Chris Gore, age 11, of Montreal, Quebec, for his question:

Can a scorpion kill a person?

These mighty midgets pack a powerful punch. Scorpion stings are always painful, often serious and sometimes fatal. Some species cause fiery bumps like bee stings. Others damage flesh and nerves and cause unconsciousness. In Arizona, during the 1930s and 1940s, scorpion stings claimed 54 human lives. During the next 14 years, the number dropped to 14. Pesticides had reduced the scorpions and people had learned that serious stings call for medical treatment. Nowadays, stings are treated successfully with antivenom.

Our most deadly species lurks in the Southwest. This blond, half inch menace is Centrutoid sculpturctus    a long fancy name for such a short scorpion. This rather innocent looking midget is far more deadly than the big scary looking hairy scorpion. However, every species has a venomous stinger, though as a rule he does not attack a person unless provoked. And he always feels most provoked when disturbed. So in scorpion territory, beware. If you surprise one lurking under a rock or log, hiding in your shoe or your bed, don't give him a chance to express his annoyance. The mighty midget carries a deadly weapon.