Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Paravaejovis spinigerus

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

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.

More Information:

• Bugguide.net Univ. of Iowa
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search
• Book Reference: Venomous Animals of Arizona by Robert Smith (who was one of my profs at U.A.). available at Abe Books.