Why do scorpions glow? Your burning scorpion questions answered by entomologist

When you think of something that glows under a UV light, the last thing that probably comes to mind is a scorpion, but, according to scientists they do glow, looking like something out of a laser tag arena.

In Arizona, there are 40 to 60 species of scorpions according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture. The most commonly encountered scorpion in the state though is the bark scorpion.

This type is commonly found under rocks, logs, tree bark and other objects. They are also the scorpion most seen in homes but are most prevalent in rocky areas.

But this scorpion is not the only one that glows in the dark, this feature is shared by all scorpions big or small.

We sat down with an entomologist, to talk more about why these six-legged animals glow in the dark and other lesser-known facts about scorpions.

Why do scorpions glow in the dark?

Dr. Shaku Nair, an entomologist, and associate in extension at the University of Arizona, said that the reason scorpions glow is due to their exoskeleton.

“They have material in their cuticle, in their exoskeleton that is bioluminescent,” Nair said.

Baby scorpions do not glow, according to Nair, this attribute only comes after the scorpions first mold or shed. The shed happens to accommodate a scorpion's growing body, also the time between sheds depends on the species of the scorpion but these stop once the scorpion grows to a full size.

Scorpion moms carry their children on their backs

Scorpion mothers carry their newborn children on their backs, Nair said. This is because scorpions do not lie eggs, but instead birth their newborns.

Carrying their babies on their backs allows the scorpion to protect their babies from other predators.

“The mother carries the young ones on her back until they're ready to go out into the world by themselves,” Nair said. “Sometimes they'll [blacklight scorpion hunters] see a scorpion with a big hole on its back, so it's because the babies are on her back and they don't glow.”

Are scorpions deadly? Here's how to avoid getting stung in your home or yard

Are scorpions poisonous?

Nair says that stings from these animals can hurt but are not life-threatening.

“Different people react differently to the venom. For some people it might be like a little prick, and pain that lasts for a few minutes maybe an hour, for others it can last for weeks.,” Nair said.

In the United States, there have not been any scorpion deaths in the last 20 years according to the University of Arizona. But that does not mean they are not deadly, in the 1980s, Mexico saw about 800 deaths per year from scorpion stings.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture considers bark scorpion stings as the only “medically significant” stings in the whole state. They believe stings from this scorpion are the most likely to cause dangerous symptoms.

What does a scorpion sting look like?

A scorpion sting first appears as a red bump.

Later, depending on the species and how much venom goes into your body, the diameter of the bump might expand. It can last for a few hours to a week or more.

What happens if a scorpion stings you?

Extreme symptoms of a scorpion sting are “severe pain, loss of muscle control, roving or abnormal eye movements, slurred speech, respiratory distress, excessive salivation, frothing at the mouth, airway obstruction and vomiting,” according to the article “Scorpions of the Desert Southwest United States” by Dawn H. Gouge, Shujuan (Lucy) Li, Christopher Bibbs, and Nair.

Get medical attention immediately if such symptoms are present.

The article also says that if a child who is 9 or younger or weighs less than 70 pounds is stung, seek medical treatment immediately.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the older or younger you are, the more likely you are to die of an untreated venomous scorpion sting. This is primarily because of heart or respiratory failure hours after the sting. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to scorpion stings is also possible.

If you are stung by a scorpion, call your doctor, go to an urgent care facility, or call the Arizona Poison Control and Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222.

Should you be scared of scorpions in Arizona?

“I don't think people should be scared of them,” Nair said. “I think people should understand them. Because it's not possible to eliminate scorpions from our environment. We are in their territory.”

Landscaping and construction drive scorpions out of their natural habitat, Nair said. Otherwise, they tend to mind their own business.

Republic reporter Dina Kaur contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why do scorpions glow? Your burning scorpion questions answered