Northern Scorpion

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Paruroctonus boreus: /ˌpæruːˈrɒktənəs ˈbɔːriəs/

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

Images

Summary

Paruroctonus boreus, known as the northern scorpion, is the only scorpion native to Canada and the northernmost species of scorpion worldwide. It has a broad distribution across North America and is characterized by its pale color and distinctive markings.

Physical Characteristics

Moderately sized scorpion, adult size ranging from 35 to 55 mm. Pale, light brown color with a black V pattern on the carapace and dim streaks across the preabdomen. Females are larger than males, with an average length of approximately 38.9 mm compared to 35.5 mm for males.

Identification Tips

Has relatively robust hands and a slender metasoma/tail without enlarged denticles at the ends. Distinguished from other scorpions by its size and coloration patterns, particularly the black pattern forming a V on the carapace.

Habitat

Inhabits various terrains bordered by tall mountains and low elevation valleys. Prefers sagebrush in northern areas and diverse environments at moderate elevations in southern areas. Often found on barren, fissured, or rocky soils and inside soil openings or under stones.

Distribution

Western USA (California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota) and southern Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan).

Diet

Preys on grasshoppers, pentatomids, spiders, and other scorpions. Juveniles initially consume the membrane they exit from during birth and their first exoskeleton, transitioning to active hunting around 13-14 days.

Life Cycle

Nocturnal behavior, emerges from burrows at night and is most active in the initial hours after dark. Females give live birth, typically producing 10 to 40 young. Young scorpions molt after 12 days and begin to roam freely shortly after.

Reproduction

Females assume a stilting position to give birth, with offspring emerging covered in a translucent membrane. Young can free themselves in 10 to 20 minutes and climb onto the mother's back.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, plays a role in controlling populations of insects and other small arthropods.

Tags

• Northern Scorpion
• Paruroctonus boreus
• Scorpion
• Arachnida
• Vaejovidae