As the desert heats up, scorpions — including the notorious Arizona bark scorpions — become more active, leading to more frequent sightings not only outdoors but in homes and other buildings.
These venomous arachnids are adept climbers and can be found in various habitats, including desert scrubland, urban areas and suburban neighborhoods. While bark scorpions are not typically aggressive, their sting can cause painful symptoms, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children or older adults.
Here is everything you need to know about the Arizona bark scorpion, including how many people have died from being stung.
And if youre curious about other common Arizona creatures, check out our guides to black widow spiders, cicadas and palo verde beetles.
Arizona is home to an incredible diversity of scorpions, from tiny harmless species to large intimidating ones with painful stings. These enigmatic arachnids play a vital role in the state’s desert ecosystems while captivating the human imagination. Join me as we explore the numerous scorpion species found in Arizona, where they live, what they eat, and how to identify them.
There are around 90 species of scorpions found in the United States, with over 30 species residing in Arizona. Scorpions belong to the order Scorpiones and possess several defining physical characteristics
- Eight legs
- Two pedipalps (claw-like pincers)
- A segmented tail that arches forward over the body
- A venom-injecting stinger on the end of the tail
These nocturnal hunters have a long fossil history dating back 400 million years Their ability to survive extreme environments helps explain their evolutionary success
Most scorpions pose little threat to humans and rarely require medical treatment after a sting Only one species, the Arizona bark scorpion, has potent enough venom to cause serious symptoms
Understanding scorpion habitat preferences, diets, and identification clues will help you safely appreciate these captivating desert-dwellers.
Where to Find Scorpions in Arizona
Scorpions inhabit a diverse range of habitats in Arizona. Here are some of the best places to spot different species:
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Desert landscapes: Look under rocks, wood, and other debris. Common species include giant hairy scorpions and stripe-tailed scorpions.
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Mountainous areas: Search under rocks and in crevices. You may find Graham’s pine forest scorpions at higher elevations.
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Rural human structures: In barns, woodpiles, sheds. Arizona bark scorpions love hiding here.
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Urban areas: Yard debris, gardens, garages. Bark scorpions sneak into houses in summer.
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Caves: Use a UV light to spot fluorescent scorpions like caveobligates. Handle with care and avoid disturbance.
The most critical factor is finding places that offer darkness, shelter, and proximity to prey like insects and spiders. Searching at night with a UV flashlight greatly improves your chances of scorpion sightings.
What Do Scorpions Eat in Arizona?
Scorpions are expert nocturnal hunters equipped with venom designed to subdue small prey like:
- Insects: crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, ants
- Spiders
- Other scorpions
- Lizards and snakes
- Rodents
Larger species may even consume small vertebrates like bats, nestling birds, or reptile eggs. Scorpions can survive months without food by lowering their metabolism, a useful adaptation for Arizona’s lean times.
Scorpions themselves fall prey to owls, bats, snakes, tarantulas, and shrews. Even cannibalism is common when resources are scarce.
Identifying Scorpion Species in Arizona
Learning to identify scorpion species helps assess potential risk and understand their ecological roles. Here are quick identification tips for some of Arizona’s most common scorpions:
Arizona Bark Scorpion
- Light brown, slender body.
- Distinctive thin curled tail.
- Hangs upside down under rocks and in homes.
- Most venomous scorpion in Arizona. Get medical help if stung.
Giant Hairy Scorpion
- Large size, up to 5 inches.
- Hairy yellow body, dark back.
- Thick tail with bristly stinger.
- Found in deserts burrowing near moisture.
Stripe-Tailed Scorpion
- Yellowish-tan with dark brown stripes on tail.
- Stocky build, thick tail.
- Found under rocks in deserts and rocky slopes.
- Venom causes local pain but not extremely toxic.
Lesser Brown Scorpion
- Small brown scorpion 1-2 inches long.
- Slender pincers and tail.
- Often enters homes and hides in small spaces.
- Sting causes sharp localized pain.
Fascinating Scorpion Behaviors
Beyond their fearsome appearance, scorpions exhibit many fascinating behaviors and adaptations:
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Nocturnal hunters – They avoid daytime heat and predators.
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Fluoresce under UV light – This allows tracking them at night.
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Sensitive hairs detect vibrations – Useful for navigating in darkness.
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Delicate courtship dances – Males must persuade wary females to mate.
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Live birth – Babies ride on mother’s back for protection.
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Venom immunity – They can consume venomous prey like spiders.
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Lowered metabolism enables survival without food or water for months.
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Pinchers for hunting, stingers for defense – Venom only used on prey as a last resort.
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Burrow to escape extremes – Some species dig elaborate tunnel systems.
Observing scorpions reveals lifestyles finely adapted to Arizona’s harsh landscapes. Their survival strategies are perfected by eons of evolutionary tweaking.
Staying Safe Around Scorpions
First, understand that most scorpions want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. Follow these tips to coexist safely:
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Learn to identify dangerous species like the Arizona bark scorpion.
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Carefully inspect and shake out clothing or shoes left outside.
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Manage habitat to reduce shelter spots around homes.
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Use blacklights at night to spot scorpions before encountering them.
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Closely supervise small children to prevent accidental stings.
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If stung, seek medical attention for severe reactions, especially with dangerous species. Apply ice packs to relieve local pain and swelling.
Scorpions present minimal danger with proper awareness and respect for their space. A healthy dose of appreciation for their unique adaptations will further enrich your desert wanderings.
The Allure of Arizona’s Scorpions
These ancient arthropods have patrolled Arizona’s deserts for millennia, fascinating humans with their secrecy and stealth. Scorpions rank among the state’s most iconic wildlife. Learning to identify species helps inform safe interactions while revealing the ecology of our little-known neighbors. With mindful observation and habitat stewardship, we can protect scorpions for future generations. Their loss would greatly diminish Arizona’s natural heritage.
What is the difference between scorpions and Arizona bark scorpions?
We talked to Richard Hofstetter, professor of forest entomology at Northern Arizona University, who explained how to tell a bark scorpion from other scorpion species:
- Size: Bark scorpions are relatively small compared to other scorpion species, typically measuring 1-3 inches in length. “Some can be quite large, up to three inches,” Hofstetter said. “But I would say a lot of them, we tend to see the young ones and they can be quite small, just an inch or two.”
- Color: “One of the ways to tell, and there are a lot of scorpions obviously in Arizona, but the bark scorpion tends to be on the smaller side and kind of a tan color,” Hofstetter said. Their coloration helps them blend in with their surroundings, especially on tree bark or rocky surfaces.
- Pincers: Bark scorpions have slender, elongated pincers that are typically lighter in color than their bodies. The pincers are used for grasping prey and defending against predators. “The pincers and stinger are fairly thin and the legs are thin. So thats also a good way to tell them from some other scorpions,” Hofstetter said.
- Tail segment: An Arizona bark scorpions tail segment is thin and elongated, with a slender stinger at the tip. The stinger contains venom used to subdue prey and defend against threats.
- Behavior: Bark scorpions are nocturnal and seek shelter during the day in dark, protected areas such as under rocks, logs or debris. They are agile climbers and may be found on walls, ceilings or in trees.
What happens if you get stung by an Arizona bark scorpion?
The severity of symptoms resulting from a bark scorpion sting can vary widely depending on the individuals age, health and sensitivity to the venom, as well as the location and depth of the sting.
Common symptoms of a bark scorpion sting may include intense pain, swelling, redness and warmth at the sting site. Some people may experience numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, nausea, difficulty breathing and an elevated heart rate, according to the University of Arizona Health Sciences.
Even if symptoms seem mild initially, its wise to have a health-care professional assess the situation, especially for vulnerable individuals. Treatment may include measures to alleviate pain and swelling, as well as administration of antivenom if necessary.
Scorpions – Arizona (Official Video)
FAQ
Are the scorpions in Arizona poisonous?
Which scorpions are dangerous to people in Arizona? In North America, only one scorpion is dangerous to humans – the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus). It is small, just a couple inches in length, and is the only scorpion that produces envenomation syndrome.
Is it common to have scorpions in your house in Arizona?
Scorpions are not drawn to your home more than any other place in your yard. In most places, it is rare to get scorpions in your home.Feb 12, 2019
What month are scorpions most active in Arizona?
The peak months of scorpion activity in Arizona are typically May through September, with July and August seeing the highest activity levels.Feb 9, 2024
What part of Arizona has the most scorpions?
Whether you are in Arizona for a visit or planning to move in the near future, it’s important to know which cities have the highest scorpion populations. Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Gilbert are all cities in Arizona where you are likely to find scorpions.
Are scorpions dangerous in Arizona?
Their venomous sting can pose health risks, particularly to young children and those with allergic reactions. While some cities in Arizona have become infamous for their scorpion populations, it’s important to remember that the presence of these creatures isn’t evenly distributed across the state.
Do scorpions live in Arizona?
The Bark Scorpion, one of the most venomous scorpions in North America, is particularly prevalent in Arizona. These scorpions are drawn to lush landscaping and water sources, often found in residential areas, making cities with these features prime scorpion habitats.
What is the largest scorpion in Arizona?
The Giant Hairy Scorpion, also known as the Desert Hairy Scorpion, is the largest scorpion species found in Arizona and one of the largest in North America. These impressive arachnids can grow up to 7 inches in length, making them easy to spot in the arid deserts they inhabit.
How many types of scorpions are there in Arizona?
There are 38 types of scorpions that can be seen in Arizona. Scorpions are arachnids in the Scorpions family with eight legs and sharp pincers. They also have a segmented tail, that is narrowly carried forward in a curve with a stinger. Most species are not a threat to humans with healthy adults seldom needing medical treatment after being stung.
Why are scorpions increasing in Arizona?
The growth and expansion of cities into formerly wild areas can also contribute to the increase of scorpion populations, as they adapt and find shelter in human dwellings. KY-KO Pest Prevention is dedicated to helping Arizona residents protect their homes and families from scorpions and other pests.
How do you identify a scorpion in Arizona?
Identifying Characteristics: Tan with dark brown stripes on the back. Large round pincers. This arachnid is the most cold-tolerant scorpion in Arizona. You will typically find Northern Scorpions near sandstone cliffs. Look for them in a variety of habitats and elevations.