All species of scorpions have venom. In general, scorpion venom is described as neurotoxic in nature. Scorpions use their venom to kill or paralyze their prey so that it can be eaten; it is fast acting, allowing for effective prey capture. Scorpion venoms are optimized for other arthropods and therefore most scorpions are relatively harmless to humans; stings produce only minor effects (such as pain, numbness or swelling). It is unknown whether scorpions are venom conservers; however, the venom is often only used when the prey cannot be subdued with the claws alone. Many scorpion species, such as Pandinus and Hadogenes, rarely if ever use their venom, instead relying on their strong bulky pedipalps in prey capture.
