Mildly-venomous
Guides
Anuroctonus
Swollenstinger Scorpions, California Swollen-stinger Scorpions
Anuroctonus is a genus of scorpions in the family Chactidae, commonly known as swollenstinger scorpions. The genus is characterized by a distinctive swollen region on the telson just before the stinger, particularly prominent in mature males. The best-known species, Anuroctonus pococki, occurs in the coastal ranges of Southern California and Baja California. These scorpions are nocturnal ambush predators that construct burrows and are noted for their relatively large size compared to regional congeners.
Anuroctonus pococki
California Swollenstinger Scorpion, California swollen-stinger scorpion
Anuroctonus pococki is a large scorpion species reaching 65 mm in length, distinguished by a swollen region on the telson just before the stinger—most prominent in mature males—and large black-tipped pedipalps. Native to the Coast Ranges of Southern California and Baja California, it is the only member of its genus found in Baja California. First described in 2004, this nocturnal ambush predator constructs burrows and exhibits mildly venomous stings that are typically painful but non-serious.
Hololena
funnel-web weavers
Hololena is a genus of funnel-web spiders (family Agelenidae) endemic to western North America. The genus contains approximately 30 recognized species, though taxonomic revision is needed. These spiders construct flat, sheet-like webs with a funnel retreat and are abundant in human-altered environments. Males exhibit specialized courtship behaviors including vibrational signals that induce female catalepsy, reducing sexual cannibalism risk. Bites to humans have been documented but result in mild, self-limiting symptoms.