Scorpions in Arizona

Scorpions living in Arizona

3species

Arizona bark scorpion, Giant desert hairy scorpion, Northern scorpion.

How to recognize them

Arizona bark scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus

Slim, pale yellow to tan scorpion with thin pincers
Long thin tail, often curled to the side when resting
Climbs walls and ceilings

Giant desert hairy scorpion Hadrurus arizonensis

Largest scorpion in North America
Yellow body with dark back
Brown hairs on the tail and legs

Northern scorpion Paruroctonus boreus

Small, light brown to straw-colored scorpion
Stout pincers
Lives in sagebrush and grassland

We list the scorpions people ask about most. The Southwest has more small species that we do not cover yet. In the US only the Arizona bark scorpion has a sting considered medically significant.

Counties with records

None recorded
1 species
2
3 to 4
5 or more

Scorpions with open GBIF records, by county: 14 counties so far. Blank does not mean absent.

Active months

Open records of scorpions in Arizona by month; most fall in April, June to August.

Questions

How many scorpions are in Arizona?

3 species live in the state: Arizona bark scorpion, Giant desert hairy scorpion and Northern scorpion.

Which scorpions in Arizona are dangerous?

Arizona bark scorpion: bites or stings need medical care.

When are scorpions most active in Arizona?

Most open records fall in April, June to August.