Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Paravaejovis spinigerus

 
Photo © by Mike Plagens

This arachnid above was found in a quiescent, hibernation-like state beneath a rock in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 26 Dec. 2008. Identification was made by Kari M McWest. The example below was observed north of Woolsey Peak, Maricopa Co., Arizona. March 2022.

Vaejovidae -- a Scorpion Family

Paravaejovis spinigerus photo © by Mike Plagens

Although the sting of this very common scorpion is reportedly quite painful, it is not dangerous and the harm soon vanishes. Stripe-tailed Scorpions are very unlikely to be found inside human dwellings - the habitat is simply too dry and besides these scorpions are not good climbers unlike Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), which does inhabit houses. Stripe-tails prey on various arthropods that they find beneath rocks or cattle dung. Termites are an important prey item.

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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 01 Jan. 2009,
updated 22 Mar. 2022.