Newly identified scorpion species ‘spits’ venom to defend itself


Life

A scorpion discovered in South America can spray venom out of its stinger and hit targets up to 35 centimetres away

By Michael Le Page

24 December 2024

A newly recognised species of scorpion (Tityus achilles) that can spit venom

This scorpion (Tityus achilles) can spray venom out of its stinger

Léo Laborieux

A Colombian scorpion that is new to science can spray venom from its stinger to hit something up to 35 centimetres away rather than always having to inject it. The tactic is thought to be a way of defending against would-be predators.

It isn’t known what effect the venom has when it gets into an animal’s eye, mouth or nose, says Léo Laborieux, who made the discovery while at Harvard University.…

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