Northern scorpion
Northern Scorpion
(Paruroctonus boreus)
By Cindy Murray
As I was working in my rock garden, I felt something cold against the back of my leg. When I shook my jeans and looked down, I think I said, “YIKES!” An Olympic Gold Medal would have been mine for the high jump even without a running start. The critter that had taken refuge inside my pants leg was Paruroctonus boreus, otherwise known as the Northern Scorpion.
This scorpion is found in every western state including Alaska. They average about two inches in length and contain a very unpleasant venom in their stingers. Luckily, they are nocturnal and to find them during the day, you would have to look under rocks.
Northern scorpions are hardy arachnids (related to spiders, ticks and mites) and quite common in our high desert climate. I have encountered many in my gardens, not to mention the house a time or two. The sting is much like that of a hornet and the effect can last around four hours. If you are allergic to insect stings or bites and get stung, you should seek medical care immediately.
Scorpions are carnivores and very important in helping to reduce the insect population. The stinger on the end of the scorpion tail is used to paralyze their insect prey. While I do appreciate having scorpions in my gardens, I am always careful to watch for them when moving rocks or pulling weeds.
You may encounter one other type of scorpion in your garden areas: Pseudoscorpions, or false scorpion. The pseudoscorpion is found in the entire USA, including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. This tiny arachnid is about one-eighth of an inch long and has no tail, which means no stinger. The false scorpion resembles a tick with pincers at the end of very long arms. While their pincers can deliver poison to the tiny insects they catch, they are completely harmless to people.
(Paruroctonus boreus)
By Cindy Murray
As I was working in my rock garden, I felt something cold against the back of my leg. When I shook my jeans and looked down, I think I said, “YIKES!” An Olympic Gold Medal would have been mine for the high jump even without a running start. The critter that had taken refuge inside my pants leg was Paruroctonus boreus, otherwise known as the Northern Scorpion.
This scorpion is found in every western state including Alaska. They average about two inches in length and contain a very unpleasant venom in their stingers. Luckily, they are nocturnal and to find them during the day, you would have to look under rocks.
Northern scorpions are hardy arachnids (related to spiders, ticks and mites) and quite common in our high desert climate. I have encountered many in my gardens, not to mention the house a time or two. The sting is much like that of a hornet and the effect can last around four hours. If you are allergic to insect stings or bites and get stung, you should seek medical care immediately.
Scorpions are carnivores and very important in helping to reduce the insect population. The stinger on the end of the scorpion tail is used to paralyze their insect prey. While I do appreciate having scorpions in my gardens, I am always careful to watch for them when moving rocks or pulling weeds.
You may encounter one other type of scorpion in your garden areas: Pseudoscorpions, or false scorpion. The pseudoscorpion is found in the entire USA, including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands. This tiny arachnid is about one-eighth of an inch long and has no tail, which means no stinger. The false scorpion resembles a tick with pincers at the end of very long arms. While their pincers can deliver poison to the tiny insects they catch, they are completely harmless to people.
