Kochius sonorae
This record describes Kochius sonorae (species). Recorded family: Vaejovidae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
Large pedipalps chelae, spiniform setae, shagreened surface. Similar to Vaejovis hirsuticauda but without setose telson.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Scorpiones (Scorpions)
- Family
- Vaejovidae
- Genus
- Kochius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sonoran Desert. Burrows.
Geographic Range
Tucson, AZ to southern Sonora, Mexico. Very few records exist.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Transferred from Vaejovis to Kochius Sonorae = honoring the Mexican state of Sonora, where it was first collected.
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Kochius sonorae. 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 Kochius sonorae (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kari J McWest; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban
Frequently Asked Questions About Kochius sonorae
What is Kochius sonorae?
Kochius sonorae is a species in the family Vaejovidae, within the order Scorpiones.
How big is Kochius sonorae?
20-30 mm
How do you identify Kochius sonorae?
Large pedipalps chelae, spiniform setae, shagreened surface. Similar to Vaejovis hirsuticauda but without setose telson.
Where is Kochius sonorae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sonoran Desert. Burrows. |
| Range | Tucson, AZ to southern Sonora, Mexico. Very few records exist. |