# Hadrurus arizonensis The Hadrurus arizonensis, also known as the Arizona bark scorpion, is a special little creature that glows in the dark! It has a long tail and can be found in the desert, where it hides under rocks and in burrows. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Hadrurus arizonensis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Skorpion_fg01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skorpion_fg01.jpg) ## Appearance The Hadrurus arizonensis is the largest scorpion in North America, boasting a robust, yellowish-tan body with darker segments. It is distinctly covered in bristly hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance unlike smoother desert scorpions, and has large, powerful pincers. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Arachnida - **Order:** Scorpiones - **Family:** Hadruridae - **Genus:** Hadrurus ## Interesting facts - Mother scorpions carry their babies on their back for safety after they hatch! - They have special comb-like organs on their belly to "taste" the ground for clues. - They spend daylight hours hiding in deep burrows to escape the desert's extreme heat. - This scorpion is an arachnid, making it a cousin to spiders, mites, and ticks! ## Special abilities - **Vibration Sense:** Hadrurus arizonensis has sensitive bristles that help them detect tiny vibrations in the sand, alerting them to nearby prey or danger. - **Digging Power:** Hadrurus arizonensis can dig deep burrows that help them escape the scorching desert heat and hide from predators. - **UV Glow:** Hadrurus arizonensis has a special chemical in their exoskeleton that makes them glow bright blue-green under ultraviolet light. - **Venomous Sting:** Hadrurus arizonensis can deliver a mild venom through their stinger that helps them subdue insects and other small prey. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 100-150 mm - **Lifespan:** 2190-2920 days - **Leg Count:** 8 ## Diet & Feeding This predator hunts insects, spiders, and even small lizards in the desert at night. - **Primary Foods:** Crickets, Beetles, Spiders, Small lizards, Other scorpions - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Burrowing Owl](https://www.snappit.app/explore/burrowing-owl) (*Athene cunicularia*) — A common meal for this nocturnal desert bird. - **Eaten by:** [Western Diamondback Rattlesnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-diamondback-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus atrox*) — A dangerous predator that hunts scorpions at night. - **Eaten by:** Southern Grasshopper Mouse (*Onychomys torridus*) — This mouse is famous for preying on scorpions. - **Hunts:** Jerusalem Cricket (*Stenopelmatus fuscus*) — A large insect preyed upon by the scorpion. ## Traits - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type. - [Glowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/glowing): Pertaining to organisms that emit light through bioluminescence or fluorescence. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 3/5 · Moderate Keep a safe distance and never touch a scorpion, as they can sting. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hadrurus arizonensis? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Hadrurus arizonensis? 100-150 mm ### How long does Hadrurus arizonensis live? 2190-2920 days ### What does Hadrurus arizonensis eat? This predator hunts insects, spiders, and even small lizards in the desert at night. ### Where is Hadrurus arizonensis usually found? Desert ### How does Hadrurus arizonensis hunt? Ambush ### How many legs does Hadrurus arizonensis have? 8 ## Where to spot - [Desert Queen Mine](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/desert-queen-mine) — California, US · Historic Site ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Hadrurus arizonensis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hadrurus-arizonensis)