Colombia's Startling New Venom-Spraying Scorpion

Deep in the shadowy forests of central Colombia, a “moderately large” scorpion startled a scientist by squirting droplets of venom straight from its tail—an eye-opening discovery that not only introduced a new species to the world but also challenged our ideas about how these creatures defend themselves.

A Night of Low Expectations

In December 2023, biologist and scorpion enthusiast Léo Laborieux arrived in La Vega—about 50 miles northwest of Bogotá—anticipating a routine evening of collecting insects. The plan was simple: set up a light trap, wait for moths and beetles to gather, then scoop up whatever fluttered into the glow.

But the trap stayed disappointingly empty as he and his team stood amid the forest’s humid air and the constant hum of nocturnal wildlife. Instead of swirling insects, they saw just a few stray moths. Eager to salvage the evening, Laborieux turned to the forest floor. A few stray scorpions had already caught his eye around the research station, and in a country where new species pop up regularly, checking them out seemed like a worthwhile plan.

With his flashlight skimming across leaves and twigs, he soon spotted a dark brown, moderately large scorpion trundling along. On the surface, it looked like any other scorpion—but there was something unusual about its coloring and texture. Thinking it could be a local variety he hadn’t encountered before, Laborieux carefully coaxed the scorpion into a clear container for a closer inspection.

What happened next changed everything. Hoping to show a colleague how a scorpion reacts when provoked, he gently prodded the animal with a small stick. Instead of raising its tail or attempting a sting, the scorpion shot droplets of venom across the plastic container. For a second, he thought he was imagining it. But a second prod yielded the same response: a thin, pinpoint stream of liquid spurting from the tip of the tail.

A Surprising New Defensive Trick

At that moment, Laborieux realized he might be witnessing something no one had documented in Colombia. Most scorpions deliver their venom via direct stings, the tail meets the target. But this one flicked or sprayed the venom from a distance, almost like a mini water pistol. Determined to confirm what he had seen, Laborieux spent the next few days catching additional specimens—eleven in total—and carefully recording each instance of this odd behavior.

Under slow-motion video, it was mesmerizing: with its tail curled high, the scorpion flexed specific muscles and shot droplets of venom up to about 14 inches. For a tiny creature only a couple of inches long, that’s significant reach—enough to deter a curious animal (or scientist) before it gets too close. Scorpions sometimes surprise researchers with bizarre traits, but this was on another level. No one had ever noticed this ability in a scorpion in South America.

The creature was a member of the Tityus genus, a group known for some potent venoms. After measuring it up, comparing it to other species, and documenting its unique features, Laborieux formally described and named it Tityus Achilles—a nod to Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior renowned for his spear-throwing prowess. For the scorpion, its “pear” is that venom-filled tail capable of shooting venom rather than delivering it directly.

Life in a Mysterious Ecosystem

La Vega is a living tapestry of biodiversity, with birds, insects, frogs, and untold arthropods hiding in nearly every corner. Still, nobody expected a new scorpion species—let alone one that breaks the mold of how scorpions typically behave—to appear so close to a research station. This discovery underscores just how vast and under-surveyed Colombia’s Natural world is.

Scorpions often keep ecosystems in check by hunting insects and small arthropods. Their presence usually signals that a habitat is functioning well. But Achilles’ scorpion brings something extra to that story: it can keep predators (or meddling humans) at bay without having to get within striking distance. It’s a clever adaptation that evolved in response to environmental threats.

The question is whether Tityus Achilles is a solitary oddball or the tip of an evolutionary iceberg. Could other regional scorpions have similar abilities but remain unseen because nobody thought of checking? Scientists are eager to study the venom itself—where it is made, its toxicity, and whether it is chemically distinct from close relatives. The Tityus genus includes species with venom potent enough to pose serious medical risks for people, so understanding Achilles ‘scorpion is about more than just academic curiosity.

Embracing the Unplanned

The discovery of Achilles highlights how often science hinges on moments of serendipity. ‍A failed light trap and a poor catch of moths drove Laborieux to explore local scorpions he might have ignored. This situation shows how new perspectives, along with some open-mindedness, often lead to exciting discoveries.

In La Vega, locals are both curious and cautious about the scorpion’s discovery. On one hand, it’s a reminder of just how unique Colombia’s Ecosystems are. On the other hand, a scorpion capable of spraying venom might not be everyone’s idea of a friendly forest resident. Still, many in the community feel proud that such a rare creature calls their region home.

Despite Tityus Achilles’ momentary celebrity, significant questions remain. Is it confined to this small patch of forest near La Vega, or does it roam more widely? Could it thrive in other parts of Colombia where nobody has gone spotlighting for scorpions at night? And what does its discovery mean for future biodiversity surveys in a country that has only begun to explore the full scope of its ecological riches?

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Time will tell. Achilles’s scorpion proves that nature still can surprise us, even when we think we’ve seen it all. ‍People like Léo Laborieux show a curious drive, turning a quiet, humid night into something from science fiction ‒ this time, all real. Each venom droplet hitting the plastic container’s side reveals evolution’s endless creativity. And that alone is reason enough for us to keep exploring, keep looking under rocks and leaves, and keep celebrating every new revelation hiding in the forests of Colombia.