Arizona is home to a diverse array of insects and other arthropods. Its varied habitats, including deserts, mountains, and riparian areas, provide suitable conditions for numerous species to thrive.
Arizona’s Abundant Insect Life
The Sonoran Desert, a globally recognized biodiverse area, along with higher elevations and riparian zones, contributes to Arizona’s extensive insect biodiversity. Insects play fundamental roles in these environments, acting as pollinators, decomposers, and integral parts of the food chain.
Common insects like cicadas, ants, beetles, butterflies, and moths are prevalent throughout the state. Cicadas are known for their distinct summer sounds, while butterflies and moths contribute to plant pollination. Beetles and ants are involved in nutrient cycling and serve as food sources for other animals. Arizona is estimated to have at least 21,000 insect species, with many more likely undocumented.
Key Arthropods to Know
Several arthropod species in Arizona draw attention due to their size, appearance, or potential impact on humans. The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is a small, light brown scorpion, with males reaching up to 8 centimeters (3.1 inches). It is the only scorpion in the United States with venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms in humans, including intense pain, numbness, muscle twitching, nausea, or difficulty breathing. These neurotoxic effects can last from 24 to 72 hours, and young children or older adults are more susceptible to severe reactions.
Black widow spiders are common throughout Arizona. Recognized by their shiny black bodies and a distinctive red hourglass shape on the underside of the abdomen, these spiders are often found in dark, secluded areas like woodpiles, garages, and rock crevices. Their venom is a potent neurotoxin that can cause severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties, though fatalities are rare.
The giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching lengths of 10 to 18 centimeters (3.94 to 7.1 inches). Found across the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, this species often burrows under rocks or in sandy environments. Despite its size, its sting is generally comparable to a bee sting and not highly venomous to humans, unless an individual has an allergic reaction.
Several centipede species inhabit Arizona, including the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), common desert centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha), and giant desert centipede (Scolopendra heros). House centipedes are smaller, around 1.5 inches, while giant desert centipedes can grow up to 8 inches long.
Centipedes are nocturnal predators that feed on other insects and small animals. While they possess venom, their bites are typically not serious for humans, often akin to a bee sting.
Tarantulas are also present in the Arizona desert. While their appearance can be startling, species like the desert tarantula are generally harmless to humans.
Living Alongside Arizona’s Bugs
Coexisting with Arizona’s arthropod population involves awareness and preventative measures. Sealing cracks and openings around windows, doors, and foundations helps prevent entry into homes. Reducing clutter in garages, basements, and outdoor areas like woodpiles removes potential hiding spots for scorpions and spiders. Regularly checking shoes, clothing, and outdoor furniture before use can also prevent unexpected encounters.
If an encounter with a potentially venomous arthropod occurs, do not provoke it. For stings or bites, clean the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to reduce discomfort. Most bites and stings from Arizona arthropods are not life-threatening. However, seek medical attention if severe symptoms develop, particularly for children, older adults, or individuals with known allergies. Poison control centers can provide expert guidance.