Probably the best known desert creature is the Scorpion (lat. Scorpiones). Over 1,400 different kinds inhabit a huge variety of habitats across the world. The scorpions of the Gobi Desert have developed excellent protection against the extreme climatic conditions of the region: their chitin shells radiate heat, thus keeping them cool. What’s more, they are nocturnal creatures – during the day, they prefer to stay under rocks or in mouse-holes. Scorpions are carnivores. Their poisonous sting helps them to defend themselves against their enemies and to kill their prey.