Mild-venom
Guides
Uroctonus mordax
California forest scorpion, western forest scorpion
Uroctonus mordax is a small scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, endemic to the coastal forests of California and extending into western Oregon and southern Washington. It is strongly associated with Redwood Forests and Oak Woodlands, where it occupies a foundational ecological role. The species exhibits distinctive physical traits including a squat body, slender tail, and sexually dimorphic coloration. It is notable for its mild venom and reclusive, nocturnal behavior.