Tiny Scorpion Species Found in Death Valley with UV Light

Tiny Scorpion Species Found in Death Valley with UV Light

Socialeaf | Peter Del Bosque | 03/26/2012 8:55PM

The Wernerius inyoensis, measuring only half an inch long undiscovered until just recently, has drawn excitement among the scientific community and entomology enthusiasts alike.

Prior to 1972, most scorpions found were the ones that were easy to spot either of large or average size. Due to their camouflage nature and their ability to hide in small crevices, and the harsh locations in which they live - many of the smaller less-conspicuous species went unnoticed until it was discovered that they reflected ultraviolet light.

Scorpions, members of the arachnid family and just if not more venomous than spiders, are widely feared throughout the world. Of course scorpions aren't mindless brutes seeking out human targets, the problem is, people have invaded their natural territories by creating desert oasis cities, towns and villages. Scorpions have every right to sting an invader since it is their inborn reflex to survive.

As primitive as scorpions look, they truly are an ancient species that have been virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years. Their most prominent characteristic that has evolved has been their size. In the National Geographic News article by James Owen, 'Giant Sea Scorpion Discovered; Was Bigger than a Man,' (2007) says,

“Aekelopterus rhenaniae measured some 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) long, scientists estimate, based on the length of its 18-inch (46-centimeter), spiked claw.”

Although this is a sea scorpion and is very much different than the land scorpions we have today, it is a direct relative and also sheds light about how scorpions may have evolved from the sea to land.

The new species just found is incredibly much tinier and possibly much more venomous than it larger cousins. The potency of a scorpions venom is directly proportional to their size. In other words, the smaller a scorpion is, the more poisonous their venom is. Of course this may not be entirely true for all scorpion species, it is the general rule of thumb leading us to assume W. inyoensis, may be the most deadliest scorpion yet.

So, if you live in the Death Valley Inyo Mountain area or are planning to visit, keep a close eye or rather an ultraviolet eye out for your safety. The video below is not of Wernerius inyoensis but, it is a good example of the UV reflective exo-sceleton charagteristic unique to scorpions.