The Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is the largest species of scorpion in North America growing to 14 centimetres in length. Although venomous, they're not considered medically significant.
Average Adult Size: | 14 Centimetres Long |
Diet: | Insectivore |
Lifespan: | 10 - 20 Years (Captivity) |
Natural Habitat: | Deserts |
ICUN Red List Rating: | Not Evaluated (NE) |
Description:
The Giant Desert Hairy is generally brown in colour with yellow arms, legs, and tail. it has very thin pincers compared to some other species of scorpion as these prefer to use their venom to subdue their prey. Their name comes from the long brown hairs that cover their body and are used to detect vibrations, helping them to find prey and avoid predators.
Habitat:
Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions can be found throughout the Soharan and Mojave deserts in Mexico and the United States. They are specially adapted to hot and dry conditions and dig elaborate burrows up to 2.5 metres deep.
Diet and Feeding:
This species' diet consists largely of invertebrates but they will eat small vertebrates if the opportunity arises. This usually consists of small mammals or reptiles. Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions use their venom to kill their prey as their claws are too weak to crush it as many other scorpions do.
Breeding:
As with all scorpions, the Giant Desert Hairy gives birth to live young who remain on the mother's back for a week or more before leaving.
Conservation:
These scorpions have not currently been evaluated by the IUCN for a conservation status.