Scorpion Anatomy

The telson and pedipalps are the parts of the scorpion anatomy owners should be most aware of, as these comprise the main weapons of scorpion. They are shown in the labelled photo to the right.

• Telson - specially modified segment at the tip of the "tail" that contains the venom gland (i.e. the "stinger").
• Pedipalps - the second pair of appendages on an arachnid, which arise near the mouth parts and have specialized hunting, defensive, reproductive, or sensory functions. In scorpions, these are the appendages that carry the chelae, or "claws."

Other terms:

• Prosoma - the anterior portion of the scorpion's body, including the head, pedipalps, and legs (sometimes also called cephalothorax).
• Opisthosoma - the body or abdomen portion of the scorpion, further divided into mesosoma and metasoma ("tail").
• Chela - Claw-like structure found on the pedipalp of a scorpion.
• Chelicercae - The first set of paired appendages on an arachnid, which are highly specialized and used for feeding (and sometimes grooming).

For a more detailed look at scorpion anatomy see the Spiral Burrow Scorpion Anatomy Page.

More Resources

• Emperor Scorpions - keeping emperor scorpions as pets.
• Species Guide - characteristics of selected species available in the pet trade and whether they are suitable for beginners.
• Insects, Spiders and More - scorpions, spiders, insects, and millipedes.