Adult scorpions range in size from 1.5 cm to 21 cm in length. The average scorpion lives three to five years, but some species can live up to 10-15 years. A few scorpions exhibit social behaviors beyond the mother-young association, such as forming over wintering aggregations, colonial burrowing, and even living in extended family groups that share burrows and food. Despite their bad reputation, only one species in the U.S. and about 20 others worldwide have venom potent enough to be considered dangerous to humans. The US species, Centruroides exilicauda , is found over southwestern region.
Death is rare since an antivenin is available for severe cases.
Death by scorpion sting, if it occurs, is the result of heart or respiratory failure some hours after the incident. All rights reserved. Muma, Martin H., Scorpions, Whip Scorpions and Wind Scorpions of Florida , Florida Department of Agriculture, 1967. Morton Publishing Co. Englwood, CO. 1996.