My family is fascinated with deadly animals, reptiles and insects. Specifically, my son Wyatt (aged 5) and daughter Alexandra (aged 3) can never get enough of the Danger Associated With Close Proximity To Deadly Creatures. Thus, your blog entry about the Death Stalker Scorpion has been a favorite of theirs for some time now. It was a bit hard to convince them that your brother found it by flipping over a rock, and even tougher to assert that you both had been within touching distance of it. I believe they were both overcome with feelings of awe and envy. We admire the physics of the scorpion sting, and the efficacy of the venom process. Thank you for providing information about this interesting (and frightening) creature as well as the broader context of the Dana Reserve in Jordan. Sadly, I am now being asked “can we go there to see the scorpions?” which has set the bar pretty high for me as a parent as I am personally terrified of such things. You and your brother are quite brave and adventurous, and I take off my hat to you both.

Sincerely,
Helen Waters