They are beneficial, free-living species of the Class Arachnida, Order Scorpionida. They belong to three families: Bothriuridae (from Region II to Aysén), Luridae (from Tarapacá to V Region) and Buthidae (from Arica to Malleco).

They are the arachnids that reach the largest size, being able to reach 20 cm. In addition, of their 8 ambulatory legs they have a non-ambulatory pair, which in males participates in the reproduction process. On their heads they have huge chelicerae fitted with pincers. Its tail is made up of six segments that end in a thin, curved stinger, where the venom is housed. With chelicerae and pedipalps they hold their prey to bury the stinger and inoculate it with the poison. They feed on insects and spiders and can also exhibit cannibalism. They are viviparous, that is, the female produces live youngs (10 to 35), which she carries on her back for 7 to 30 days or until their first molt.

Nymphs go through 6 molts to reach their adult stage, which can take several months or even 4 years. Adults can live from 1 to 6 years. Parthenogenesis (reproduction without fertilization) occurs in some species of scorpions.