Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
Chihuahuanus coahuilae
This record describes Chihuahuanus coahuilae (species). Recorded family: Vaejovidae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
This scorpion superficially looks similar to the much larger Vaejovis spinigerus , with which it is often confused. But closer examination with the two will show that Vaejovis coahuilae has its carapace entirely mottled, whereas Vaejovis spinigerus has pigment only on the posterior portions of the carapace. Information about identification and range are from comments by Kari J McWest on his image
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Scorpiones (Scorpions)
- Family
- Vaejovidae
- Genus
- Chihuahuanus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Vaejovis coahuilae is found in western Texas, from Del Rio to San Angelo and Sweetwater, to the Amarillo area and west of that line, into much of New Mexico, and only in the extreme SE corner of Arizona to the east of the Chiricahua Mountains, where it is found with Vaejovis spinigerus . It also occurs in northern Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin: "of Coahuila". The type specimen was collected there.
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Chihuahuanus coahuilae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Scorpiones includes ~2,700 described species. Scorpions are among the oldest terrestrial arthropods, with fossils dating back 435 million years to the Silurian period. They glow under ultraviolet light due to fluorescent compounds in their exoskeleton.
Ecological role of the group
Scorpions can survive extreme conditions - some species can be frozen for weeks and recover, and others survive extended starvation by reducing their metabolic rate by up to 97%. They are important desert predators controlling insect populations.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Scorpion stings cause an estimated 1.2 million envenomations and 3,250 deaths worldwide annually (WHO). Scorpion venom is the most expensive liquid on Earth at $39 million per gallon - it contains compounds being researched for cancer treatment and as painkillers.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, National Geographic, medical research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lesser Stripetail Scorpion (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by kschnei
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
What is Lesser Stripetail Scorpion?
Lesser Stripetail Scorpion (Chihuahuanus coahuilae) is a species in the family Vaejovidae, within the order Scorpiones.
How do you identify Lesser Stripetail Scorpion?
This scorpion superficially looks similar to the much larger Vaejovis spinigerus , with which it is often confused. But closer examination with the two will show that Vaejovis coahuilae has its carapace entirely mottled, whereas Vaejovis spinigerus has pigment only on the posterior portions of the carapace.
Where is Lesser Stripetail Scorpion found?
Range: Vaejovis coahuilae is found in western Texas, from Del Rio to San Angelo and Sweetwater, to the Amarillo area and west of that line, into much of New Mexico, and only in the extreme SE corner of Arizona to the east of the Chiricahua Mountains, where it is found with Vaejovis spinigerus . It also occurs in northern Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert.