Pest Library

Characteristics

Sand scorpions are large scorpions that can grow up to six inches in length. At night, this scorpion has an identifying color of light purple or violet when flashed by a black light. Other identifying features include its long, tanned shell, and its long curved tail.

Habitat

The sand scorpion is also known for its other names, such as giant scorpion, giant sand scorpion, and desert scorpion. This scorpion prefers to live on top of sand, which makes Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah its common harborage. Dry desert or dry soil is their preferred environments, hence the name sand scorpion. During the day, this arachnid will find solace underneath rocks or sand.

Behavior

The sand scorpion is a nocturnal creature that searches for prey and possible mate at night. They are very cautious creatures. They avoid predators by the use of vibrations. When they sense danger, they will flee at the scene before the danger comes. The warm and hot temperature with sandy conditions allow, this scorpion to use vibrations in detecting prey or sensing danger.

Food

They ambush all types of insects that are smaller than them, such as spiders, centipedes, crickets, cockroaches, beetles, and even other scorpions. They will use their claws to capture their prey, then sting their venom to their food to paralyze or kill it. Once the prey cannot move, the scorpion will suck up the remains. They can also eat small vertebrates such as mice, snakes, and lizards.

Life Cycle

Sand scorpions search for their possible mates with the use of vibrations. Those who will be able to pick up these vibrations will return the signal. Once they meet, the pair will engage in a scorpion mating dance until the male finally gives his sperm to the female. Scorpions do not actually copulate since the male will just lead his partner towards his sperm, and the female will take this and place it in her reproductive opening.

Unlike other scorpions, sand scorpions are able to live for fifteen to twenty five years. They can mate and produce their own young at the age of seven.A female adult can give birth to 25 to 35 scorplings. Once the young scorpions are born, they will stay on their mother’s back until their first instar. Although scorpions live a solitary life, some scorplings prefer to follow their mother until their seventh year.

Other Information and Tips

Sand scorpions are harmless creatures. Although they may still sting people if they feel threatened, but their venom is not dangerous. Most of the concern for those who were stung was the actual sting itself because the stingcan be painful. In cases where the skin was pierced, seek medical attention.

To avoid having scorpions in your premises, make certain to:
• Regularly water the garden to avoid dry soild
• Monitor the condition of dry soil areas
• Screen and seal windows and doors
• Use common pesticide and insecticides to discourage them from entering your home
• Call a pest control professional if infestation occurs