Scorpions are arachnids, characterized by an elongated body, eight legs, pincer-like pedipalps, and a segmented tail that culminates in a venomous stinger. While found on nearly every continent, approximately 90 different scorpion species inhabit various regions across the United States.
Geographic Hotspots
The southwestern United States represents the primary region where scorpions are most commonly found. States like Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah are home to significant scorpion populations. Arizona, in particular, holds the distinction for having the most scorpions, largely due to its expansive arid and desert environments. Cities such as Phoenix and Tucson in Arizona report some of the highest incidences of scorpion encounters. Similarly, areas around El Paso, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada, along with Oklahoma City and Tulsa in Oklahoma, also experience high rates of scorpion activity.
Beyond the Southwest, scorpions are present in other parts of the country, though typically in lesser abundance. States including Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia host scorpion populations. It is noteworthy that only about five of the 90 scorpion species native to the US naturally reside east of the Mississippi River. While less common, rare sightings have even been reported in northern states such as Washington, Oregon, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Preferred Environments
Scorpions exhibit a strong preference for arid and semi-arid climates, thriving in deserts, savannas, and grasslands. Within these regions, they seek out microhabitats that offer protection. They are frequently found in rocky terrains, sandy soils, and under ground cover, such as rocks, logs, and tree bark. As nocturnal creatures, scorpions spend daylight hours hidden to escape intense heat, emerging at night to hunt.
Scorpions also adapt to human-modified environments, frequently appearing around building foundations, in wall voids, and sometimes inside homes, garages, or attics. They can enter structures through small openings around windows and doors, occasionally being found in unexpected places like shoes or folded clothes.
Common US Species
Among the numerous species in the United States, several are common or notable. The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is known as the most medically significant scorpion in North America. This slender, light brown scorpion, typically 2 to 3 inches long, is prevalent across southern California, Arizona, Nevada, southern Utah, and southwestern New Mexico.
Another frequently encountered species is the stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus), also known as the devil scorpion. Characterized by brownish-tan stripes on its tail, this scorpion is common in Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and parts of California.
The giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching lengths of up to 5.5 inches. Its name derives from the hairs covering its body. This scorpion inhabits the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, spanning parts of Arizona, California, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah.