Although most people equate a scorpion's habitat with the desert or a dry climate, scorpions can be found in a variety of habitats around the world.
One scorpion, the lesser brown scorpion, makes its home in tropical areas around the world. Most of them are found in Hawaii throughout many of the islands.
Lesser brown scorpions are similar to other species of scorpions. They are members of the arachnid class, as are spiders. Lesser brown scorpions have two front pincers, which they grab their prey with. These pincers, also called pedipalps, are like the claws of a crab. They hold the prey while the scorpion stings it repeatedly. Small prey, like insects, can be grabbed and crushed in the pedipalps, so the scorpion doesn't have to sting.
Lesser brown scorpions go through elaborate courting rituals, as do other scorpions. Female lesser brown scorpions do not lay eggs like other insects. Instead, they carry their eggs and when the eggs hatch, the young will travel onto the back of the female. They will ride there until they reach the next life stage, which usually takes place in 1 to 3 weeks.
After the lesser brown scorpions reach their nymph stage, they will seek food by leaving the female and searching for prey. Lesser brown scorpions are nocturnal and will hunt at night. They are also prone to moisture loss, so they will remain out of sight during the day. They will seek shelter in shady areas where they are protected.
Lesser brown scorpions use their stinger, which is located at the tip of their tail, to sting their prey quickly and repeatedly. Some scorpion prey can be larger than the scorpion itself. The stinger and the pedipalps make short work of these big insects, as well as other small creatures like lizards or snakes.