Giant desert hairy scorpion
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| Hadrurus arizonensis (Ewing, 1928) |
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[edit] Physical Description
The giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is the largest scorpion inhabiting the South-West of North America and one of the 8-9 species of Hadrurus in the US, attaining a length of 14-15 cm (5.6-6 inches). Its large size allows it to feed readily on other scorpions and a variety of other prey , including lizards and snakes. This species is usually yellow with a dark top and lobster-like pincers. It gets its common name from the brown hairs that cover its body, these hairs help it to detect vibration in the soil. A similar species is Hadrurus spadix.
[edit] Habitat
The giant desert hairy scorpion's habitat ranges from Mexico to the western USA (Arizona, Southern parts of California, Nevada and Utah) living in arid desert regions. This scorpion does share its habitat with the Arizona bark scorpion, whose sting is life-threatening to the young, elderly, and allergic. Burrowing deep in the desert soil, this species often follows the moisture line. As summer progresses, the scorpion creates burrows as deep as 2.5 m below the surface.
[edit] Toxicity
Although this scorpion is big, its venom is not very potent, and its sting is commonly perceived to be about as painful as a honeybee's sting, this scorpion has an LD50 value of 168 mg/kg. However, an allergic reaction to its venom can be fatal; symptoms can include: difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, and prolonged pain.
[edit] Diet & Behavior
It is a burrowing scorpion, but is commonly found under rocks containing moisture. Its diet consists of large insects and small vertebrates. This is an aggressive and active scorpion, which, as with all scorpions, is nocturnal. Like all scorpions the giant desert hairy scorpion gives birth to live young, which remain on the mothers back for a week or more before leaving.
