Animal Profiles
Arachnids

Scorpion

Scorpiones

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Scorpions are predatory arachnids. This account describes the giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis), which shelters from intense daytime heat underground.

Hadrurus arizonensis, the representative described in this account.

Hadrurus arizonensis, the representative described in this account.

At a glance

Location
This scorpion inhabits southwestern North American deserts, especially the Mojave and Sonoran regions.
Habitat
Desert
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Insects, other scorpions and additional small animals provide food.

Classification

Common name
Scorpion
Browse group
Arachnids
Scientific name or taxon
Scorpiones
Taxon rank
order
Order
Scorpiones
Source classification
Arachnida

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is an arachnid.
  • It shelters from daytime heat.
  • Most hunting occurs at night.

Habitat and range

This scorpion inhabits southwestern North American deserts, especially the Mojave and Sonoran regions. Burrows, crevices and rocks provide cooler protected retreats.

Appearance and adaptations

Large pincers grasp prey ahead of the body. Fine hairs cover parts of the animal, and a curved tail ends in the venom-bearing sting.

Diet and behaviour

Insects, other scorpions and additional small animals provide food. Most activity occurs at night, while daylight hours are usually spent in shelter. Pincers and the sting assist in subduing prey.

Sources

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