Beware of Scorpions in These 29 States

Arizona bark scorpion crawling down a tree
© Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Published: May 27, 2024

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There are many creatures in the world — some of them are cute and cuddly and others are venomous and dangerous. There are animals in this world that can maul you to death because they are ferocious and big creatures. Likewise, you’ll find creatures in the animal kingdom that are very small, but their sting or bite will kill you in an instant. Scorpions are such animals. They are arachnids that are feared. They have pincers and a tail that has a stinger on it. When scorpions sting you, they can hurt you horribly or even kill you. But where are scorpions found in the US? Luckily, scorpions do not live in every state. Let’s take a look at where in the United States you should beware of scorpions because these 29 states have them.

Washington

Washington on the USA map

Scorpions usually live about 5 years in the wild.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Washington in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Montana

Montana

The habitat that scorpions usually live in is in deserts or dry grassland.

©Leo_nik/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Montana in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

North Dakota

Map showing North Dakota and nearby areas

There are 30 to 40 species of scorpions that are deadly to humans.

©Mio Buono/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in North Dakota in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Idaho

A roadside welcome to Idaho sign coming from Spokane Washington and entering North Idaho at Post Falls, Idaho, USA

Scorpions have been around for millions of years.

©Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Idaho in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Wyoming

Wyoming on the USA map

Unlike popular belief, scorpions are arachnids, not insects.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Wyoming in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Illinois

Side view of a Striped Bark Scorpion with his stinger over his back, ready to be used

Scorpions’ courtship ritual is known as a

promenade a deux

, where they dance before mating.

©Sari ONeal/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only venomous scorpion living in Illinois.

Oregon

Map with Oregon and surrounding areas

Scorpions glow in ultraviolet light.

©Mio Buono/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Oregon in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Nevada

Arizona bark scorpion resting

There are over 2,500 species of scorpions.

©Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

The Arizona Bark scorpion is the only venomous scorpion living in the state.

Nebraska

Map view of Nebraska on a geographical globe. (vignette)

Some scorpion venom can serve for good and save lives.

©Victor Maschek/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only venomous scorpion living in Nebraska.

Missouri

map of missouri

Scorpions hunt for food at nighttime.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only venomous scorpion living in Missouri.

Kentucky

Kentucky on the USA map

When scorpions give birth, their young are alive (unlike other arachnids).

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Kentucky in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Colorado

Striped Bark Scorpion

There are around 40 species of scorpions found in the United States.

©JasonOndreicka/iStock via Getty Images

The striped bark scorpion is the only venomous scorpion living in Colorado.

California

Arizona bark scorpion crawling down a tree

Scorpions live on every continent except for Antarctica.

©Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

The Arizona Bark scorpion is the only known venomous scorpion in the state.

Arizona

Male Arizona bark scorpion, sitting against a tree.

More than 45 species of scorpions are found in Arizona alone.

©Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

Even though there are 45 species of scorpions in Arizona, there are two venomous ones: the Arizona bark scorpion and the stripebarked scorpion.

New Mexico

The,Striped,Bark,Scorpion,(centruroides,Vittatus),Is,An,Extremely,Common

Scorpions are a significant animal in many cultures.

©IrinaK/Shutterstock.com

There are two venomous scorpions living in the state — the Arizona bark scorpion and the striped bark scorpion.

Virginia

Map of Virginia

Although they can eat almost anything, scorpions mainly eat insects, spiders, and earthworms.

©Stellar_bones/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Virginia in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Utah

Arizona bark scorpion

Mexico has the most species of scorpions in the world.

©Ernie Cooper/Shutterstock.com

The Arizona Bark scorpion is the only known venomous scorpion in the state, but the state has several other species.

North Carolina

north carolina on the map

If there isn’t a lot of food, mother scorpions may eat their own babies.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

There are many scorpions in North Carolina, but no known venomous ones in the state.

Kansas

Striped bark scorpion on a purple leaf

Scorpions are eaten in several cultures including West Africa, East Asia, and Myanmar.

©Matt Levi Media/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Kansas, but the state has several other species.

South Carolina

south carolina on the map

Scorpions have eight legs.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

There are many scorpions in South Carolina, but no known venomous ones in the state.

Tennessee

Striped Bark Scorpion

Brood sizes can range from three to a whopping 100.

©Seth LaGrange/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Tennessee, but the state has several other species.

Arkansas

Arkansas map

Scorpions are popular as pets, too.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Arkansas, but the state has several other species.

Louisiana

Striped bark scorpion mother with scorplings on her back

Scorpions are part of the

Scorpiones

order.

©Tyler Albertson/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Louisiana, but the state has several other species.

Oklahoma

Bark scorpion in leaves in Texas

A constellation and a zodiac sign were named after the scorpion.

©Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Oklahoma, but the state has several other species.

Mississippi

Bark Scopion On Sunny Day Walking on Cedar Tree

When in captivity, scorpions can live up to 25 years.

©PorqueNoStudios/iStock via Getty Images

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Mississippi, but the state has several other species.

Georgia

State of Georgia on the map of the USA

The deathstalker is the most venomous scorpion in the world.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Georgia in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Alabama

Geographic map of Alabama close

The gestational period of scorpions varies from 2 to 18 months, depending on the species.

©Bennian/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Alabama in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.

Texas

Striped Bark Scorpion

The deathstalker is found in the Middle East and North Africa, as well.

©JasonOndreicka/iStock via Getty Images

The striped bark scorpion is the only known venomous species of scorpion living in Texas.

Florida

Florida map

The Arizona bark scorpion is the most lethal in the United States.

©Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Scorpions live in Florida in certain areas, but no known venomous ones exist in the state.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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