Scorpions are eight-legged Arachnids similar to the spiders. Like spiders, their venom is used for hunting as well as defense. The stinger or scorpion "tail" is an elongated part of the abdomen that curves forward over the body. Scorpions occur widely in the United States, but are most common in warmer states. Although the stings of many scorpions can hurt badly, only one species in the United States and Canada (a desert species) is considered dangerous. Since scorpions are nocturnal, they are most likely to be encountered at night — or hiding under rocks and behind boards in the daytime.

Scorpions come in many sizes, with some species several inches in length. After a long gestation, young scorpions are born alive, living for a week or more on the mother's back. They molt several times before achieving maturity and may live for six or more years. They generally live alone, feeding primarily on insects, spiders, or even other scorpions.