Contrary to popular belief scorpions are not insects. Instead, they are closely related to spiders and belong to the same class, Arachnida . At some point in the past, a common ancestry is shared. They also have similar traits. The tail tip is enlarged and contains a venomous stinger used for self-defense or to subdue overactive prey.
Scorpions can control the amount of venom injected.
Venom is injected by thrusting the tail forward over the head and into the prey. The venom of scorpions found in Tennessee is similar to that of a honey bee sting. The severity of the reaction is dependent upon the sensitivity of that individual's body to the venom. Scorpions are nocturnal hunters feeding at night and hiding during the day. They are most active at temperatures greater than 77 degrees and become sluggish in cold weather.