Metal-reinforced scorpions evolved to kill
Researchers have discovered that scorpion pincers and stingers contain concentrated layers of metals like zinc, iron, and manganese, which enhance durability and function. The distribution of these metals correlates with how different species use their weapons, with zinc more prevalent in longer, grasping claws. This suggests an evolutionary link between metal reinforcement and hunting behavior. The findings provide insight into arthropod biomechanics and may inform future studies on other metal-reinforced insects and spiders.
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Rough thicktail scorpion (Parabuthus raudus). Paratuthus scorpions' venom is quick-acting, so they do not need to rely as much on their pincers to capture prey. Credit: Peter Webb, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) Get the Popular Science daily newsletter💡 Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Email address Sign up Thank you! Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Scorpions are optimized hunters, whose skills have been honed through millions of years of evolution. An armored exoskeleton, strong pincers, a poisonous stinger—almost everything about their anatomy aids in either hunting insects, small mammals, and reptiles, or defending themselves from snakes and birds.
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