Utah is home to around 12 different species of scorpions. While the mere mention of scorpions may make some Utah residents uneasy most species are relatively harmless to humans. That being said there is one notable exception – the Arizona bark scorpion.
This article will cover everything you need to know about scorpions in Utah, including:
- An overview of the most common species
- Identifying features and behaviors
- Where scorpions live in Utah
- If and when scorpions can pose a danger
- How to prevent scorpions on your property
- What to do if stung
Common Scorpion Species in Utah
The most frequently encountered scorpions in Utah include:
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Northern scorpion A hardy, cold-tolerant species with dark brown or black stripes. Solitary.
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Yellow devil scorpion: A small, dry-region species observed from June to September. Not dangerous.
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Desert hairy scorpion: The largest scorpion in North America, reaching 5.5 inches. Shaggy appearance. Mild sting.
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Black hairy scorpion: A large, burrowing species with an all-black cephalothorax and prosoma. Nervous and aggressive. Painful but not dangerous sting.
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Mafia scorpion: A feisty, burrowing scorpion with swollen pincers. Venom keeps sting open longer. Rarely encountered.
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Arizona bark scorpion: The most venomous scorpion in North America. Light brown, 3-4 inches long. Causes severe pain, numbness, vomiting, paralysis. Potentially dangerous.
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Beck’s desert scorpion: Light tan with lines on back. Secretive and rarely observed.
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Baja California bark scorpion: Closely related to the Arizona bark scorpion but not dangerous. Nocturnal hunter.
Where to Find Scorpions in Utah
Most scorpions reside in the arid deserts of southern Utah, but some species range into northern parts of the state as well. Scorpions tend to be nocturnal and spend the daylight hours hidden under rocks, wood, or buried in the soil.
Some of the best places to find scorpions in Utah include:
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Under rocks, rotting logs, debris
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Woodpiles
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Cracks in the ground
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Rodent burrows
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Inside homes (inadvertent intruders seeking prey or shelter)
The Arizona bark scorpion resides primarily in southeastern Utah.
Dangers and Prevention
As mentioned previously, most scorpion species in Utah are not dangerous to humans. The exception is the Arizona bark scorpion, which possesses a highly toxic venom capable of causing severe pain, numbness, vomiting, muscle spasms and temporary paralysis in adults.
While fatalities are rare, the Arizona bark scorpion’s sting warrants immediate medical attention, especially for vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.
Here are some tips for prevention:
- Seal cracks around windows and doors
- Remove clutter around the home
- Prune vegetation near home’s exterior
- Check shoes/gear before use if left outside
- Shake out clothing left on floors
- Use glue traps or insecticideslabeled for scorpion control
What to Do If Stung
In the event of a scorpion sting, take the following steps:
- Remain calm and restrict movement – this slows venom dispersal
- Wash the sting area with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling
- Monitor for signs of allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Take OTC pain medication for discomfort
- Seek medical care promptly if stung by an Arizona bark scorpion
Most scorpion stings can be treated at home with little lasting effect. Seek emergency care for severe pain/swelling, muscle spasms, vomiting, respiratory distress or other concerning symptoms. With proper first aid and medical monitoring, outcomes are usually favorable even in serious stings.
Scorpions are ubiquitous residents of Utah’s arid landscapes. Though disconcerting, most species pose minimal danger and awareness goes a long way in prevention. By sealing up entry points, removing habitat, and taking care when handling debris, encounters can be limited. Prompt first aid also helps mitigate sting effects. With a basic understanding of scorpion behavior and ecology, Utah residents can confidently coexist with these captivating desert-dwellers!
What You Should Know
- Scorpions are most active at night, and hide under boards, rubbish, bricks, and in wood piles.
- Although all scorpions have venom, only one species in the United States is considered to have a potentially life threatening sting.
Scorpions are eight-legged carnivorous arthropods and belong to the class Arachnida. This class also includes ticks, spiders, and mites. There are approximately 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide and 75 species in the United States, but only 9 are recognized in Utah (Table 1). Scorpions are usually found in semiarid deserts. Most species that occur in the United States have been found in Arizona, parts of Texas, and central Oklahoma. Most Utah scorpions are found in the southern part of the state; however, three species are occasionally found in northern Utah. Scorpions are easily distinguished from other arthropods. They vary in color from black, gray, brown, and yellow, and range in size from ½ to 7¼˝ long. Scorpions have two major body regions: cephalothorax (head and thorax) and abdomen. Scorpions can have 2 to 5 pairs of eyes depending on the species; however, some cave dwelling species are blind. The mouthparts are made up of a pair of chelicerae for grasping prey. The thorax has four pairs of walking legs and a pair of pedipalps (Fig. 1). The pedipalps are modified legs that have pinchers for grapsing prey. The pedipalps are covered with trichobothria, or hairs, that sense air vibrations and aid in capturing prey and mating. The entire cephalothorax is covered by the carapace, which is a hard bony outer covering. The abdomen is made up of the mesosoma and the metasoma. The mesosoma contains the lungs, digestive organs and the pectines. The pectines are feathery sensory organs which hang beneath the abdomen and trail on the ground, and are thought to alert the scorpions of nearby prey and potential mates. The metasoma is a tail that curves up and bears the telson, or stinger (Fig. 1). Inside the telson is a pair of venom glands.
Most scorpions live between 3 and 5 years, although some species are thought to live 10 to 15 years. They usually mate in the fall or early spring. The male performs a courtship dance prior to mating that can last several hours. The male will grab the pedipalps of the female and lead her around until he finds a suitable place to deposit his spermatophore, or sperm packet. Once he deposits his spermatophore on the ground, he leads the female over the top of it. After mating is complete, the male and the female separate. Although sexual cannibalism is rare with scorpions, the male usually leaves quickly to avoid being eaten by the female. Female scorpions do not lay eggs. Instead, the female bears live birth after a gestation period of anywhere between 6 and 18 months depending on the species. The female can produce 2 to 100 young in a litter. The average litter is about eight young. The immatures look like adults except are smaller in size. After birth the young climb on the back of their mother and stay there until the first molt (Fig. 2). After the first molt the immatures leave their mother and defend themselves. Scorpions go through 5 to 7 molts over 2 to 6 years before becoming adults.
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June 2008 Erin W. Hodgson, Extension Entomology Specialist (No longer at USU) • Brooke A. Lambert • Alan H. Roe, Insect Diagnostician (No longer at USU)
Meet America’s Most Dangerous Arachnid – The Arizona Bark Scorpion
FAQ
Are there poisonous scorpions in Utah?
The only species in Utah that is potentially harmful to humans is Centruroides exilicauda, or the Arizona bark scorpion (Fig. 3).
What to do if you get stung by a scorpion in Utah?
Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Apply a cool compress to the affected area. This may help reduce pain. Don’t consume food or liquids if you’re having difficulty swallowing. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. You might try ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Children’s Motrin, others) to help ease discomfort.
Should I be worried if I see a scorpion in my house?
- Stay Calm : Most scorpions are not dangerous, but it’s best to avoid panic.
- Keep Your Distance : Do not attempt to touch or provoke the scorpion.
- Contain the Area : If possible, close doors to the room where the scorpion is located to prevent it from moving to other areas of your home.
- Capture It
- Release It
What happens if you get stung by an Arizona bark scorpion?
- Local: Intense pain, burning sensation, numbness, and tingling at the sting site.
- Systemic (in some cases, especially children): Muscle twitching or spasms, difficulty breathing, drooling, sweating, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, restlessness, and unusual head, neck, and eye movements.
- Severity: The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s age, health, and sensitivity to the venom, as well as the location and depth of the sting.
- Duration: Pain and other symptoms can persist for 24 to 72 hours.
- Anaphylaxis: While rare, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to a scorpion sting, which can be life-threatening.