Scorpions, ancient arachnids known for their distinctive tails and venomous stingers, are primarily terrestrial creatures. A common misconception surrounds their interaction with water, particularly whether they can swim. While scorpions are not aquatic and do not actively seek out water for swimming, they can survive short periods if inadvertently submerged.
Scorpion Interaction with Water
Scorpions are not adapted for an aquatic lifestyle, and their morphology does not support efficient swimming. Unlike true aquatic animals, scorpions primarily use their legs to paddle clumsily in water, often attempting to escape. Their movements are typically inefficient, focusing more on staying afloat and reaching solid ground rather than navigating through water.
When a scorpion falls into water, its exoskeleton and the air trapped within its body can provide some buoyancy, allowing it to float. This buoyancy, combined with their paddling efforts, helps them remain at the surface. Their presence in water bodies like pools is usually accidental, often occurring when hunting prey or seeking moisture in arid environments. They do not intentionally enter water to swim or reside.
Survival Mechanisms in Submersion
Despite not being swimmers, scorpions exhibit remarkable resilience when submerged. They can survive underwater for extended periods, sometimes up to 48 hours. This capability stems from their specialized respiratory system, known as book lungs.
Book lungs are internal structures with multiple, thin, plate-like folds that resemble the pages of a book, designed for gas exchange with air. When submerged, scorpions can tightly close small external openings called spiracles, effectively creating an airtight seal. This allows them to trap air within their book lungs and “hold their breath.” Their low metabolic rate further contributes to survival by reducing oxygen consumption, enabling them to conserve energy and oxygen for prolonged periods.
Encountering Scorpions in Water
If you encounter a scorpion in water, they can still sting, even when wet or submerged. A scorpion in water is typically disoriented and attempting to escape, not actively seeking to attack, but caution is still advised.
For safe removal, use a net or a long tool to scoop the scorpion out. Avoid direct contact, even if the scorpion appears lifeless, as they can enter a torpid state to conserve energy and may revive once removed from the water. Regular pool maintenance, such as daily skimming and checking filters, helps remove scorpions and other insects, reducing potential encounters.