Scorpions in Arizona
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Scorpions give birth to live young during the summer months. The babies will crawl up their mother's pincers and legs to get on her back. They will ride around on her back until they molt in 7-21 days.
Bark scorpions reach a length of 3 inches and have a skinny tail only 1/16 inch wide; the body is yellow without stripes or patterns. The bark scorpion is the only common climbing scorpion and does not normally burrow, but usually lives above ground under tree bark and in palm trees and crevices of rocky cliffs. Because it can ascend slump block walls or stucco, this species is the scorpion most likely to enter dwellings. The bark scorpion is attracted to moisture around homes and in the house. It also may be found in stacked lumber or bricks, firewood piles, cellars, and attics. It needs only a crack of 1/16 inch to enter a home. On average, people stung by bark scorpions experience acute pain for anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. This includes a tingling sensation, numbness, and pain in the impacted area. As discussed above, more serious symptoms can include nausea, convulsions, or vomiting.
Arizona Striped Tail Scorpion
The striped-tail scorpion is one of the most common scorpion species in southern Arizona, It is a burrowing scorpion that is often found in sandy soil but can survive in a variety of habitats, from desert floors to rocky hillsides. At maturity, the stripedtail scorpion is about 2- 1/2 inches long and the body is striped on the upper side. This scorpion is venomous, but not considered dangerous. It may be found under common objects such as sleeping bags, shoes, and other similar items.
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion
Giant desert hairy scorpions can be found throughout the Sonoran and Mohave deserts. They are often found in or near desert washes and may also be found under rocks. During the day, they live in burrows that can be 8 feet deep. These locations keep them cool during hot desert days.
The Arizona Desert hairy scorpion is a common desert species found throughout Arizona. They can be 5 to 7 inches in length. Like many other desert scorpions, the Arizona hairy scorpion is a burrower, but may also be found under rocks, logs, sleeping bags, and other surface objects. This scorpion can often be found around homes and in garages. The venom of desert hairy scorpions is considered weak to mild, but if you are stung pain and swelling will occur. Most scorpion stings are not considered life-threatening to humans -- the exception is the sting of the bark scorpion, the most venomous in the United States.