A Small but Fascinating Predator
The Carpathian Scorpion is quite different from its famous tropical cousins.
- Appearance: It is relatively small, usually reaching between 3 to 4 centimeters in length. Its color ranges from a deep dark brown to almost black, with slightly lighter-colored legs and pincers.
- Habitat: You won't find it in the sand. This scorpion loves the shadows. It lives under stones, inside old tree stumps, or in the cracks of ancient stone walls, particularly in the Southern Carpathians and parts of Banat.
- Behavior: They are nocturnal hunters. At night, they emerge from their hiding spots to hunt small insects. During the day, they remain perfectly still, relying on their camouflage.
Small Carpathian scorpion (Euscorpius carpathicus) on a mossy rock in a Romanian forest.
This is the most common question from travelers.
- The Sting: The Carpathian Scorpion is not lethal to humans. Its sting is often compared to a bee or wasp sting—painful and causing local swelling, but generally not dangerous unless the person has a specific allergy.
- Nature's Temperament: They are not aggressive. They prefer to flee and hide rather than fight. Most "encounters" happen accidentally when a human moves a stone or a piece of wood where the scorpion is resting.
In some mountain communities, these tiny scorpions were seen as mysterious guardians of the earth. Because they are so hard to find, seeing one was sometimes considered a sign that the mountain was "healthy" and "undisturbed." They represent the wild, untouched spirit of the Carpathian wilderness.
Note from the Administrator: Wild animals are unpredictable. While the Carpathian Scorpion is small, always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
A short video which present Carpathian Scorpion (Euscorpius carpathicus):
FAQ: The Carpathian Scorpion
1. Where am I most likely to see one?
They are common in areas like the Cerna Valley, Iron Gates (Portile de Fier) (see more), and the foothills of the Southern Carpathians. However, because they are nocturnal and very shy, sightings are rare for the average hiker.
2. What should I do if I find one?
Observe it from a distance. Do not try to pick it up or provoke it. Like all residents of the wild, they deserve respect.
3. Are they active in winter?
No. During the cold Romanian winters, they retreat deep into the ground or into well-insulated crevices to hibernate, emerging only when the warmth of spring returns.
4. Can they be found inside houses?
Very rarely, and usually only in old stone houses located right at the edge of the forest. They prefer the natural humidity of the outdoors to the dry air of a modern home.
