Vaejovis cashi
This record describes Vaejovis cashi (species). Recorded family: Vaejovidae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
Perhaps the most abundant scorpion in the Chiricahua Mountains, found from as low as Cave Creek near Portal to the summit. Venom is extremely weak with no ill effects to humans.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Scorpiones (Scorpions)
- Family
- Vaejovidae
- Genus
- Vaejovis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most common in rocky areas in Madrean pine-oak communities from 5,000-9,500 ft. Under rocks and other surface objects and in trees under bark. Does not burrow.
Geographic Range
SE Arizona and SW New Mexico in the Chiricahua, Peloncillo, and Animas mountains.
Seasonal Activity
Surface activity in temperatures as low as 42° F.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after Kevin Cash, who collected the type series.
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Vaejovis cashi. 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 Vaejovis cashi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kari J McWest
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaejovis cashi
What is Vaejovis cashi?
Vaejovis cashi is a species in the family Vaejovidae, within the order Scorpiones.
How big is Vaejovis cashi?
25-30 mm
Where is Vaejovis cashi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Most common in rocky areas in Madrean pine-oak communities from 5,000-9,500 ft. Under rocks and other surface objects and in trees under bark. Does not burrow. |
| Range | SE Arizona and SW New Mexico in the Chiricahua, Peloncillo, and Animas mountains. |
When is Vaejovis cashi active?
Vaejovis cashi: seasonal activity - Surface activity in temperatures as low as 42° F..