Ecology and habitats

Scorpions are largely nocturnal and hide during the day in the confines of their burrows, in

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natural cracks, or under rocks and bark. Individuals become active after darkness has fallen and cease activity sometime before dawn. Because scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, biologists can study their natural behaviour and ecology by using portable camping lights equipped with ultraviolet (black-light) bulbs. On a moonless night, scorpions can be seen at distances of 10 metres (33 feet).Scorpion habitats range from the intertidal zone to snow-covered mountains. Several species live in caves, with one species (Alacran tartarus) found at depths of more than 800 metres (2,600 feet). Some species have specific habitat requirements. For example, sand-dwelling (psammophilic) species exhibit a morphology that both adapts and restricts them to living in this substrate. Movable bristles (setae) form combs on the legs that increase the surface area and allow them to walk on sand without sinking or losing traction. Lithophilic (“stone-loving”) species such as the South African rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) are found only on rocks. They possess stout spinelike setae that operate in conjunction with highly curved claws to provide the legs with a strong grip on rock surfaces. They can move rapidly along surfaces at any angle, even upside down.