Desert Hairy Scorpion

Hadrurus arizonensis Care Guide

The Desert Hairy Scorpion

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Hadrurus arizonensis, commonly known as the Desert Hairy Scorpion or Arizona Hairy Scorpion, is the largest scorpion species in North America. Found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, this fossorial species thrives in sandy desert environments, where it creates deep burrows to escape the heat of the day.

While somewhat defensive, it is not dangerously venomous, making it a great choice for keepers looking for a hardy, active, and fascinating scorpion. However, due to its strict humidity requirements and occasional aggression, this species is best suited for beginner to intermediate keepers with experience maintaining arid enclosures.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Hadrurus arizonensis

• Common Name: Desert Hairy Scorpion, Arizona Hairy Scorpion, Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

• Type: Fossorial (Burrowing)

• Endemic Location: Southwestern United States (Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California) and Northern Mexico

• Size: 4”–6” (10–15 cm)

• Growth Rate: Medium to Slow

• Life Expectancy:

  • Females: Up to 20 years

  • Males: 7–10 years

• Venom Potency: Low (Not harmful to humans unless allergic)

• Temperament: Semi-defensive; prefers to flee but will use claws and mild venom when provoked

• Recommended Experience Level: Beginner – Intermediate

Taxonomy & Research Update

Hadrurus arizonensis belongs to the Hadruridae family, a group of large, desert-adapted scorpions. While this species has not undergone major taxonomic revisions, recent studies on desert scorpions have reinforced the importance of maintaining strict arid conditions in captivity to prevent health issues such as fungal infections and desiccation stress.

This species does not do well in high humidity, making proper ventilation and substrate choice critical for long-term health.

Behavior & Temperament

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is very active and can be somewhat defensive if disturbed. While it prefers to flee rather than fight, it will not hesitate to use its powerful pincers and mild venom if threatened.

Unlike more communal scorpion species, this species is strictly solitary and cannot be housed with others, even breeding attempts are risky due to their high cannibalistic tendencies.

Despite its aggressive feeding response and burrowing tendencies, this species is a great display scorpion due to its nocturnal activity. Under blacklight (UV light), its exoskeleton glows intensely, making it a favorite for night-time viewing.

Housing & Substrate

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Scorplings

• Enclosure Size: Small terrestrial enclosures such as the Sling Crib, 3” Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, or Small Cuboid.

• Substrate: 2/3 full with a dry mix of Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude and fine sand (for structure).

• Humidity: Very low—do not mist. Provide occasional water droplets on the side of the enclosure.

• Ventilation: High airflow is critical—avoid stagnant humidity.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Medium terrestrial enclosures such as the Medium Slider Crib, 6” Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid.

• Substrate: At least 1/2–2/3 full with a sand-heavy mix of Terra Aranea to support burrowing.

• Humidity: Keep it dry. Overflow the water dish occasionally but never allow substrate to become damp.

• Additional Features: Include hollow logs, cork bark pieces, or artificial burrows.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Large terrestrial enclosures such as the Large Slider Crib, 12” Cube Switch, 12” Cube, 18” Cube, or Terrestrial XL.

• Substrate: At least 1/2–2/3 full with a mix of Terra Aranea and fine sand.

• Additional Features: Provide a deep burrow setup, cork bark hides, and a secure, well-ventilated enclosure.

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Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

• Humidity: Very low (~30–40%)

• Water Dish: Small, shallow dish; keep it partially filled but allow the enclosure to remain dry.

• Ventilation: Critical - stagnant humidity can lead to fungal infections.

Heating

• This species does best with slightly elevated temperatures.

• Under Tank Heater (UTH): Attach to the side of the enclosure, never underneath.

• Heat Lamp: Optional, but ensure it does not dry out the entire enclosure too much.

Feeding Schedule

Spiderlings

• Frequency: Feed twice a week.

• Prey: 1–2 pinhead crickets or tiny red runner roaches per feeding.

Juveniles

• Frequency: Feed once a week.

• Prey: 1 small cricket or roach (no larger than the body).

• Feeding Guidelines: Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours.

Adults

• Frequency: Feed every 10–14 days.

• Prey: 2–3 large crickets or a dubia roach per feeding.

• Feeding Guidelines: Adjust based on abdomen size:

  • If thin, feed more frequently.

  • If plump, reduce feeding to every 2–3 weeks.

• Post-Molt: Wait 5–10 days before offering food.

Final Thoughts

The Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is an excellent species for keepers looking for a large, active, and hardy scorpion that thrives in a dry, desert-style enclosure. Its nocturnal behavior and UV-reactive exoskeleton make it a visually impressive species, though its territorial nature means it must be housed alone.

Unlike more moisture-dependent species, this scorpion requires strict arid conditions. Proper ventilation, substrate depth for burrowing, and careful heat management are key to its long-term health.

For those interested in keeping a stunning, beginner-friendly scorpion with low venom potency but impressive behavior, Hadrurus arizonensis is a top choice.

Additional Recommendations

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