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Joshua Tree National Park
Giant Hairy Scorpion
Family Iuridae
Genus & Species Hadrurus hirsutus
 
giant hairy scorpion
 
 Description length: 5.5 inches; color: pale yellow to olive brown A waxy coating protects the scorpion from water loss.
   
 Food insects, occasionally small lizards and snakes
   
 Life History Young are born live and carried on the mother's back for 10 to 15 days before venturing out on their own.
   
 Habitat sandy areas
   
 Activity
 nocturnal and seldom encountered
   
Abundance
 common


Where to Look
 Pinyon Well, Covington Flat, Pleasant Valley, Fried Liver Wash, Squaw Tank


Notes
 Scorpions are preyed upon by owls and bats. Their sting has about the same effect as that of a wasp.
Joshua Tree Blooms  

Did You Know?
One of the most beautiful spectacles in spring is the creamy-white blossoms of Joshua trees. These white candles can be seen from February to late March. Joshua trees do not branch until after they bloom, and they don’t bloom every year.
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Last Updated: August 10, 2006 at 13:11 EST