Effects of a Sting

A report of a sting reaction

A light-hearted story

A certain scorpion collector relayed his experience of a sting received from Euscorpius flavicaudis.

This species does not typically deliver a sting successfully, as human skin is usually too thick for the barb to penetrate. However, the scorpion in question managed to deliver its sting to a position just behind the victim's finger nail, in the soft and very thin part of the skin.

To the surprise of this experienced scorpion keeper the sting caused a reaction, with pain and swelling to the hand, arm and shoulder. In addition, the victim also suffered mild stomach cramps. Fortunately, no lasting damage was suffered.

The identity of this victim has been withheld to avoid his embarrassment.

(reported February 2001)