Scorpions

Buthidae; Luridae; Vaejovidae

Scorpion

Common striped scorpion (Sturgis McKeever, Georgia Southern University, Bugwood.org)

Scorpion

Giant desert hairy scorpion (Mohammed El Damir, Bugwood.org)

Scorpion

Arizona bark scorpion (Jim Kalisch, University of Nebraska-Lincoln)

Identification

  • long, thin segmented bodies
  • long tails equipped with stingers
  • eight legs and pincer-like mouthparts
  • glow a fluorescent green/blue color under black light

Nesting Habits

  • spend the day resting underneath objects on the ground and come out at night to search for prey
  • seek dark protected areas to hide indoors

Diet

  • small arthropods

Significance

  • venom may cause swelling, inflammation, discoloration and pain
  • most scorpion stings are similar to bee or wasp stings
  • the only deadly scorpion in Utah is the Arizona bark scorpion, found only in southern Utah along the Colorado River

IPM Recommendations

  • Anyone stung by a scorpion should collect the scorpion and immediately contact a physician or the poison control center for medical instructions.
  • If scorpions are suspected in or around a structure, conduct a systematic inspection at night using a black light.
  • Find and seal any openings or crevices in exterior walls.
  • Repair leaky air conditioners or other outside water sources.
  • Prune trees and shrubs up and away from the ground.
  • Remove leaf litter, large mulch, debris and other harborage around buildings.
  • Install tight-fitting screens and weather stripping around windows and doors.

For more information, see our Scorpions fact sheet.