Scorpion

(skör'pe-un.) [Fr.; L. scorpio.] (Zool.) A fam.(l'edipalpi) of insects, comprising pulmonary arachnid a, distinguished from other groups of Spiders by having the abdomen articulated, and its hinder part, or tail, terminated by a curved spur or sting, beneath the extremity of which are two small orifices, by which a venomous fluid is discharged. They inhabit the warm countries of both hemispheres, living on the ground, hiding themselves under stones or other bodies, generally among ruins or other dark and cool places, and sometimes taking up their abode in houses. They run with considerable swiftne , curving the tail over the back: they can turn it in all directions, and employ it as a weapon of defence. With their forceps they seize wood-lice and various other ground insects, on which they feed, after having pierced them with their sting; and it is remarkable that they are particularly fond of the eggs of spiders and insects. The larger species of Scorpions, of whose malignity and venom so much has been related, are five or six inches long, but they are confined to tropical climates.-(Ast.) Sce SCORPIO. [s. 805]