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The word scorpion originated in Middle English between 1175 and 1225 AD from Old French scorpion, [1] or from Italian scorpione, both derived from the Latin scorpio, equivalent to scorpius, [2] which is the romanization of the Greek σκορπίος – skorpíos, [3] with no native IE etymology (cfr.
Nepidae is a family of exclusively aquatic Heteropteran insects in the order Hemiptera. [1] They are commonly called water scorpions for their superficial resemblance to scorpions, due to their raptorial forelegs and the presence of a long slender process at the posterior end of the abdomen, resembling a tail. [2]
Amblypygi – "blunt rump" tail-less whip scorpions with front legs modified into whip-like sensory structures as long as 25 cm or more (250 species) Araneae – spiders (51,000 species) Opiliones – phalangids, harvestmen or daddy-long-legs (6,700 species) Palpigradi – microwhip scorpions (130 species) Parasitiformes – ticks (12,000 species)
The taxonomy of scorpions deals with the classification of this predatory arthropod into 13 extant families and about 1,400 described species and subspecies. In addition, 111 described taxa of extinct scorpions are known.
The Buthidae are the largest family of scorpions, containing about 100 genera and 1339 species as of 2022. [2] A few very large genera (Ananteris, Centruroides, Compsobuthus, or Tityus) are known, but a high number of species-poor or monotypic ones also exist. [2] New taxa are being described at a rate of several new species per year. [2]
Whip scorpions range from 25 to 85 mm (1.0 to 3.3 in) in length, with most species having a body no longer than 30 mm (1.2 in); the largest species, of the genus Mastigoproctus, can reach 85 mm (3.3 in). [13] An extinct Mesoproctus from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation could be the same size. [14]
The deathstalker is one of the most dangerous species of scorpions. [10] [11] Its venom is a powerful mixture of neurotoxins, with a low lethal dose. [12]While a sting from this scorpion is extraordinarily painful, it normally would not kill a healthy adult human.
The black fat-tailed scorpion belongs to the genus Androctonus, which can be translated into "man-killer". [7] The species name is bicolor which is translated into having two-colors, [8] which could be referring to their brown-black coloration. [5] Scorpions are under the class Arachnida, because they are arachnids that have eight legs. [6]