Scorpions in California
Scorpions living in California
3species
Arizona bark scorpion, Giant desert hairy scorpion, Northern scorpion.
How to recognize them
Arizona bark scorpionMedically significant1 record, 0 counties
Giant desert hairy scorpionPainful, rarely serious96 records, 7 counties
Northern scorpionPainful, rarely serious33 records, 8 counties
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
Active months
Questions
How many scorpions are in California?
3 species live in the state: Arizona bark scorpion, Giant desert hairy scorpion and Northern scorpion.
Which scorpions in California are dangerous?
Arizona bark scorpion: bites or stings need medical care.
When are scorpions most active in California?
Most open records fall in April to May, August to September.
More for California
- All venomous animals in California
- Venomous snakes in California
- Venomous spiders in California
- Centipedes in California