Desert Hairy Scorpion

Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis

The desert hairy scorpion is a relative of the Western or California forest scorpion, which is found here in the Bay Area. Desert hairy scorpions are much larger, reaching over 5 inches long while our local scorpions are only about 1.5 inches in length. This species’ size lets visitors see all of their  amazing adaptations — including their pointy tails — at a larger scale. Although his tail is mildly venomous, our desert hairy scorpion only uses it to pierce his prey: crickets. Scorpions are primarily insectivorous but in the wild they will also go after vertebrates like small mice and lizards.

Lindsay Wildlife is home to two desert hairy scorpions: Orion and Shaula. In May 2024, Lindsay welcomed Antares to our museum. Antares is named after the brightest star in the Scorpio constellation, which is located across the sky from the Orion constellation. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Gaia punished the hunter Orion by summoning a giant scorpion that killed him. Antares was legally collected in Arizona by Bugs of America, an educational services company. You can find Antares in his terrarium which he shares with Lindsay’s blue death feigning beetles. In 2026, Shaula came to Lindsay Wildlife as an ambassador animal. Shaula currently lives behind the scenes, but she will frequently do programs; be sure to check out our Exhibit Hall for a chance to see her up close!