European scorpion (Euscorpius flavicaudis), coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Scorpions belong to the arachnid family, having eight legs and a body divided into two segments. They have powerful pincers (chelae) for killing prey and a sting (telson) in the tail. All scorpions have venom, although potency varies with the species, and most are relatively harmless to humans. This species is found in southern England, and is thought to have arrived from Africa with imported fruit.