Scorpions in Colorado

Scorpions living in Colorado

2species

Striped bark scorpion, Northern scorpion.

How to recognize them

Striped bark scorpion Centruroides vittatus

Yellowish tan with two dark stripes down the back
Dark triangle on the head
Thin pincers and a long thin tail

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: 13 counties so far. Blank does not mean absent.

Active months

Open records of scorpions in Colorado by month; most fall in May to June, August.

Questions

How many scorpions are in Colorado?

2 species live in the state: Striped bark scorpion and Northern scorpion.

Which scorpions in Colorado are dangerous?

None of them is considered medically significant for most people. Stings and bites hurt, and allergic reactions are possible.

When are scorpions most active in Colorado?

Most open records fall in May to June, August.