Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

Giant desert hairy scorpions get their name due to their large size, measuring up to between 4 and 7 inches in length, making it the largest scorpion in the North American region. They have many sensory hairs which assist with detecting prey through things like chemical signals and movements. Their bodies are a dark color, while their appendages -- such as legs, claws, and tail -- are more of a dull yellow color. Their large claws are used for capturing and crushing prey, and their tails can be used to sting if necessary. These scorpions are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night, typically hunting prey or seeking mates. Giant desert hairy scorpions play an important predation role in their ecosystems; they have a varied diet and prey on similarly-sized organisms such as lizards, insects, and occasionally small mammals. They are preyed on by larger vertebrates such as owls and large lizards, and sometimes by other competing scorpion species.