Scorpion
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.
Anuroctonus pococki bajae
Californian swollen stinger scorpion
Anuroctonus pococki bajae is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Chactidae, endemic to Baja California. It is distinguished by a pronounced swollen bulb on the telson (stinger segment), a trait referenced in its common name. The species exhibits defensive, aggressive behavior when provoked and is nocturnal. Under ultraviolet light, it fluoresces bright blue-green like other scorpions.
Catalinia
Catalinia is a genus of small scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, established in 2017 following taxonomic revision of southwestern North American scorpion fauna. The genus comprises species formerly placed in the genus Pseudouroctonus, distinguished by reduced body size and unique morphological features. These scorpions inhabit rocky environments in arid regions of the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. The genus name honors the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona, where the type species was discovered.
Centruroides
bark scorpion, bark scorpions
Centruroides is a highly speciose genus of buthid scorpions comprising at least 100 species distributed throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, and northern South America. Commonly known as bark scorpions, members of this genus are notable for their strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light—except immediately after moulting—and several species possess venom potent enough to cause human fatalities. The genus includes species adapted to diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arid regions, with some showing marked intra-domiciliary tendencies in urban environments.
Centruroides gracilis
Slender Brown Scorpion, Florida Bark Scorpion, Brown Bark Scorpion, Red Bark Scorpion, Slender Red Scorpion, Alacran Prieto, Alacran Azul
Centruroides gracilis is a medium to large scorpion in the family Buthidae, notable for its wide color variation and extensive introduced range. Females reach up to 10 cm, while males can exceed 15 cm. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity, with individuals in single populations or even litters showing colors ranging from reddish to dark brown with contrasting leg and chelae coloration. It is native to northern Central America but has been introduced to numerous regions including Florida, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and the Canary Islands, often occurring in synanthropic habitats.
Centruroides sculpturatus
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Centruroides sculpturatus, commonly known as the Arizona bark scorpion, is a small, light brown scorpion native to the Sonoran Desert. It is the only scorpion species in North America considered dangerously venomous to humans, with stings capable of causing severe pain, numbness, and in rare cases life-threatening symptoms in young children. The species exhibits fluorescent properties under ultraviolet light due to compounds in its exoskeleton. It is frequently used in educational outreach programs due to its docile handling behavior in captivity.
Centruroides vittatus
Striped Bark Scorpion
Centruroides vittatus is the most common scorpion in the United States, occurring throughout the midsection of the country and northern Mexico. This species exhibits notable behavioral flexibility, including plant climbing and temperature-modulated antipredator responses. Populations show geographic variation in venom toxicity, with eastern populations exhibiting reduced toxicity linked to lower sodium β toxin gene expression. The species has been documented harboring the endosymbiont Mycoplasma vittatus, the first Mycoplasma species identified from an arachnid.
Chelicerata
Chelicerates
Chelicerata is a major subphylum of arthropods characterized by the presence of chelicerae—pincer-like or fang-like appendages that are the first pair of structures before the mouth. The group includes horseshoe crabs, sea spiders, and arachnids (spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks, harvestmen, and allies). Chelicerates diverged from other arthropods by the mid-Cambrian period, approximately 508 million years ago. With over 77,000 described living species and estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands more undescribed species, chelicerates represent one of the most diverse animal groups after insects. Most living species are terrestrial air-breathers, though marine lineages persist.
Chihuahuanus
Chihuahuanus is a genus of scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, established in 2013 and endemic to northern Mexico. The genus comprises medium-sized scorpions that are not considered medically important to humans. Two described species, C. coahuilae and C. crassimanus, have been characterized for venom composition, revealing toxic fractions with lethal effects in mammals and insects and antimicrobial activity against bacterial pathogens.
Chihuahuanus coahuilae
Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
Chihuahuanus coahuilae, the Lesser Stripetail Scorpion, is a small scorpion species measuring 35–55 mm. It occurs in the Chihuahuan Desert region of Mexico and the southwestern United States. The species was originally described as Vaejovis coahuilae in 1968 and later transferred to the genus Chihuahuanus. It is a member of the family Vaejovidae, one of the most diverse scorpion families in North America.
Chihuahuanus crassimanus
Thick-handed Scorpion
Chihuahuanus crassimanus is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis crassimanus by Pocock in 1898. It is commonly known as the Thick-handed Scorpion. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, inhabiting arid and semi-arid regions. Like other vaejovid scorpions, it is a terrestrial predator adapted to desert environments.
Chihuahuanus russelli
Russell's Scorpion
Chihuahuanus russelli is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis russelli by Williams in 1971. It is commonly known as Russell's Scorpion. The species belongs to the genus Chihuahuanus, which comprises scorpions distributed in the Chihuahuan Desert region of North America.
Diplocentrus diablo
Diplocentrus diablo is a species of scorpion in the family Diplocentridae, first described by Stockwell and Nilsson in 1987. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive morphological features including a subaculear tubercle on the telson. As a member of the order Scorpiones, it possesses the typical arachnid body plan with four pairs of walking legs and a segmented metasoma terminating in a stinger.
Diplocentrus lindo
Trans-Pecos Twinspine Scorpion
Diplocentrus lindo is a species of scorpion in the family Diplocentridae, described by Stockwell and Baldwin in 2001. It is commonly known as the Trans-Pecos Twinspine Scorpion. The species belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive paired spines on the pedipalps. It occurs in North America, with records primarily from the Trans-Pecos region of Texas.
Diplocentrus peloncillensis
Diplocentrus peloncillensis is a scorpion species described by Francke in 1975. The species has been studied for its foraging ecology, specifically how prey availability influences search behavior. Research indicates that individuals adjust their foraging strategies in response to prey density.
Diplocentrus spitzeri
Ruby Rock Scorpion
Diplocentrus spitzeri is a scorpion species in the family Diplocentridae, endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico. The species exhibits distinctive maternal care behaviors, including a specialized birth posture where the female elevates her body on her legs and pedipalps while young emerge from the genital opercula and climb onto her back. First instar young remain on the mother's back until their first molt, during which time the female displays defensive behaviors to protect them. The species inhabits rocky pine-oak forest environments, where it shelters under stones and in rock crevices.
Gertschius agilis
Gertschius agilis is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, described by Sissom and Stockwell in 1991. It is distributed across Middle and North America. As a member of the order Scorpiones, it possesses the characteristic segmented tail with terminal stinger and pedipalps modified into pincers. The specific epithet "agilis" suggests an association with agility or quick movement.
Graemeloweus glimmei
A small scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis glimmei in 1972 and later transferred to the genus Graemeloweus. The genus Graemeloweus was established in 2016 to accommodate several vaejovid species previously placed in Vaejovis. This species is known from a limited number of observations and specimens, primarily from western North America.
Hadrurus
Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion, Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus is a genus of large scorpions in the family Hadruridae, native to sandy deserts and xeric habitats of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Members of this genus rank among the largest scorpions in the world, exceeded in size only by Hadogenes, Pandinus, Heterometrus, and Hoffmannihadrurus. The genus currently contains seven recognized species, including the well-known Hadrurus arizonensis, commonly called the Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion. These scorpions are characterized by their robust, hairy bodies with yellowish coloration, though Hadrurus spadix notably exhibits a dark, nearly black prosoma and mesosoma.
Hadrurus anzaborrego
Anza-Borrego Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus anzaborrego is a large scorpion endemic to the western Colorado Desert of southern California and extreme northern Baja California. It is a medium-sized member of the genus Hadrurus, reaching up to 11 cm in length. The species exhibits two distinct color phenotypes: light individuals are pale yellow, while dark individuals have a melanic posterior carapace and mesosoma. Both forms display a characteristic dark, v-shaped pattern near the eyes. The species name derives from Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, where the holotype was collected.
Hadrurus arizonensis
giant desert hairy scorpion, giant hairy scorpion, Arizona Desert hairy scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching up to 14 cm in length. This arachnid inhabits the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, where it constructs elaborate burrows up to 2.5 meters deep. It is a nocturnal predator that employs a 'sit and wait' hunting strategy, using sensory hairs to detect ground vibrations. Despite its imposing size, its venom is relatively mild with an LD50 of 168-198 mg/kg, comparable in pain to a honeybee sting. The species is viviparous, with young remaining on the mother's back for over a week after birth.
Hadrurus spadix
Black Hairy Scorpion, Black-back Scorpion
Hadrurus spadix is a large scorpion reaching approximately 15 cm in length, native to the southern deserts of North America. It is distinguished from the closely related giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) by its entirely black prosoma (cephalothorax). This species is a dedicated burrower, spending considerable time excavating and enlarging subterranean galleries in sandy substrates. Its venom is considered low in toxicity to humans, though the sting remains painful.
Iuridae
The Iuridae are a family of scorpions established by Thorell in 1876. The family comprises six genera—Anatoliurus, Calchas, Iurus, Letoiurus, Metaiurus, Neocalchas, and Protoiurus—with at least 20 described species. Iuridae is distinguished from the large family Buthidae by possessing monocentric chromosomes rather than holocentric chromosomes. The family is part of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida.
Kochius hirsuticauda
Kochius hirsuticauda is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, first described as Vaejovis hirsuticauda by Banks in 1910 and later transferred to the genus Kochius. The specific epithet "hirsuticauda" refers to a hairy tail (cauda), a distinctive morphological feature. It is a North American species with documented observations primarily from the southwestern United States. The genus Kochius was established relatively recently, separating several species previously placed in Vaejovis based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence.
Kochius sonorae
Kochius sonorae is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, originally described by Williams in 1971 as Vaejovis sonorae before being transferred to the genus Kochius. The species is known from Middle America with distribution records indicating presence in the region. As a member of Vaejovidae, it belongs to a diverse family of scorpions primarily distributed in North and Central America.
Kovarikia
Kovarikia is a genus of scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, endemic to humid rocky microhabitats of southern California. The genus contains three described species: K. angelena, K. bogerti, and K. williamsi. It was established in 2014 based on distinctive morphological characters, particularly unique neobothriotaxy patterns on the pedipalp chelae.
Paravaejovis puritanus
Stripe-tailed scorpion
A medium-sized scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was originally described as Vaejovis puritanus in 1958 and later transferred to the genus Paravaejovis. The species is one of several stripe-tailed scorpions in the region and is frequently encountered in desert and semi-arid habitats.
Paravaejovis spinigerus
stripe-tailed scorpion, devil scorpion
Paravaejovis spinigerus, commonly known as the stripe-tailed scorpion or devil scorpion, is a medium-sized scorpion native to the Sonoran Desert region. Adults reach 60–70 mm in length and weigh approximately 9.5 g. The species was transferred from the genus Hoffmannius to Paravaejovis in 2013. Its venom is not medically significant to humans.
Paravaejovis waeringi
Dune Devil Scorpion
Paravaejovis waeringi, commonly known as the dune devil scorpion, is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae. It is native to the Colorado Desert of North America. The species was originally described as Vaejovis waeringi by Williams in 1970 before being transferred to the genus Paravaejovis. It is one of the scorpion species adapted to arid desert environments.
Paruroctonus
Paruroctonus is a genus of small to medium-sized scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, containing approximately 30 described species distributed primarily in arid regions of western North America. The genus includes notable alkali sink specialists such as P. soda and P. conclusus, which inhabit dry lake beds (playas) in California. Several species have been studied for their chemical communication systems and thermal ecology.
Paruroctonus arenicola
Mojave Dunes Scorpion
Paruroctonus arenicola is a sand dune specialist scorpion described by Haradon in 1984. It belongs to the family Vaejovidae and is native to North American desert regions. The species is adapted to sandy habitats and is primarily nocturnal. Like other members of the genus Paruroctonus, it exhibits typical scorpion characteristics including a segmented tail with stinger and pedipalps modified into pincers.
Paruroctonus arenicola nudipes
Paruroctonus arenicola nudipes is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae. It is part of the alkali-sink specialist group within the genus Paruroctonus, which has been the focus of recent taxonomic research involving citizen science discoveries. The parent species P. arenicola was described by Haradon in 1984, with the subspecies nudipes recognized at the same time. Members of this genus are typically associated with dry, saline playa habitats in western North America.
Paruroctonus baergi
sand swimmer scorpion
Paruroctonus baergi, commonly known as the sand swimmer scorpion, is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae. It is native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species is known for its burrowing behavior in sandy desert habitats. It was originally described as Vaejovis baergi before being transferred to the genus Paruroctonus.
Paruroctonus gracilior
Paruroctonus gracilior is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, first described by Hoffmann in 1931. It belongs to a genus that includes several alkali playa specialists adapted to arid environments. The species has been documented in both Middle and North America, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Paruroctonus luteolus
Paruroctonus luteolus is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, originally described as Vaejovis luteolus by Gertsch & Soleglad in 1966. It belongs to the genus Paruroctonus, which includes several alkali-sink specialist species found in arid regions of western North America. The species is known from Middle America and North America, though specific details about its ecology and behavior remain limited in available literature.
Paruroctonus pecos
Paruroctonus pecos is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, first described by Sissom & Francke in 1981. It belongs to a genus of small scorpions found in arid regions of North America. Information specific to this species is limited in the available sources.
Paruroctonus silvestrii
California common scorpion, stripe-tailed scorpion
Paruroctonus silvestrii is a small scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, native to the coastal regions of California and Baja California. It is commonly known as the California common scorpion or stripe-tailed scorpion. The species inhabits dry areas where it constructs and occupies burrows. It is distinguished by four longitudinal brown lines on the ventral surface of its tail, which gives rise to its 'stripe-tailed' common name.
Paruroctonus variabilis
Paruroctonus variabilis is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, described by Hjelle in 1982. It is native to North America. As a member of the genus Paruroctonus, it belongs to a group of scorpions that includes several alkali playa specialists, though the specific ecological preferences of P. variabilis itself have not been detailed in the available literature. The species is represented in scientific collections and citizen science platforms, with observations documented in the western United States.
Pseudouroctonus
Pseudouroctonus is a genus of vaejovid scorpions established by H. L. Stahnke in 1974. The genus contains approximately 20 species distributed across the drylands and mountains of western North America. Members of this genus are notable for their stenotopic habitat requirements and have been subject to recent taxonomic revision using molecular methods, which has revealed substantial cryptic diversity. The genus includes the P. minimus complex, a group whose diversification patterns have been used to study the relative impacts of pre-Quaternary tectonics versus Pleistocene climate change on speciation.
Pseudouroctonus reddelli
Texas Cave Scorpion
Pseudouroctonus reddelli, commonly known as the Texas Cave Scorpion, is a troglobitic scorpion species first described in 1972. It belongs to the family Vaejovidae and is endemic to cave systems in Texas. The species exhibits classic cave-adapted traits including reduced pigmentation and elongated appendages. As a specialized cave dweller, it represents an important component of subterranean biodiversity in the karst regions of central Texas.
Pseudouroctonus santarita
Pseudouroctonus santarita is a species of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, described by Ayrey and Soleglad in 2015. The species belongs to a genus of scorpions found in western North America. Like other members of Pseudouroctonus, it is a small to medium-sized scorpion adapted to specific habitats in arid and semi-arid regions. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision using molecular data to clarify species boundaries.
Serradigitus
Sawfinger Scorpions
Serradigitus is a genus of small scorpions in the family Vaejovidae, commonly known as sawfinger scorpions. The genus contains more than 25 described species distributed across arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. These scorpions are lithophilous, inhabiting rocky crevices and stone habitats. The venom of Serradigitus gertschi has been characterized through transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, revealing a complex mixture of ion channel toxins, enzymes, and other bioactive peptides.
Serradigitus joshuaensis
Serradigitus joshuaensis is a small scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, described from specimens collected near Joshua Tree, California. The species belongs to a genus characterized by serrated tarsal claws, a trait reflected in the name Serradigitus. It inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and is one of several species in this genus adapted to desert environments.
Serradigitus wupatkiensis
Serradigitus wupatkiensis is a scorpion species in the family Vaejovidae, first described by Stahnke in 1940. It belongs to the genus Serradigitus, which is characterized by serrated or toothed structures on the pedipalp fingers. The species is found in North America, with the specific epithet referencing Wupatki, likely indicating a type locality in the southwestern United States. Like other vaejovid scorpions, it is a small to medium-sized species adapted to arid environments.
Smeringurus vachoni
Vachon's Hairy Scorpion, Vachon's Sand Scorpion
Smeringurus vachoni is a small to medium-sized burrowing scorpion endemic to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Formerly classified in Paruroctonus, it was reassigned to Smeringurus based on morphological and genetic studies. This psammophilic (sand-dwelling) species constructs shallow burrows in loose sandy substrates and is primarily nocturnal. It is distinguished by its densely setose (hairy) pedipalps and metasoma, an adaptation for sensory function in sandy environments.
Smeringurus vachoni immanis
Smeringurus vachoni immanis is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, native to the southwestern United States. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive metasomal (tail) morphology. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological differentiation from the nominate form S. vachoni vachoni. Like other members of Smeringurus, it is adapted to arid environments and exhibits fossorial or nocturnal habits typical of desert scorpions.
Smeringurus vachoni vachoni
Smeringurus vachoni vachoni is a subspecies of scorpion in the family Vaejovidae. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized scorpions found in arid regions of western North America. The nominate subspecies is distinguished from the other subspecies, S. v. mesaensis, primarily by geographic distribution.
Stahnkeus deserticola
A medium-sized scorpion in the family Vaejovidae, originally described from Arizona. The species epithet 'deserticola' indicates its association with desert habitats. It was transferred from the genus Vaejovis to the genus Stahnkeus based on phylogenetic and morphological studies. The genus Stahnkeus was established to accommodate a distinct lineage of vaejovid scorpions found in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Superstitionia
Superstitionia is a monotypic genus of scorpions containing the single species S. donensis. It is the only genus in the family Superstitioniidae. Unlike other members of its family, which are cave-adapted and lack pigmentation and lateral eyes, S. donensis is darkly pigmented and possesses lateral eyes. The genus was established in 1940 based on specimens from the Superstition Mountains of Arizona.