Scorpion or Insect ?

How to tell the difference

Mis-identifying a Scorpion

Scorpions are not insects. Scorpions are Arachnids, as are spiders and mites.
Arachnids have 8 legs, insects have 6 legs.

Some common insects are occasionally mistaken for scorpions, particularly in the UK where the presence of scorpions is relatively unknown.

Below are some examples of insects sometimes confused with scorpions.

Note: these pictures are not to scale

Devil's Coach-Horse Beetle (a type of Rove beetle) Length: to 25mm	Stag Beetle (male) Length: to 60mm	Earwig (male & female shown) Length: to 15mm