Scorpions are secretive arachnids that remain hidden during the day, making them difficult to locate for observation or monitoring activities. Because they are primarily nocturnal, successful attraction and collection require techniques that exploit their unique biological traits and behavioral patterns. These specialized methods are generally employed by researchers for population studies, by pest control professionals assessing an infestation, or by enthusiasts seeking to observe these ancient creatures. The goal is to employ specific lures or tools that reliably draw them out of their natural daytime refuges.
Utilizing Ultraviolet Light for Detection
The most direct and widely used method for detecting scorpions at night involves the application of ultraviolet (UV) light, commonly known as a blacklight. This technique capitalizes on the fluorescence of compounds found within the scorpion’s exoskeleton, which is a trait shared across most species. The outer layer of the cuticle contains chemicals, notably beta-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, that absorb UV radiation.
The optimal excitation wavelength for this phenomenon falls within the long-wave UV-A range, typically between 315 and 400 nanometers. Using an LED flashlight specifically tuned to 365 nanometers often yields a more vivid glow than a 395-nanometer light, as the latter emits more visible purple light that can obscure the fluorescent effect. To maximize success, detection should be performed on warm, calm nights, ideally when the moon is new or less than half full. Searchers should slowly sweep the UV beam over potential hiding spots like walls, woodpiles, and debris, allowing the blue-green fluorescence to reveal the animals from a distance.
Manipulating Habitat and Environmental Factors
Attracting scorpions to a specific, manageable location involves manipulating environmental conditions to create an irresistible refuge. Scorpions are constantly searching for shelter that provides stable temperatures, darkness, and adequate moisture, especially in arid climates. They seek out these microhabitats to avoid desiccation and predators during daylight hours.
One effective preparatory lure is the placement of damp materials, such as wet burlap sacks or old towels, on the ground overnight. The moisture and dark, secluded space provided by the wet fabric creates an attractive temporary shelter. Scorpions will often crawl underneath or into the folds of the material, allowing for collection the following morning.
Similarly, creating artificial shelters using overturned boards, flat rocks, or layers of damp mulch near a structure can draw scorpions to a concentrated area. Decomposing organic matter, such as leaf litter and rotting logs, is appealing because it naturally retains moisture and provides a protective layer. By establishing these refuges, observers can redirect scorpion activity to pre-selected spots for easier inspection.
Indirect attraction can also be achieved by maintaining a healthy population of their prey, which primarily consists of small insects and other arachnids. The presence of these food sources naturally encourages scorpions to establish territories nearby.
Passive Trapping and Collection Techniques
Once scorpions are attracted to a general area, passive trapping methods are used to secure them for collection or study. These techniques rely on mechanical means to capture the animal without constant human presence. One common and inexpensive tool is the sticky trap, or glue board, typically used for rodents or large insects.
These traps should be placed along baseboards, in dark corners, or near known entry points, as scorpions tend to travel along vertical surfaces. The traps feature a strong adhesive surface that instantly immobilizes the scorpion upon contact, allowing for safe disposal or transfer into a collection container. Placing a small piece of attractive shelter material, like a folded piece of cardboard, near the trap may increase the chance of contact.
For outdoor collection, a simple pitfall trap is a highly effective mechanical means of capture. This involves sinking a smooth-sided container, such as a plastic cup or can, flush with the ground so that the rim is level with the soil surface. Scorpions moving across the terrain fall into the container and cannot climb out.
Pitfall traps should be strategically placed near environmental attractors, such as woodpiles or damp areas, where scorpion activity is expected to be highest. Adding a small amount of water to the pitfall container can ensure the scorpion does not escape and may also serve as an additional moisture lure. These passive traps should be checked frequently, ideally daily, to ensure captured specimens are retrieved promptly.
Identification and Safe Handling
Given the potential for stings, safe handling procedures are paramount when observing or collecting scorpions. Accurate identification is the first step, as a small number of species, such as the North American bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), possess medically significant venom. A general rule of thumb for assessing potential danger involves observing the ratio of pincer size to tail segment thickness.
Species with thick tails and slender pincers often rely more on their powerful venom for subduing prey, indicating a more potent sting. Conversely, scorpions with large, robust pincers typically use those tools to crush prey, resulting in a sting that is generally less severe. Scorpions also have eight legs, a pair of pedipalps (pincers), and a five-segmented tail ending in a telson, or stinger.
Never attempt to handle a scorpion with bare hands, regardless of its species or size. The proper tools for safe collection are long tongs or forceps with soft, padded tips to avoid damaging the specimen. The scorpion should be gently grasped at the base of the tail, near the final segment before the stinger, or carefully maneuvered into a smooth-sided glass or plastic container.
If a sting occurs, remain calm and seek medical advice, especially if the species is unknown or if severe symptoms develop. For observation, collected scorpions should be housed in a secure, escape-proof enclosure that mimics their natural habitat. If the goal is removal, the collected specimen should be relocated far from human habitation or disposed of humanely.