Our conversations about the most lethal creatures on the planet led us to consider 3 marine and one land animal in recent months. We now come to our 2nd land-dwelling organism, the Indian Red Scorpion. This arachnid is considered the most lethal scorpion in the world, with venom that is often fatal unless there is quick treatment (less than 72 hours). Its poison is a potent mix of neurotoxins that can cause heart problems, pulmonary edema, and intense pain. The scorpions are found across vegetated lowlands with tropical, humid climates. They are most common in India and Pakistan. There the Indian Red Scorpion lives close to human settlements, especially in rural areas. It can often be found in mango orchards and in eucalyptus plantations. But the scorpion will also enter homes. Children are especially vulnerable while running around barefoot. Indoor stings typically occur during the early morning or nighttime, as scorpions happen to crawl into beds and shoes or fall from ceilings and get stepped upon. The Bible mentions scorpions over a dozen times. Deuteronomy 8:15 highlights God’s guidance through a “great and terrible wilderness” filled with “snakes and scorpions”!
