Scorpions have a very interesting quirk in their evolutionary history. In the arthropods, "mouth-parts" evolved not once, but twice, independently. Insects have what are called "mandibles" which are stiff, chitinous graspers that have been adapted to do things like cut leaves, battle like f-ing stags, carry stuff, and grind through solid wood. Arachnids (like scorpions) have what are called "chelicerae" which are much more fleshy/puffy/squishy, mostly used for grooming, and only have combat applications in that they can sport venemous "fangs."

In both cases (I believe) they're repurposed legs. So draw a dopey guy with eyes close together on top and mouth wide open with puffy "arms" with teeny little claspers stuffed in there.

(They have a second pair of eyes on the wide sides of their mouth, which also looks dopey, kind of like an axolotl.)

Not sure if that helps. It's just something interesting I learned.

#spiders #scorpions #arthropod #CloseUp