Venom-spraying scorpion found in Colombia, scientists are stunned by this deadly discovery

In a spine-chilling discovery, scientists in Colombia have unearthed a terrifying new species of scorpion with a deadly venom-spraying defense mechanism. The venomous creature, unlike any other known species, sprays its toxic venom from a distance, making it even more dangerous than typical scorpions. Researchers were left stunned by the scorpion's ability to target its prey—or potential threats—at a range, an adaptation never before seen in the scorpion world. Such a species puts an entirely new angle to the fearsome arachnid. The venom is delivered through a sting, but with this species, it shoots with great accuracy.

In an extraordinary discovery, scientists have identified the first South American scorpion species capable of spraying venom. Previously, this venom-spraying behavior had only been observed in scorpions from North America and Africa. The newly discovered species, Tityus achilles, was found in the Magdalena rainforest region of Colombia. Unlike typical scorpions that inject venom through their stingers, Tityus achilles can shoot venom at its target from a distance, making it even more dangerous. This rare behavior had been thought to be an extreme response, but this finding suggests it could be more widespread among scorpions than previously known. This newly identified species, Tityus achilles, was found in Colombia's Cundinamarca department, located in the mountainous Magdalena rainforest area. This venom-spraying behavior has only been documented in two other scorpion genera from Africa and North AmericaThe discovery was published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on December 17, 2024.

A new species of scorpion, which can spray venom, has been found in Colombia, according to the latest discovery in the scientific world. Tityus achilles, named after the Greek hero, is the venom-spraying scorpion, whose existence was so far only reported from Africa and North America. It was found in the mountainous Magdalena rainforest region of Cundinamarca department. Unlike most scorpions that inject venom through their stingers, Tityus achilles can eject its venom, giving it an added defense mechanism against predators.
Spraying of venom is less risky compared to the direct injection but also less accurate. It may be spraying it to the most sensitive areas in the predators like the eyes and nose so that the scorpion will be given the opportunity to escape unscathed. The behavior is expensive in terms of energy, but if it results in the scorpion's escape from a hazardous encounter, it would be favorable.
The discovery of this venom-spraying technique may reshape our understanding of scorpion behavior, as it indicates that scorpions may possess more diverse and complex strategies for defense. It may be most effective against vertebrate predators, as it is less likely to penetrate the hard exoskeletons of other invertebrates.

Scientists have recently discovered an exciting new mechanism of defense in the Tityus achilles scorpion. Instead of the more common scorpion's practice of injecting venom, this particular species sprays its venom in a way that repels potential danger. Experiments conducted with the scientists used 10 juvenile scorpions who were forced to eject their venom through a drinking straw 14 inches (36 cm). The venom was remarkably clear, thereby indicating that this was pre-venom-some of this less potent defense that helps to defend the animal quickly without resorting to expending its main venom.
Indeed, this would be an effective defense mechanism wherein the spray serves as a costly investment for producing true venom within the scorpion. The effectiveness of the deterrent spray allows predators to back away, giving time for the escape of the arthropod to avoid direct body-to-body conflicts. Laborieux explained that this swift, defensive response is more vital for the small organisms since these are under continuous threat from predators that are bigger in size. The finding of this venom spray behavior only gives another reason for the impressive survival strategies that the scorpions have.
Also Read: This unbelievable spot on Earth remains in darkness for months and no one knows why