Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion
Hadrurus anzaborrego
This record describes Hadrurus anzaborrego (species). Recorded family: Iuridae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
The carapace of this species has a V-shaped clear interocular triangle. Hadrurus obscurus has a block shape, and H. arizonensis has a crescent shape. This species is allied to H. spadix and H. obscurus. This species was recently (2011) described by Soleglad, Fet, and Lowe.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Scorpiones (Scorpions)
- Family
- Iuridae
- Genus
- Hadrurus (Giant Hairy Scorpions)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from Southern California, from Anza-Borrego State Park to the southern reaches of Joshua Tree National Monument.
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Hadrurus anzaborrego. 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 Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kari J McWest
Frequently Asked Questions About Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion
What is Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion?
Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion (Hadrurus anzaborrego) is a species in the family Iuridae, within the order Scorpiones.
How big is Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion?
100-110 mm
How do you identify Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion?
The carapace of this species has a V-shaped clear interocular triangle. Hadrurus obscurus has a block shape, and H. arizonensis has a crescent shape. This species is allied to H. spadix and H. obscurus.
Where is Anza-Borrego hairy scorpion found?
Range: Known only from Southern California, from Anza-Borrego State Park to the southern reaches of Joshua Tree National Monument.