Scorpions are arachnids widely known for their stings.. Science knows of more than 2,500 species that use their appearance to suppress prey and protect themselves from predators. Scorpions' tails end in a structure known as a telson, which contains a bulb full of venom.. It is known that this structure, as a rule, has a pointed sting, with the help of which poison is injected. But there is another way, writes Live Science.

In a new study, scientists have discovered and described a new species of scorpion called Tityus achilles.. The species was discovered in the mountainous region of the Magdelena rainforest in Colombia. The most interesting thing about this discovery was that the new species of scorpions could spray and inject their venom - something previously thought to be the ability of only two other genera living in Africa and North America..

U Focus. Technologies has its own Telegram channel. Subscribe so you don't miss the latest and most exciting news from the world of science!

According to study author Leo Laborier of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, most scorpions in the world are probably capable of spraying their own venom, but do not do so.. This extreme behavioral response is known to occur regularly in only two animal genera.

The fact is that spraying poison is initially a very expensive strategy. Scientists believe that there are very strong selection pressures that make behavior more advantageous than disadvantageous.. In simple terms, something must be happening to the predators in the environment that causes them to take this risky step.

The study authors found that the new species is capable of both injecting and spraying its venom.. Direct injection of poison guarantees its delivery and effect on the target, but there are also risks - the victim may resist. Spraying venom is less risky and does not require direct physical contact, but it is less targeted and the consequences for prey or predator are less severe. Still, a spray of toxin may be enough to scare off a predator and give the scorpion time to escape..

The angle of the scorpion's toxin jet suggests the venom could be directed toward the nose or eyes, Laborier said.. Researchers believe the venom must reach very sensitive tissues to really work.. It is also believed that the venom is aimed at combating vertebrates, since toxins are unlikely to penetrate the exoskeleton.

During the study, the team tested the ability of scorpions to spray venom. The animals were pressed with a straw and their reactions were recorded.. A total of 10 juveniles were tested and 46 venom emissions were recorded - the maximum distance it was 36 centimeters.

In some cases, scorpions have released small drops of venom in response to the straw.

In other cases they released a continuous stream. Most of the venom pulses were directed forward, although some were also directed backward or upward.

The study authors also found that most of the venom bursts were transparent.. In simple terms, they were probably a pre-poison - a toxic liquid that usually splashes out before the strong, milky real poison.

Previously, Focus wrote about who would win in a fight - a scorpion or a tarantula: scientists gave the answer.