New Mexico’s diverse landscapes provide ideal habitats for a variety of scorpion species. While encounters with these arachnids can be alarming, most species found in the state are not considered medically significant to humans. By learning more about New Mexico’s scorpion species, their habits, habitat preferences and sting potency, residents and visitors can coexist safely with these captivating desert creatures.
Overview of Scorpion Species in New Mexico
There are approximately 25 different scorpion species found in New Mexico. The most common species include:
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Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) – Most venomous scorpion species in the state. Primarily found in southwestern New Mexico.
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Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) – Often found in forests, grasslands and rural buildings.
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Northern scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus) – Tolerant of cold temperatures. Frequents cliffs and rocky areas.
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Giant hairy desert scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – The largest species in the state, may prey on lizards and centipedes.
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Lesser stripetail scorpion (Hoffmannius coahuilae) – Burrows and hides under objects Widespread distribution.
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Devil scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus) – Medium-sized scorpion of the Sonoran desert region
Scorpion Habitats in New Mexico
Scorpions are found throughout New Mexico in both rural and urban environments Their preferred habitats include
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Deserts and arid regions – Ideal habitat with plentiful hiding spots under rocks and vegetation. Many burrowing species.
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Mountains and rocky slopes – Crevices in cliffs and rock piles provide shelter. Some high elevation species.
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Grasslands – Burrow at base of plants or hide under debris. Active at night hunting insects.
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Rural buildings and woodpiles – Seek shelter in sheds, barns, under boards and in stacked firewood.
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Urban homes and yards – Enter through small cracks and gaps. Attracted to moisture and insects around homes.
When Scorpions Are Most Active in New Mexico
Scorpions are nocturnal and do most of their hunting at night. During the day, they seek refuge under rocks, bark, plant debris or in burrows.
The most active scorpion seasons in New Mexico are:
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Spring – Late March through May as temperatures warm. Recently emerged from winter dormancy.
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Summer – June through August. Monsoon moisture sustains prey populations. Young scorpions emerge.
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Fall – September through October. Still warm enough for scorpions to be active at night.
Scorpions may be less active in winter but some species can remain active in warmer lower desert regions. Very few scorpions are seen December through February.
Scorpion Stings: Venom Potency in New Mexico Species
While all scorpions can inflict painful stings, most New Mexico species have venom that is not medically significant to healthy adults. However:
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The Arizona bark scorpion is considered dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Seek medical care immediately if stung.
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Allergic reactions can occur with any scorpion sting. Monitor for signs of anaphylaxis.
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Children, elderly and those with sensitivities may react more severely to venom. Take extra precautions.
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Signs of a serious reaction: numbness, difficulty breathing, prolonged pain beyond the sting site.
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Most stings result in temporary pain, swelling and redness at the sting location.
Tips for Avoiding Scorpions in New Mexico
Follow these tips to help deter scorpions from taking up residence in and around your New Mexico home:
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Seal cracks in foundations and openings around windows and doors.
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Keep woodpiles and debris away from the house perimeter.
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Reduce moisture sources and standing water. Eliminate pest infestations.
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Use glue boards or sticky traps to monitor for scorpions.
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Inspect shoes, clothing and gear before bringing indoors. Shake out towels left outside.
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Be extremely cautious when lifting rocks, debris or firewood. Wear gloves.
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Use a blacklight at night to detect fluorescent scorpions.
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Consult a pest control professional for scorpion treatments if needed.
What to Do if You Find a Scorpion in New Mexico
If an unwanted scorpion guest makes its way inside your home, follow these guidelines:
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Stay calm. Scorpions often sting when accidentally contacted.
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Contain it. Cover with a cup or bowl, slide cardboard underneath. Avoid direct contact.
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Identify it if possible. Is it likely dangerous to humans?
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Release outdoors away from home. Never crush or intentionally harm.
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Clean the area to remove traces that may attract others.
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Record details to monitor problem areas. Call a professional if issues persist.
Coexisting with Scorpions in New Mexico
While startling, encounters with scorpions don’t have to be dangerous with proper education and precaution. Their unique adaptations and stealthy hunting behaviors make scorpions fascinating denizens of New Mexico’s arid landscapes. Maintaining awareness of high risk areas, sting potency and deterrent measures will allow residents and visitors alike to safely coexist with these iconic desert creatures.
Northern Scorpion Range Map
Like other scorpions in New Mexico, this species feeds on small prey like insects. When they sting, venom is injected, which subdues their prey.
Northern Scorpions are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. To find them, you need to go looking under rocks in the daytime. But please be careful if you do since they have a venom-packed stinger.
Luckily, the effects of a sting are mild and similar to a hornet. You can expect localized numbness, which lasts up to four hours.
Check out this video of the Northern Scorpion in the wild!
What types of scorpions are found in New Mexico?
All the scorpions living in New Mexico are nocturnal carnivores, so they are most easily seen at night. But did you know that all scorpions glow a bright blueish color under ultraviolet light?
So many times, people take blacklights to help them find and observe scorpions!
- As a rule of thumb, scorpions with small claws and a large stinger are dangerously venomous, while those with large claws and a small stinger are less. This ID Guide will help you identify scorpions, but please seek medical attention if you get stung.
Identifying Characteristics:
- Tiny and normally reddish-brown, but can vary in a color—segmented body shaped like a teardrop.
- Eight small legs. Large pincers that are more than twice as long as the legs.
- No stinger!
- Also known as the False Scorpion.
World’s Deadliest Scorpion | National Geographic
FAQ
Are there poisonous scorpions in New Mexico?
The Arizona bark scorpion is found in the southwest corner of New Mexico and is the only species that can cause serious medical illness, especially in small children and the elderly. These scorpions like dark, damp places and are able to climb every surface except glass and clear plastic.
What state has the worst scorpions?
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and its venom can cause severe pain (coupled with numbness, tingling, and vomiting) in adult humans, typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours.
Can you tell if a scorpion is poisonous?
Usually you can tell how venomous a scorpion is by the size of their pinchers the smaller the pincers the more venomous they are, but like everyone is daying all scorpions are venomous.
What happens if you get stung by a house scorpion?
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Localized:Pain, tingling, and numbness at the sting site are the most common initial symptoms.
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Systemic (rare):In some cases, particularly in children, venom can cause more widespread symptoms like difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, drooling, sweating, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate.
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Allergic Reactions:As with other stinging insects, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, including hives, trouble breathing, and nausea, potentially leading to anaphylaxis.