Identification. Scorpions are crablike in appearance, with pincers attached to their two front appendages. They also possess a five-segmented “tail” terminating in a bulbous structure with a prominent stinger. The body size of mature scorpions varies from 2 to 10 cm (0.8-4 in) or more, depending upon the species.
Distribution. Scorpions are most prevalent in warmer climates. In the United States the two most dangerous scorpion species, Centruroides sculpturatus and C. gertschi, have been found only in Arizona.
Biology/Behavior. During daylight hours scorpions hide under objects or debris on the ground. At night, they come out of hiding to search for food, which consists primarily of ground-inhabiting arthropods. The prey is grasped with the pincers and stung by rapidly bringing the stinger forward directly over the head. This quick stinging motion is also used for defense, as is usually the case with human envenomizations.
Avoidance/Control. To avoid stings in scorpion-infested areas: remove accumulations of boards, rocks, and other debris; wear leather gloves to remove any item from the ground; inspect and shake out clothing or shoes before donning them; and when moving about at night, turn on lights to avoid contacting these nocturnally active arthropods. Insecticides that are commonly used for household cockroach control are also useful for controlling scorpions. Special care should be taken to treat around all baseboards thoroughly.
Envenomization Reaction/Treatment. (See [appendix].)
4. VELVET ANTS
(Order: Hymenoptera; Family: Mutillidae)
Identification. Female velvet ants, wingless and antlike in appearance, are actually wasps that only resemble ants. The males are winged and usually larger than the females. Both male and female are covered with a velvety pubescence which is normally bright red, orange, or yellow. The female has a formidable stinger at the posterior end of her abdomen which she can use to inflict a painful envenomization. The length of a mature mutillid wasp varies from 1 to 2.5 cm (0.4-1 in). In some localities, mutillids are commonly referred to as cow killers, mule killers, or wooly ants.
Distribution. The Mutillidae is a large family with most species distributed in the southern and western parts of the United States.[2] However, one species, Dasymutilla occidentalis, is commonly found on the sandy beaches of Lake Erie and during the summer months causes barefoot bathers much distress.[5]