Not furry either, still lovely.
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis
Also called Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion, Giant Hairy Desert Scorpion, Arizona Giant Hairy Scorpion
From Southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah) and northern Mexico (Sonoran and Mojave Deserts).12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Average length about 15 cm (5.5-6 inches).
Wild: 7-10 years; captivity: 15-20 years (females up to 20, males 7-10).
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton with fine sensory hairs
The body is covered by a tough exoskeleton. The back is dark olive-green to black, while the legs, tail and pincers are pale straw-yellow. Fine brown hairs on the tail help detect vibrations in the soil.326
Personality what they are like
Semi-defensive and prefers to flee rather than fight. If cornered, it will raise its pincers and may sting. The sting is painful but not medically significant for most people. It is strictly solitary and will cannibalise other scorpions if housed together.27
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Nocturnal and spends most of the day hidden in a burrow or under a rock. Does not need exercise but benefits from a deep substrate to dig. Provide a hide and a shallow water dish.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very low maintenance. Keep the enclosure dry with good ventilation. Spot clean waste. A shallow water dish should be kept partially filled. No special grooming needed.7
Home where they are happiest
A desert-style terrarium with deep, dry substrate (sand or sand-soil mix) for burrowing. Temperature 24-29°C (75-85°F). Humidity very low, around 30-40%. Good ventilation is essential to prevent fungal infections. Provide a hide and a shallow water dish. This species is not communal and must be housed alone.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous. Feed large insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, and occasionally small lizards or pinkie mice. Adults should be fed every 10-14 days. Adjust portion size based on abdomen condition.23
Company who they like around
Strictly solitary. Never house with other scorpions as they are cannibalistic. They do not need social interaction and are best kept alone.2
The story where it all began
The Desert Hairy Scorpion is the largest scorpion in North America and has been kept as a pet for many years due to its impressive size, mild venom and long lifespan. It is popular among invertebrate enthusiasts and is often collected in the wild using ultraviolet lights at night, as its exoskeleton glows under UV. Its hardiness and low maintenance make it a good choice for beginners and intermediate keepers.27
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Desert Hairy Scorpion. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Desert Hairy Scorpion?
Feed adult Desert Hairy Scorpions every 10 to 14 days, adjusting the meal size based on the condition of its abdomen. Juveniles may need more frequent small meals. Always monitor its body condition and consult an exotic-pet vet if unsure.23 Furry Diary plan
What does a Desert Hairy Scorpion eat, and what should it never eat?
This scorpion is carnivorous and eats large insects like crickets and dubia roaches, and occasionally small lizards or pinkie mice. What it should never eat is not fully covered in the care guides, so ask an exotic-pet vet for a list of safe and toxic prey items.23
How much space does a Desert Hairy Scorpion need?
It requires a desert-style terrarium with deep, dry substrate for burrowing, but exact dimensions are not specified. For specific enclosure size recommendations, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.2
What temperature, light or water does a Desert Hairy Scorpion need?
Keep the enclosure temperature between 24, 29°C with very low humidity around 30, 40%. Provide a shallow water dish and good ventilation; no special lighting is needed as it is nocturnal.2
How often should I clean a Desert Hairy Scorpion's home?
Spot clean waste and remove leftover food weekly. Furry Diary's plan suggests a full substrate change every six months to keep the habitat fresh and prevent mould.7 Furry Diary plan
Can a Desert Hairy Scorpion live with others?
No, they are strictly solitary and will cannibalise any other scorpions. Always house one per enclosure to keep it safe and stress-free.2
How long does a Desert Hairy Scorpion live?
With proper care, they can live 7 to 20 years, so be ready for a long-term companion. Lifespan depends on diet, habitat, and overall health.25
Can I handle a Desert Hairy Scorpion?
It is semi-defensive and prefers to flee, but if handled it may sting. The sting is painful though rarely serious for most people, so it's best to avoid handling to prevent stress and injury.27
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- acis.cals.arizona.edu: scorpions acis.cals.arizona.eduused for origin
- animaldiversity.org: Hadrurus arizonensis animaldiversity.orgused for origin, weight kg, length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history, fun fact
- en.wikipedia.org: Hadrurus arizonensis en.wikipedia.orgused for weight kg, length cm, coat or body, colours, diet basics, fun fact
- snaketracks.com: desert hair scorpion snaketracks.comused for length cm
- thebiodude.com: the care and maintenance of the desert hairy scorpion hadrurus arizone thebiodude.comused for lifespan years
- exotic-pets.co.uk: desert hairy scorpion exotic-pets.co.ukused for coat or body
- animal-world.com: desert hairy scorpion animal-world.comused for temperament, grooming or care, history, fun fact
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.