| Hoffmannius spinigerus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Scorpiones |
| Genus: | Hoffmannius |
| Species: | H. spinigerus |
| Binomial name | |
| Hoffmannius spinigerus (Wood, 1863) |
|
Hoffmannius spinigerus,[1], commonly known as the stripe-tailed scorpion or the "devil" scorpion, is very common and widely distributed in Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. This species is one of larger members of the eusthenura group of the genus Hoffmannius, which also includes Hoffmannius coahuilae and H. confusus.
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Hoffmannius spinigerus is a medium-sized scorpion with large adult females reaching nearly 70 mm. It can be differentiated from the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) by the brownish-tan stripes on the back of its tail along the keels or ridges; the tail is typically thicker than the hands and pedipalps, both of which are quite slender in the bark scorpions. The name spinigerus is derived from the spiniform granules at the ends of the dorsal keels of the tail. It may be found on sandy soil in a variety of habitats, from desert floor to rocky hillside. Typically, it is found under any convenient surface object, including sleeping bags, shoes, etc., where it builds a short burrow for protection. It seeks the most humid areas it can find.
Like most scorpions, Hoffmannius spinigerus feeds primarily on small invertebrates, including other scorpions.
A variety of rodents, birds, reptiles and other invertebrates, including spiders and scorpions, all prey on Hoffmannius spinigerus.
Like all scorpions, Hoffmannius spinigerus is venomous; however the venom of this species is not medically significant for humans or other mammals and is not considered dangerous.