Scorpion Anatomy in 3D: Pincers, Sting, Organs and Exoskeleton
Scorpions are arachnids, cousins of spiders, armed with big pincers and a venomous sting on the tip of the tail. In the 3D Bug Anatomy simulator you can turn one around, look inside and see its exoskeleton.
Explore in 3DThree ways to see the scorpion
Whole bug
ExoskeletonScorpion quick facts
| Animal group | Arachnid |
|---|---|
| Legs | 8, plus a pair of pincers |
| Weapon | A sting on the tip of the tail |
| Diet | Insects and other small animals |
| Under UV light | Glows blue-green |
The scorpion exoskeleton
A scorpion's exoskeleton has a broad front body with the eight walking legs and two large pincers, then a long segmented tail that curls up over the back and ends in a sting.
Inside the scorpion
In the Inside view you can tap these labels on the 3D model:
- Pincers
- Big claws grab and hold prey. Scorpions with chunky pincers often have weaker venom.
- Heart
- A long heart runs along its back, pumping blood around the body.
- Gut
- Scorpions save energy so well that they can go for months without a meal.
- Sting
- The tip of the tail holds venom glands and a sharp needle, used for hunting and defence.
Interesting facts about the scorpion
- A scorpion's shell glows bright blue-green under ultraviolet light.
- Like spiders, scorpions have eight legs and are arachnids, not insects.
- Scorpion mothers carry their babies around on their backs.
- They can go for months without eating.
- Scorpions have been around for more than 400 million years.
Compare: Spider vs Scorpion: Two Arachnids Compared in 3D
More bugs in 3D
Scorpion anatomy questions
Why do scorpions glow under UV light?
Chemicals in the outer layer of their exoskeleton glow blue-green under ultraviolet light. Scientists are still not sure why.
Are scorpions insects?
No. They are arachnids, like spiders, with eight legs.
Are scorpion stings dangerous?
Most scorpion stings hurt but are not dangerous to people, though a few species have strong venom.
How long can a scorpion go without food?
Many scorpions can survive for months without eating because they use so little energy.
The 3D Bug Anatomy simulator is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.