Scorpions are arthropods, they have eight legs, two pedipalps, and a tail with a venom-injecting barb. Scorpions have two venom glands that produce venom used in hunting and self defense. Scorpions do not have bones instead they have an exoskeleton made of chitin, the same thing our fingernails are composed of.

Scorpions are found all across the world. There are over 2,000 different species found on six of the seven continents. They prey on insects, arthropods and in some cases small vertebrates. Because scorpions can live in such hash environments they have adapted the ability to slow their metabolism to as little as one-third the rate for most arthropods. This enables some species to use little oxygen and live on a single insect a year. Even with lowered metabolism, the scorpion has the ability to spring quickly to the hunt when the opportunity presents itself something that many hibernating species are unable to do. Some species can have over 100 viviparous offspring, followed by the young climbing on the mother's back for weeks until first molt and living independently. All scorpions are venomous, they use their venom to paralyze and kill their pray and in self defense. Even small young scorpions can inject you with the same amount of venom as adults.

There are more than 30 species of scorpions found in Arizona. Most common in the Phoenix area is the Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) which also happens to be the most venomous and only lethal scorpion in Arizona.

The sting of the Bark Scorpion is can be fatal to young children, the elderly and those who are allergic to the venom. Thankfully there has not been a scorpion related death reported in Arizona since the 60's.

Scorpions are often found in the desert, although there are many urban habitats that are attractive to the scorpion. Scorpions are often found near mountains, buttes and the outskirts where there has been little urbanization. New construction can cause scorpions to move from there habitat this explains why homes adjacent to new construction often find themselves infested. A water source such as a lake or canal will attract prey for scorpions.

What's In Your Backyard

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) Devil Scorpion (Vaejovis spinigerus) 1-3 inches Lethal sting Can climb on walls Habitat is moist with presence of insects Eats insects. Most commonly found in city backyards 5-6 inches Non lethal sting Habitat is the desert, will burrow into the sand. Eats arthropods, insects, snakes and lizards Most commonly found in rural backyards 2-4 inches Non lethal sting Habitat is desert, found under rocks Eats insects Most commonly found in desert backyards