Hadrurus arizonensis

Hadrurus arizonensis: The largest scorpion in North America

Hadrurus arizonensis, also known as the “Desert Hairy Scorpion”, is the largest scorpion in North America. With a length of up to 15 cm and its strikingly hairy exoskeleton, it is a real eye-catcher in the terrarium. The fine hairs are not just decorative – they serve as highly sensitive sensory organs and help it to perceive the finest vibrations in the ground. This makes it the perfect hunter in the dry regions of the Sonoran Desert.

But it’s not just its size that makes this scorpion so fascinating. Its adaptation to extreme habitats is particularly impressive. It can be found in the wild in the deserts of Arizona, California and Nevada. There, it copes well with extreme heat during the day and cooler nights. Its sand-colored exoskeleton reflects the sunlight and at the same time protects it from predators with perfect camouflage.

Typical for the Caraboctonidae family, it digs deep tubes that sometimes reach over a meter underground. These self-created burrows serve as a retreat during the day. At night, it comes out to catch prey – preferably smaller insects or other invertebrates. Despite its impressive appearance, its venom is harmless to humans. It is therefore also suitable for experienced owners who are looking for a safe but exciting animal.

In the terrarium, Hadrurus arizonensis needs a dry, generously furnished habitat. The tank should be at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm in size. A sand/clay mixture that encourages digging is suitable as a substrate. Cork, lava rock or mini trees provide additional hiding places. During the day it requires temperatures of up to 35 °C, at night 22-24 °C is sufficient. Even if it comes from extremely dry regions, a small bowl of water should always be available – it helps to cover its fluid requirements.

A real highlight: Hadrurus arizonensis fluoresces in a fascinating blue-green under black light. This natural glow makes every observation under UV light a special experience and underlines its uniqueness.

Important: This species is very territorial. Keeping them in groups usually leads to stress or fights. We therefore recommend keeping them individually to provide them with a calm and safe environment.

Hadrurus arizonensis is robust, easy to care for and full of character. Anyone looking for an unusual desert animal will find it a fascinating companion with a strong presence.