Latest Journal Post

Keep up with news and features of interest to the reptile and amphibian community. Go here to read them all.

Heavy Metal Scorpion by Cindy Steinle on 2026-05-27 08:43:08

We aren't talking about the German Heavy Metal but here, but the actual arachnid! Scientists have recently discovered that 18 species of scorpions reinforce their stingers and pinchers with a variety of "heavy metals".

Now, scientists have found that different species incorporate those metals into their exoskeletons in different ways, depending on how they hunt and defend themselves.

The researchers examined the stingers and pincers of 18 scorpion species using X-rays and electron microscopes, and analyzed where metals such as zinc, iron, and manganese were being enriched.

They found that zinc is often concentrated right at the tip of the stinger, while manganese becomes the predominant metal further down the length.