Scorpions are feared and fascinating creatures. With their ominous pincers and venomous sting, they captivate the imaginations of children and adults alike. But what many don’t realize is that there are a number of bugs that mimic the look of scorpions, causing confusion and mistaken identity.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 bugs that are often confused with scorpions due to their close physical resemblance. Some use this similarity as a defense mechanism while others have evolved scorpion-like features for predatory purposes Whatever the reason, these scorpion impersonators give us a glimpse into the amazing diversity of insect life.
Why Bugs Mimic Scorpions
There are a couple of key reasons why certain bugs take on the appearance of the feared scorpion
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Defense – Many predators steer clear of scorpions due to their dangerous sting. Bugs that resemble scorpions gain protection by fooling potential predators into thinking they could be venomous. This mimicry allows them to avoid becoming prey.
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Predation – On the flip side, some predatory bugs leverage their scorpion-esque features to more easily capture prey. Pincers and a raised tail can help subdue victims, allowing these insects to feed more efficiently.
So whether it’s for protection or hunting, scorpion-like adaptations give bugs an evolutionary advantage in the natural world. Now let’s look at some specific examples.
15 Bugs That Resemble Scorpions
1. Pseudoscorpions
The most common scorpion impersonator is the pseudoscorpion. Despite their small size – measuring only 1/5 inch – they are almost identical to baby scorpions. They have flattened oval bodies, bulging pedipalps (pincers), and 8 legs. Their coloring ranges from yellow to dark brown.
Pseudoscorpions are harmless to humans and use their pincers to capture much smaller prey like ants, mites, and beetles. They are frequently found in damp, dark places like attics, basements, and behind walls.
2. Whip Scorpions
Next up are whip scorpions, named for their whip-like tails that strongly resemble those of true scorpions. They also share scorpion’s crab-like appearance and movement. Most have dark brown to black coloring with paler legs.
Whip scorpions inhabit tropical climates where they hide in burrows during the day and hunt insects at night with their spiked front legs. They can give a painful pinch with their pincers but are not venomous.
3. Water Scorpions
True to their name, water scorpions are aquatic insects that have adapted to life underwater. They have an elongated body and scorpion-like tail which they use to propel themselves through water while hunting small fish and invertebrates.
Their raptorial front legs allow them to easily grasp prey. Water scorpions can deliver a painful bite but do not possess venom. They are common pond and lake dwellers worldwide.
4. Earwigs
Many types of earwigs feature a set of pincers at the tail end, resembling the stinger of a scorpion. Their pinchers are used for both offense and defense, allowing earwigs to capture prey as well as fend off predators and competitors.
Earwigs are nocturnal omnivores who hide out in damp areas during the day. They occasionally become indoor pests, drawn to moisture in bathrooms or basements.
5. Devil’s Coach Horse Beetles
The Devil’s Coach Horse beetle has a dark brown to black flexible abdomen that it can bend upwards, similar to a scorpion’s tail. When threatened, the beetle snaps open its jaws and raises itshind end, taking on a “scorpioid” defensive posture.
Despite this show of aggression, Devil’s Coach Horse beetles do not sting or spit venom. They are harmless scavengers who feed on decaying plants and fallen fruit.
6. Ichneumon Wasps
Ichneumon wasps display some physical traits reminiscent of scorpions. Most species have slender, cylindrical bodies with long antennae and legs. Their stingers resemble scorpion tails both visually and functionally.
Female ichneumon wasps use their ovipositor for stinging and egg laying. They primarily parasitize other insects by injecting eggs into their larvae or pupae. Though not venomous to humans, their stings can be painful.
7. Scorpionflies
Male scorpionflies are named for their elongated, upturned abdomens and genitals that resemble scorpion tails. Females lack this distinctive feature. Scorpionflies are otherwise wasp-like in appearance, with long beaded antennae and wings.
Despite their name, scorpionflies cannot sting. They feed on nectar and rotting plant matter. The males use their scorpion-like tails to attract mates.
8. Hairy Rove Beetles
The elongated bodies and mobile abdomens of hairy rove beetles allow them to flex their hind ends upward much like scorpions. When threatened, they curl into a tight ball tucking their head inward. Their bodies are covered in stiff bristly hairs.
Rove beetles live in leaf litter and soil where they prey on other insects. They are common scavengers of carrion. Despite their resemblance, rove beetles are completely harmless to humans.
9. Lobster Moth Caterpillars
Lobster moth caterpillars have four long forward legs and anal prolegs that resemble scorpion pincers. They can lift their bodies up in a “scorpioid” stance. Their coloring ranges from light green to reddish-brown.
These caterpillars feed on tree leaves before spinning cocoons and emerging as tan, unassuming moths. They rely on their scare tactic appearance for protection through the vulnerable caterpillar stage.
10. Brown Scorpion Spiders
There are many spiders that imitate scorpion features. Brown scorpion spiders have flattened oval bodies and legs that extend outward in a scorpion-like stance. Their mottled coloration helps them blend into forest debris.
Despite their appearance, brown scorpion spiders are not dangerous to humans. They prey mainly on other spiders and insects which they paralyze with venom. The spiders tend to be shy and reclusive.
11. Scorpion Tailed Spiders
Female scorpion tailed spiders have enlarged abdomens that end in a thin, pointed projection designed to resemble a scorpion tail and stinger. Their legs are positioned in a radial pattern adding to the resemblance. Males lack the signature tail.
These Australian spiders build small hammock webs to capture prey. Their sting is comparable to a bee and poses little threat to humans. The tail is just for show!
12. Whipspiders
Also known as whip scorpions, these arachnids have thick front legs and long whiplike tails which lend them their name. They move sideways like crabs and have massive pedipalps for grabbing prey. Their tails do not sting but are sensory organs.
Whipspiders hunt at night for insects and other small prey. Despite their intimidating looks, they are not venomous and timidly avoid confrontation with humans. Their bite is fairly harmless.
13. Vinegaroons
Vinegaroons are close cousins of the whip scorpion having similar front legs and tail. Where they differ is their ability to spray an acidic mist containing concentrated acetic acid – essentially vinegar! They emit the spray when threatened.
These nocturnal hunters live in tropical areas worldwide where they hide during the day in burrows or under wood and leaf litter. Their vinegar spray and pinches can be painful but are not dangerous.
14. Tailless Whip Scorpions
Also called cave spiders, tailless whip scorpions lack the elongated tail of true whip scorpions. But they have large claws and a flattened body indicative of the whip scorpion family. Their legspan can reach over 5 inches!
Tailless whip scorpions are generally harmless to humans, possessing venom that is mild compared to true scorpions. Their intimidating appearance helps them avoid predators in the caves, rocks, and tunnels they call home.
15. Giant Whip Scorpion
Lastly, giant whip scorpions are the largest of all whipscorpion species, reaching 5 inches in length. They have huge pincers and a whip-like tail that can extend the full length of their body. Their legspan can be over 12 inches across!
These impressive arachnids inhabit tropical forests where they live in burrows during the day and hunt rodents, frogs, lizards and large insects at night. They can give a painful pinch but their venom is mild.
Don’t Judge a Bug by Its Cover!
As we’ve seen, there are many kinds of insects and arachnids that get mistaken for deadly scorpions due to their physical features. But relatively few are actually dangerous. Next time you come across a scary looking bug, don’t panic! Take a closer look and chances are its just a harmless imposter capitalizing on the scorpion’s fearsome image.
What do pseudoscorpions eat?
Pseudoscorpions feed on many types of small insects and other arthropods, including springtails, psocids (barklice and booklice), thrips, small beetle larvae, files, ants and mites.
- Many aggressively stalk their prey while others prefer to hide and ambush insects.
- They have poor vision and use sensory hairs on their pincers to find prey.
- When a small insect brushes against these sensory hairs, the pseudoscorpion seizes the insect.
- Poison glands in the pseudoscorpion pincers help to paralyze prey.
- They inject saliva into the victim and then feed on the liquefied contents.
Pseudoscorpions usually live two to three years. There may be one or two generations in a year.
How worried should I be about pseudoscorpions
Pseudoscorpions may look fearsome but their venom has no effect on humans. However, their presence in your home can indicate a larger infestation of their pest prey.
Clothes moth and carpet beetle larvae can destroy clothing, booklice and ants can contaminate household food, mites can cause allergic reactions, and flies can spread disease.
To get the full picture of what’s going on inside your home and tackle the right infestations in the right way, get the help of a professional pest control service.
Small Scorpion Like Bug, Bug That Look Like Scorpion, Identify this Bug and Comment the Name of Bug
FAQ
What is a scorpion-looking bug in my house?
Pseudoscorpions are a member of the Arachnid class, and belong to the order Pseudoscorpionida. Its name literally means “false scorpion.” It is known for its flat, pear-shaped body and pincers that resemble those of a real scorpion. The body grows from 2 to 8 mm in length.
What parasite looks like a scorpion?
Pseudoscorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders, ticks, mites and scorpions. They have oval or teardrop shaped, flattened bodies with two conspicuous pedipalps (pincers). They are reddish or brown.
What water bugs look like scorpions?
Water scorpion. The water scorpion is not a true scorpion, but it certainly looks like one! An underwater predator, it uses its front pincer-like legs to catch its prey. Its tail actually acts as a kind of ‘snorkel’, rather than a sting, so it can breathe in the water.
Why do bugs look like scorpions?
Scorpions are sometimes feared for their pincers and their venomous bite. Bugs can sometimes appear as scorpions for defensive purposes that help them keep predators away. Other bugs are known for using pincers to grab prey. A long tail that’s raised for the attack is also making many bugs resemble scorpions.
What arachnid looks like a scorpion?
Pseudoscorpions belong to the class Arachnida. They are small arachnids with a flat, pear-shaped body, and pincer-like pedipalps that resemble those of scorpions. They usually range from 2 to 8 mm (0.08 to 0.31 in) in length. What are the small black spiders that look like scorpions? Pseudoscorpions are occasionally found indoors.
Do scorpion spiders look like scorpions?
Even the displacement of the legs indicates this species mimics scorpions. With their legs pointing outwards, Common Scorpion Spiders are mostly resembling more dangerous and sometimes lethal scorpions. Apart from looking like scorpions to appear more dangerous, Common Scorpion Spiders also try to flatten their shape to live under tree bark.
Do pseudoscorpions resemble ticks?
Without their large pincers, pseudoscorpions look like ticks. They live in many habitats and are often found in cracks, crevices, and similar spaces, preferring high humidity. You can find them in leaf litter, moss, under tree bark and stones, and in bird and mammal nests.
Do scorpions have a stinger?
Though they lack a stinger or tail like their true scorpion counterparts, these small creatures still showcase fascinating features that make them unique to the world of arachnids. Real scorpions, on the other hand, are more recognizable with their segmented bodies, pedipalps, and a venomous stinger at the end of a tail.
What does a brown scorpion spider look like?
Brown Scorpion Spiders also have a rounded slightly flattened black cephalothorax. Its legs show a combination of brown and black segments. This is a species part of a wider range of sub-Saharan and South African spiders referred to as Scorpion Spiders due to their physical resemblance to scorpions. 13. Scorpion-tailed Spider