Vaejovis intermedius
This record describes Vaejovis intermedius (species). Recorded family: Vaejovidae. Recorded order: Scorpiones.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only species in the United States that has characters found on both Vaejovis and Serradigitus . These include elongate fingers that terminate in a large claw-like denticle with the outer edge with a white cap, but without the saw-like arrangement of denticles; the trichobothria ib/and it, which are situated in the midsection of the fixed finger of Serradigitus , are situated at the base of the fingers. Color is yellowish brown and lustrous, with distal regions of pedipalps and metasoma (tail) growing darker to a rich mahogany. Extremely fast, agile, and quick to sting. I have witnessed this species squirting large amounts of venom when captured on more than one occasion.
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
A rock dweller often found in rocky areas, talus slopes, cliffs, roadcuts, canyons, and arroyos, best found using black lights, but occasionally found under rocks.
Geographic Range
A beautiful species, Vaejovis intermedius is the only representative of the nitidulus group in the United States. It is found from Durango, throughout much of the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico, into the USA in mountains and canyons of Texas west of Del Rio in Val Verde, Terrell, Brewster, and Presidio counties.
About Scorpions: the wider group
Order-level background for Scorpiones, the group containing Vaejovis intermedius. 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 intermedius (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kari J McWest
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaejovis intermedius
What is Vaejovis intermedius?
Vaejovis intermedius is a species in the family Vaejovidae, within the order Scorpiones.
How big is Vaejovis intermedius?
Adults from 40 to 60 mm.
How do you identify Vaejovis intermedius?
This is the only species in the United States that has characters found on both Vaejovis and Serradigitus . These include elongate fingers that terminate in a large claw-like denticle with the outer edge with a white cap, but without the saw-like arrangement of denticles; the trichobothria ib/and it, which are situated in the midsection of the fixed finger of Serradigitus , are situated at the base of the fingers. Color is yellowish brown and lustrous, with distal regions of pedipalps and metasoma (tail) growing darker to a rich mahogany.
Where is Vaejovis intermedius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A rock dweller often found in rocky areas, talus slopes, cliffs, roadcuts, canyons, and arroyos, best found using black lights, but occasionally found under rocks. |
| Range | A beautiful species, Vaejovis intermedius is the only representative of the nitidulus group in the United States. It is found from Durango, throughout much of the Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico, into the USA in mountains and canyons of Texas west of Del Rio in Val Verde, Terrell, Brewster, and Presidio counties. |