Scorpion Behavior

Scorpions are nocturnal. Scorpions hide under rocks, patio figurines, woodpiles, pool equipment and under garden vases. They are commonly located in cracks, holes, gaps, perimeter curbing, house J-trim and block wall seams. The width of a credit card allows their entry. In Arizona, the Bark Scorpion is of concern due to their venomous sting. While there are more lethal scorpion stings, the Bark Scorpion is our focus in Phoenix, Arizona.

Scorpions are eight-legged venomous invertebrates belonging to the class Arachnids. They are related to spiders, mites and ticks. They have an extended body and a segmented tail ending with the telson. Scorpions are apparently able to regulate the delivery of the venom in scale to the size of their target. In some cases a scorpion may sting and not release any venom! The impacting venom is a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system of the victim. There are some 1,280 species of scorpions worldwide. If stung by a scorpion, call the local poison control office at 1-800-222-1222 (Banner Poison Control) or your medical provider. If stung on the hand do not attempt to suck the venom out with your mouth. A wide spread body effect may occur. No ice either! Stay calm and call for assistance! Children and elderly require an immediate call for medical advice.

It may not be piece of lint on the floor. Be careful!!!

Scorpion Appearance

Scorpions reach adulthood at a length of up to 3 inches. The longest known scorpion in the world is the 8” African Scorpion. Scorpions are primarily nocturnal and actually glow when exposed to black light. Scorpions don’t bite, they sting using a quick moving flexible tail. Arizona is known to have dozens of species of scorpions.

Scorpion Diet/Food

Scorpions are predators. They often attack their prey, lying in wait as they sense a food source approach. They consume all types of insects and spiders. Some scorpions may feed on lizards and mice if they are able to subdue them. They capture their prey with their pedipalps, paralyzing them with their venom.

Scorpion Life Cycle

The pedipalps are used in scorpion courtship behavior. The male performs a dance with the female, grabbing her pedipalps with his own and dragging her across the ground until he locates a preferred place to deposit his spermatophore. Scorpion gestation periods vary from several months to a year and a half, depending on the species. Each brood will consist of about 24-35 young. The young scorpions can be born in pairs, climbing onto their mother's back to be carried there until their first molt in about two weeks, when they will be large and strong enough to take care of themselves. Scorpions may live for up to 6 months without a food and water source.

Scorpion lifespan range from three to five years, though some species are thought to live 10-15 years.