1) "- Behaviour: Wild specimens can be quite aggressive but handling for some time tames them quickly. The large pedipalp is capable of drawing blood and some wild ones do not hesitate to use them. They appear very reluctant to use their tail in most cases. - What to do when you meet one: Contrary to the common perception, scorpions do not actively search for human to attack. Just leave it alone and it will retreat to a safe place. Do not, I emphasise, do not attempt to kill it. They are helpful in controlling pest and are majestic creature to behold. Moreover, an attempt to kill it may result in being hurt when it act in defense. This holds true for all the scorpions stated below. If you find one in your shoe or house, you may kill it, keep it as pet or transfer it to any natural environment. I strongly recommend the third option. Alternatively, if it's found in Singapore and you wish to give someone for ID, just keep it alive in a small container and email me. I'll greatly appreciate that. - Venom: It is not known to be dangerous. As yet, I've not found the LD50 (measure of potency) for it's venom. Experience of stings by the scorpion results in local swelling and pain which can last for hours to days. Its severity should be about that of a bee or wasp sting. Since toxicity is related to numerous factors (refer to discussion on venom), no conclusive statement could be made. In one of the many books on toxin, it is reported that 14 people are killed in India by one of the Heterometrus sp. (H.swammerdami?). No fatality or serious envenomation to my knowledge has been reported in Malaysia and Singapore by this or related species." Source and further information: http://web.singnet.com.sg/~caijw/singapore/sing.htm 2) "Scorpion venoms are optimized for action upon other arthropods and therefore most scorpions are relatively harmless to humans; stings produce only local effects (such as pain, numbness or swelling). A few scorpion species, however, mostly in the family Buthidae, can be dangerous to humans. Among the most dangerous are Leiurus quinquestriatus, otherwise dubiously known as the deathstalker, which has the most potent venom in the family, and members of the genera Parabuthus, Tityus, Centruroides, and especially Androctonus, which also have powerful venom. The scorpion which is responsible for the most human deaths is Androctonus australis, or the yellow fat-tailed scorpion of North Africa. The toxicity of A. australis's venom is roughly half that of L. quinquestriatus, but despite the common misconception A. australis does not inject noticeably more venom into its prey. The higher death count is simply due to its being found more commonly, especially near humans. Human deaths normally occur in the young, elderly, or infirm; scorpions are generally unable to deliver enough venom to kill healthy adults. Some people, however, may be allergic to the venom of some species. Depending on the severity of the allergy, the scorpion's sting may cause anaphylaxis and death. A primary symptom of a scorpion sting is numbing at the injection site, sometimes lasting for several days. Scorpions are generally harmless and timid, and only voluntarily use their sting for killing prey, defending themselves or in territorial disputes with other scorpions. Generally, they will run from danger or remain still." "The stings of North American scorpions are rarely serious and usually result in pain, minimal swelling, tenderness, and warmth at the sting site. However, the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda or sculpturatus), which is found in Arizona and New Mexico and on the California side of the Colorado River, has a much more toxic sting. The sting is painful, sometimes causing numbness or tingling in the area around the sting. Serious symptoms are more common in children and include abnormal head, eye, and neck movements; increased saliva production; sweating; and restlessness. Some people develop severe involuntary twitching and jerking of muscles. Breathing difficulties may occur. The stings of most North American scorpions require no special treatment. Placing an ice cube on the wound reduces pain, as does an ointment containing a combination of an antihistamine, an analgesic, and a corticosteroid. Centruroides stings that result in serious symptoms may require the use of sedatives, such as midazolam, given intravenously. Centruroides antivenom rapidly relieves symptoms, but it may cause a serious allergic reaction or serum sickness. The antivenom is available only in Arizona. In Trinidad the leaf juice of Eclipta prostrata is used for scorpion stings. Any effect of plants that are used against scorpion stings may be due to symptomatic relief – analgesic, antiinflammatory, antipruritic effects, in addition to other biological activities. Some compounds from plants used for general inflammation also inhibit enzymes (like phospholipase A2) from snake and scorpion venom. Some of these plant compounds are hypolaetin-8-glucoside and related flavanoids." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scorpion#Venom 3) "Scorpions live under logs and rocks and in decaying matter. They are nocturnal. They are occasionally found in houses and have been known to hide in boots. Found worldwide, they sting with their tails. The poison causes pain and swelling, and possibly death. Again, remain calm and back away when one is seen." Source: http://www.essortment.com/family/teachingchildre_soso.htm