A scorpion is an arachnid and belongs to the order Scorpiones. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by a pair of grasping pincers and a narrow, segmented tail that curves over their back. Scorpions are closely related to spiders, mites, and ticks. They are carnivorous and typically eat insects, but when food is scarce, they can slow their metabolism to as little as one-third the typical rate for arthropods. Scorpions can be found on every continent around the world, except Antarctica, but they are most common in deserts and areas of hot, dry lands.