How does a scorpion stab its victim?

[Spider]

When I mean how, I mean does it bend its tail backwards? Or is its tail long enough to reach over to the front of the scorpion? I've never seen a scorpion in action so I don't really know.

 

[A. E. Lowan]

Over the front.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion

 

[Penpilot]

Here's a youtube video of some guy going all Jackass and getting stung on purpose. There's some nice slow motion shots of it all happening.

Getting Stung by a Scorpion. In Slow Motion! - YouTube

 

[Spider]

Can a scorpion's tail bend backwards though (if it wanted to sting something behind it)?

 

[A. E. Lowan]

You know, I have no idea. My first impulse is to say "no," but honestly most of what I know about arachnids involves catching them in a vase or dipping them in drawn butter (crabs are arachnids, you gross people!).

Do you have a local community college or university (or even a good high school) with an etymologist (studies bugs) you might be able to e-mail? Most academics are more than happy to answer politely worded questions from writers, especially at smaller schools.

 

[Ireth]

etymologist (studies bugs)

I think you mean "entomologist". Etymology is the study of the history of words.

 

[A. E. Lowan]

hee hee... When English attacks!

Thank you, my lady.

 

[Ireth]

hee hee... When English attacks!

Thank you, my lady.

Greek, technically. XDDD Either way, you're welcome!

 

[wordwalker]

I always remember it as: entomology is the study of ents-- and the bugs in their bark. Etymology is whether "et" counts as a word.

 

[A. E. Lowan]

Oh, I see how it is... this is turning into the "make fun of Lowan thread."

 

[skip.knox]

How would the scorpion know something was behind it?

 

[skip.knox]

I neglected to provide an answer to the question, how does a scorpion stab its victim?

Like this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/df/Scorpion_%28Mortal_Kombat%29.png/225px-Scorpion_%28Mortal_Kombat%29.png

You're welcome.

 

[Spider]

How would the scorpion know something was behind it?

I believe it would feel the vibrations of whatever is approaching it from behind.