Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

Facts About Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions

This is the largest scorpion found in North America. It also goes by giant hairy scorpion and the Arizona desert hairy scorpion. Its common names come from the brown hairs that cover their bodies.

In the United States, it is commonly found western Arizona, the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts that cover parts of California, Nevada, and Utah. While this scorpion is big and imposing, its sting is only comparable to that of a honey bee.

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion Stings

Giant desert hairy scorpions look much more dangerous to humans than they actually are. If you’ve been stung by a bee, you can handle one of these pests. In comparison to other, more deadly scorpions, these are mild creatures. They’re even kept as common house pets in some states.

Giant desert hairy scorpion stings should be treated like a bee sting. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water to clean the wound. Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain. If you develop symptoms beyond this, contact a medical professional right away.

Life Cycle, Habitat & Diet

Giant desert hairy scorpions give birth to live young. The reproduction process is multilayered and intricate. Males will inflict females with sexual stings that indicate interest. He then grabs the female, moving them both and back and forth in a “promenade” dance. Females are not always into mating and occasionally resist. There have actually been instances where the female will eat her mate.

This process usually happens at night. Giant desert hairy scorpions do not have any particular mating season, but they will often remain dormant in the winter months.

On average, it will take 10 months for the scorpions to give birth to around 30 individuals. They are small and white, and will crawl onto their mother’s back to molt. This stage will last for around three weeks until they can live on their own. They become fully matured after a period of four years. These scorpions can live up to 10 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.

The giant desert hairy scorpion is most commonly found in burrows, under rocks, and in caves. You’ll usually only see them at night foraging for food. As predators, they will ambush their prey, striking at anything they perceive as a threat when they are disturbed.

The giant desert hairy scorpion is carnivorous and can eat organisms of their own size like lizards, small mammals, and even other scorpions. Once they spot their prey, they will grab it with their pincers and deliver a paralyzing sting. While this is effective on insects, larger animals will only be irritated.

Types of Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion Identification

These scorpions can range anywhere from four to seven inches in length and weighs about five grams.

Males and females are almost identical in appearance with either tan or olive green skin. Their backs are darker shades of tan or green, leading up to yellow legs and hairy tails.

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions in the Home

These big scorpions may enter your home under doors, through damaged window screens, and any cracks in the foundation while looking for water and shelter.

They often hide in attics and crawlspaces but have been found trapped in sinks and bathtubs in the main living space. If they do make their way into the living space of your house, giant desert hairy scorpions may seek shelter during the day in shoes, folded clothes, and blankets.