Encyclopaedia

Terrestrial invert.TerrestrialIntermediate

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis)

Hadrurus arizonensis

The Hadrurus arizonensis, the famous 'Desert Hairy Scorpion'. It is the largest scorpion in North America (reaches 5.5 inches). Unmistakable for its sandy yellow coloring with a dark back (carapace), and above all for the thick brown hair ('sensory hairs') that covers the legs and tail, from which it takes its name. Unlike the placid forest scorpions (Pandinus, Heterometrus), the Hadrurus is an extremely defensive, irascible desert digger, quick to strike with the sting. Despite its aggressiveness, its venom is weak (similar to a bee). The real challenge is the setup: it requires a desert terrarium with sand and clay (digs very deep dens) and a total absence of humidity to avoid lethal mycosis.

Taxonomy

Class:Arachnida

Order:Scorpiones

Family:Hadruridae

Subfamily:Hadrurinae

Genus:Hadrurus

Species:Hadrurus arizonensis

Check out Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) on Atlarium

PracticeRecognition quizzesPhotos, names, origins, and puzzles to review Atlas species.Open quizzes

Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

30 - 40 %

Day temperature

28 - 35 °C

Night temperature

20 - 24 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: The University of Arizona source records the Sonoran and Mojave desert regions of Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah, plus Sonoran and Baja California Norte in Mexico; it also notes low sandy areas, rocks and shallow burrows.

Taxonomy and Genetics: The source identifies the species as Hadrurus arizonensis; it does not present a genetic analysis.

Behaviour and Habits: It reports prey capture with strong pedipalps and time spent under rocks and in shallow burrows.

Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: It describes a heavy-bodied scorpion, often exceeding five inches as an adult, with a darker body, pale sides and pale buff appendages; it does not provide a sex-specific diagnosis.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: The extension source describes low sandy areas, rocks and shallow burrows in the wild; it does not validate enclosure dimensions.

Lighting and Heating: No captive temperature or lighting range is given.

Humidity and Hydration: No captive humidity target is given.

Feeding and Supplementation: The ecological account lists insects, arachnids, small lizards and other animals as prey; it does not establish a captive schedule or supplement regime.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: The source lists multiple animal prey and does not evaluate cohabitation.

Health and Common Diseases: The source reports mild venom; it does not provide a clinical assessment or a health protocol.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Nord America (Deserti di Sonora e Mojave, Arizona, California).

Origin

Central America and CaribbeanNorth America

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet: No verified data available
Life expectancy: No verified data available
Adult size: 14 cm
Lifestyle/Microhabitat: No verified data available
Activity cycle: No verified data available
Sociality: No verified data available
Reproduction: No verified data available
Venom level: No verified data available
Handling tolerance: No verified data available
Brumation: No verified data available
Molting: No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Recommended companions

Compatible cards from coherent ecosystems with matching parameters.

Similar care

Cards with similar requirements, difficulty, habitat, and husbandry profile.

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Image gallery

Related species

Recommended companions

Bearded Dragon (Citrus)

Bearded Dragon (Dunner)

Bearded Dragon (Hypomelanistic)

Bearded Dragon (Leatherback)

Similar care

Dubia Roach (Blaptica dubia)

Desert Blonde Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

Rio Grande Gold Tarantula (Aphonopelma moderatum)

Mexican Flame Knee Tarantula (Brachypelma auratum)