Chihuahuanus russelli
This record describes Chihuahuanus russelli (species). Recorded family: Vaejovidae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
Red fingers, scalloped (open space between base of fingers); elongate metasoma (tail). Overall color yellow brown, rarely with markings on the back. Originally described from specimens collected in Portal, Cochise Co., Arizona, which was also the home of Dr. Fin Russell. This area is actually on the western fringe of its distribution. Numerous new records will soon be published that will drastically expand the known range.
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
Habitat
Typically burrows under surface objects or in deserts/grasslands, usually at the bases of plants.
Geographic Range
The Chihuahuan Desert and associated grasslands and forests of se AZ to w. TX, and n. Mexico - Map (GBIF)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chihuahuanus russelli (Williams, 1971)
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Chihuahuanus russelli. 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 Chihuahuanus russelli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kari J McWest; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Chihuahuanus russelli
What is Chihuahuanus russelli?
Chihuahuanus russelli is a species in the family Vaejovidae, within the order Scorpiones.
How big is Chihuahuanus russelli?
Adults are from 40 to 55 mm (about 2 inches), total length.
How do you identify Chihuahuanus russelli?
Red fingers, scalloped (open space between base of fingers); elongate metasoma (tail). Overall color yellow brown, rarely with markings on the back.
Where is Chihuahuanus russelli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Typically burrows under surface objects or in deserts/grasslands, usually at the bases of plants. |
| Range | The Chihuahuan Desert and associated grasslands and forests of se AZ to w. TX, and n. Mexico - Map (GBIF) |