Scorpions are easily recognized by their two pedipalps (pincers), which are relatively fine in the species that are dangerous to humans, and large lobster-like in some less dangerous species; they also have long tails terminating in a bulbous telson bearing the sting. Stings are common in many tropical countries, occurring most often on the fingers or toes when the scorpion is inadvertently touched or trodden upon.

The sting almost always results in intense local pain, but life-threatening systemic envenoming (poisoning) is almost entirely confined to young children in areas inhabited by dangerous genera.