Paruroctonus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Scorpiones
Family: Vaejovidae
Genus: Paruroctonus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paruroctonus: /ˌpærʊˈrɒktənəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Paruroctonus becki 201160154 by Diego Huet. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paruroctonus becki 201160294 by Diego Huet. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paruroctonus boreus 120913683 by Matt Berger. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Northern Scorpion, Paruroctonus boreus by Xbuzzi. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Paruroctonus silvestrii 194874009 by Benjamin Burgunder. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Paruroctonus silvestrii 237068614 by Alex Heyman. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

The genus Paruroctonus consists of 30 species of scorpions primarily found in western North America, with one notable species, P. boreus, being the only scorpion present in Canada. They are nocturnal and have varying habitats, mostly preferring sandy areas but also adapting to diverse environments.

Physical Characteristics

Adults range in size from 30 mm (Paruroctonus luteolus) to about 70 mm (several species). Sand-dwelling species have a row of setae on the tarsal segments of the legs called a bristlecomb. They typically have large, robust pedipalp chelae and a slender metasoma. The dorsal carinae on the metasoma do not terminate with an enlarged granule or spine. Median eyes are usually large.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic bristlecomb on the tarsal segments of their legs and robust pedipalps. The black pattern forming a V on the median eyes and the overall light yellow coloration can also help in identification.

Habitat

Primarily found in active sand dunes, but some species inhabit a variety of environments from coastal dunes to mountain pine forests, as well as rocky soils and sagebrush habitats.

Distribution

Found throughout all western states west of and including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, and North Dakota, extending into southwestern Canada and northwestern Mexico. P. boreus is widely distributed across North America, including Canada.

Diet

They prey on grasshoppers, pentatomids, spiders, and other scorpions. Juveniles initially consume their birth membrane and exoskeleton remains before actively hunting.

Life Cycle

P. boreus is nocturnal, with most of their activity occurring at night. Young scorpions begin to roam approximately 12 days after birth, having been previously carried on the mother’s back.

Reproduction

Females give birth to 10 to 40 young, who are initially covered in a translucent membrane. They free themselves in 10 to 20 minutes and ascend the mother's legs to stay in a grouped position on her back.

Ecosystem Role

Contributes to controlling the populations of their prey species and serves as a food source for larger predators.

Evolution

The genus name Paruroctonus denotes features that liken it to Uroctonus, distinguishing it from the Vaejovis genus.