This beast present in Europe causes one of the worst stings, here is how to recognize it
Mosquitoes, wasps, ticks, hornets, spiders... Everyone has had the unpleasant (or even very painful) experience of being stung or bitten by one of these well-known little creatures. But others, rarer—at least in Europe—but nonetheless present, can also attack us. And in some cases, it can even be extremely painful, even serious.
This is particularly the case with the scorpion. Even if we tend to only think of the desert when we talk about scorpions, these arachnids ( no, they are not insects ) are actually much more widespread than we think. Several species live in Europe, and particularly in France. They are more or less dangerous.
Scorpions don't bite with their pincers, but sting with a stinger located at the end of their tail. They are generally not aggressive, so there is normally little risk of being stung. However, it does happen, for example, if someone steps on them or lifts a stone.
Obviously, the sting is often far from pleasant. But only one of the species present in France has toxic venom: the Languedoc scorpion, or Buthus occitanus . It is the largest scorpion present in the country, and is recognizable by its yellow color and fine pincers. It is mainly present around the Mediterranean.
According to the French Society of Emergency Medicine , this scorpion "can be dangerous," especially for certain people, notably "children under 15, or in the case of multiple stings." Its sting "causes severe pain throughout the affected area," according to Le mag des animaux . It cannot be specifically recognized: "to recognize a scorpion sting, you have to have seen the animal because the lesion does not present any particularities," explained Dr. Sébastien Larréché, a medical biologist at the Bégin Army Training Hospital, to the Journal des femmes .
In case of a sting, it is recommended to wash the area with soap and water, and apply cold to relieve inflammation and pain. In case of severe symptoms, particularly neurological symptoms, seek medical help promptly.
L'Internaute
