Pest Library

Characteristics

The family Caraboctonidae are hairy scorpions. They are large scorpions that can range from 3 3/20 to 4 7/10 inch. They are nicknamed “hairy scorpion” because of their sensory hairs attached on the pedipalps, legs, the farthest end of the metasoma, and the telson.

Habitat

This scorpion is mostly found in deserts or dry lands. They will be resting in shrubs, under stones, or sands throughout the day. Although they prefer the desert, they will still prefer burrows that is near some vegetation so that they can benefit from the moist of the roots.

Behavior

Some of the species in the family Caraboctonidae, particularly the H. arizonensis is known to be bad-tempered and can sting suddenly. However, the sting of the family Caraboctonidae is not considered dangerous since it is not lethal to humans. They are even kept in captivity because of their large size.

This family prefers to dig to escape the hot sun and save them from the temperature of the desert. They can excavate a spiral-shaped burrow that can go two meters deep. Once the night comes, they will come out from their shelter and will search for prey or for possible mates.

Food

Just like any other families of scorpions, the family Caraboctonidae is also considered an opportunistic predator. They will hunt prey that are smaller than them and will take advantage of their weaknesses. Although their diet mostly consists of invertebrates, the Caraboctonidae can also consume mice, snakes and small lizards.

Life Cycle

Mating in scorpions involves the “promenade-a-deux” or courtship dance. This dance may take a few minutes or hours to finish. The female scorpion normally resists at first, but the male will appease her with a “kiss”. The pair does not actually copulate since the male will not directly give his sperm to her. The female will do this on her own. Once mating is done, the male will release his grip on her, and will immediately leave.

Gestation period may take several months to a year. And, once the female is ready to give birth to her babies, she will deliver them individually. She may have 1 to even a hundred scorplings. Some scorpions eat their scorplings, although it is still unknown why some of them do this behavior. However, for females who will not eat their young, the scorplings will stay with their mother until their first molt. After that, they will leave her and search for their own burrows and food.

Other Information and Tips

Scorpions have the ability to wait out harsh weather conditions, especially during winter. When they do come out, it is expected to see a mass of scorpions. When this occurs, it is essential to find a professional pest control who can find possible burrows and get rid of the scorpion infestation. Although the scorpion sting of the family Caraboctonidae is not considered dangerous, their actual sting can be painful, which most homeowners do not want to experience.

Photo by Fritz Geller-Grimm (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 or CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons / resized from original