africa. Scorpions have radiated into all nonboreal habitats(including deserts, savannas, grasslands and temperate, tropical and rain forests). The most diverse scorpion faunas is located in temperate and subtropical deserts. They live at altitudes that range from sea level to 2,000 metres(6,000feet) in the Alps, 3,000 metres in the mountains of southwestern North America; and 4,000 to 5,000 metres in the Andes(Argentina). Only 14 species are reported in Russia and the other former Soviet republics, while more than 40 species occur in California and 62 in Baja California. In North America only one species occurs as far north as southern Canada(Paruroctonus boreus), and one as far south as Tierra del Fuego, in Argentina(Bothriurus burmeister). In Europe one species of scorpion is known as far as north as southern Germany, but none is found in Scandinavia. Diversity at one location in the tropics ranges from five to seven species in Trinidad and Venezuela to three species in Brazil. Scorpions' habitats range from the intertidal zone to snowcovered mountains. Several species live in caves. The Alacran tartaru is found at depths more than 800 metres below the surface. Ok, now, we know that scorpions live in different habitats but do we know how they adapt themselves in the hot deserts, or on the rock?

Adapting theirselves

Some species are specific in habitat and substrate requirements. For example, psammophilic species exhibit a morphology that both adapts and restricts them to the sand. Setae for combs on the legs that increase area and allow them to walk on sand without sinking or losing traction. Lithophilic species occur only on rocks. They possess stout, spinelike setae that operate in conjunction with highly curved claws to provide the legs with a strong grip on rock surfaces.

Mythology Links

European Scorpions Interested in the geographical distribution of scorpions in Europe ? Benjamin has compiled this fantastic page !