Arizona’s vast and varied landscapes are home to scorpions, prevalent throughout the state. These arachnids have adapted to diverse environments, making their presence common for residents and visitors. Understanding their typical habitats provides insight into their widespread distribution and behavior.
Statewide Distribution
Scorpions thrive across most regions of Arizona due to the state’s arid and semi-arid conditions. The Sonoran Desert, covering a significant portion of central and southern Arizona, is a primary habitat, offering the warm climate and low humidity many species prefer. They are commonly found in desert floors and rocky hillsides.
While often associated with lower desert elevations, scorpions also inhabit higher altitudes within Arizona. The stripe-tailed scorpion, for example, can be found from near sea level up to 7,000 feet. The giant hairy scorpion, a larger species, has been observed at elevations over 6,000 feet. This means scorpions can be encountered in diverse natural settings, from saguaro forests to mountainous areas.
Preferred Habitats and Hiding Spots
Scorpions seek shelter from the harsh desert sun and to find prey, utilizing both natural outdoor environments and human-made structures. Outdoors, they commonly hide under rocks, logs, and loose tree bark. They also burrow into sandy soils or utilize crevices in block walls and natural rock formations. Dense vegetation and areas with sufficient moisture, such as riparian zones with mesquite or cottonwood groves, also attract scorpions.
Indoors, scorpions are opportunistic and can enter homes through small openings, sometimes requiring as little as 1/16 of an inch. They frequently seek cool, dark, and secluded places within residential buildings. Common indoor hiding spots include garages, attics, basements, and closets. Scorpions may also be found under sinks, in shoes, or within wall voids, accessing interior spaces through electrical faceplates or pipe collars. Some species, like the Arizona bark scorpion, exhibit negative geotaxis, preferring an upside-down orientation, often found clinging to the underside of objects or climbing walls and ceilings.
Common Arizona Species and Their Locations
Arizona is home to numerous scorpion species, each with distinct dwelling preferences. The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is frequently encountered in urban areas and is often considered the most common “house scorpion.” These adept climbers are often found on vertical surfaces, including palm trees, outdoor furniture, and within homes, particularly in wall voids and crevices.
The stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus) is often found in rocky areas, sandy washes, and desert landscapes. This scorpion is commonly observed under rocks and debris, seeking shelter during the day. While primarily an outdoor dweller, it can occasionally venture into homes.
The giant hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis), North America’s largest scorpion, prefers loose, sandy soil where it can dig extensive burrows, sometimes eight feet deep. These scorpions are typically found in low-elevation valleys and washes, emerging at night to forage. The yellow ground scorpion (Vaejovis confusus) primarily dwells in the soil and is more prevalent in southeastern Arizona.