So far more than 1400 scorpion species have been documented worldwide, and 30 of these species inhabit Arizona. Scorpions are well adapted to surviving harsh arid desert conditions, as they possess an extra layer of fat that allows them to retain water for greater periods, and they remain within shaded regions or underneath rocks during the hot daytime hours. At night, scorpions move into open areas in order to hunt prey. Typically, the temperature must be above 70 degrees before scorpions can become active. During the winter, scorpions remain largely inactive. Some scorpion species are known to indulge in social behaviors in order to survive excessively cold winter temperatures. For example, some scorpion species gather into tight groups in order to retain warmth. Some scorpion species produce venom that is relatively potent, and even fatal in some cases.
There only exists 25 scorpion species worldwide that are capable of inflicting medically significant stings to humans, one of which, the bark scorpion, inhabits Arizona and other southwestern states. When it comes to scorpions, smaller-sized species produce venom that is highly potent, while larger species produce less potent venom. Small scorpion species need potent venom that can quickly subdue enemies, as small species are not as able to physically defend against predatory attacks. Therefore, the medically significant bark scorpion species is relatively small, but there exists several relatively large-sized scorpion species in Arizona, some of which exceed 5 inches in body length.
The giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis), is one of the largest scorpion species in Arizona. This species grows to be 5 to 6 inches in length and it looks almost exactly like another large Arizona species known as the desert hairy scorpion (H. hirsutus). The northern desert hairy scorpion (H. spadix) also grows to be 5 inches or more in body length. In some cases, high numbers of scorpions can aggregate within or on the sides of houses, causing serious worry among affected homeowners. Since scorpions are largely resistant to insecticides and other pest control measures, it is tremendously important for Arizona residents to seal the cracks and crevices where scorpions can gain access into homes.
Have you ever found a large-sized scorpion?