Venom is a poisonous material produced by an animal that is then transmitted by biting or stinging. The size of the scorpion is not indicative of the effect of its venom. Often the smaller species are the most harmful. Venom provides a self-defense tool and helps to capture prey. The very large species occasionally eat young rodents and small snakes.
Scorpions can live for three to seven years.
Male and female scorpions perform an elaborate courtship dance, facing one another while clasping pincers and moving backwards and forwards. The development of the eggs takes place within the female's body. As soon as the young leave their mother's body, they clamber onto her back, where they remain for up to two weeks. Contact with the air causes the outer layers to darken from the very pale white at birth. The mother scorpion does not feed her young, but she does protect them.