MEXICANS DREAD SCORPIONS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 345, 15 January 1918, Page 4

MEXICANS DREAD SCORPIONS.

Four thousand people a year an killed in Mexico from the stiftgs of scorpions. In the small city of Durango scorpions are, perhaps, more plentiful and more dangerous than •anywhere else in the troubled republic. Here it is esti-, mated than more than 190,000 «raj killed every year without apparently; diminishing their number. The average length of these scorpions is from two to four inches, though some specimens measure as much as eight inches. In appearanoe they are like small lobsters, and when they strike they give their tails a rapid lashing motion and literally administer a hypodermic injection of poison. Generally, too, they strike ttfo or three times in succession. The .Mexican scorpions vary in color. Some are irearly transparent, others a brown or blackish shade, according to, their surroundings. They hide in all, sorts of nooks and crannies, and in Mexico everyoDe takes a peep into toes of his shoes before dressing in the. morning. Sleeping cots are always well ed and the supports immersed in ciSta of kerosene or carbolic acid. Otherwise! the scorpion, which usually parowli, round at night-time, speedily finds it*| way beneath the bed covers and fctingS' a restless child. It will cause death in' from twelve to fourteen hours.

Contrary to popular belief, scorpions never commit suicide by stinging themselves to death. Two scorpions fighting will sting each other repeatedly, but the poison has no effect. The victor, as a matter of fact, tears his opponent into small pieces and voraciously devours him, poison and all!