Virginia is home to many pesky critters, like flies, spiders, roaches, and ants. However, spooky scorpions are rare. Still, this raises the essential question—are there dangerous scorpions roaming around in Virginia?
James River Pest Solutions is here to answer this common question. In this blog, you’ll learn more about what scorpions call Virginia home. Plus, you’ll discover some of the most dangerous scorpions on the planet.
Read on to get familiar with these frightening and remarkable little creatures.
What Scorpions Live in Virginia?
In general, scorpions prefer arid, desert climates. Most are nocturnal to avoid the hottest hours and hide in shady locations during the day. Furthermore, they survive due to their low needs for food and water.
However, a few species thrive in more humid, tropical areas, such as the south. Some of the most prevalent species include the striped bark scorpion, Florida bark scorpion, and Guiana striped scorpion.
Virginia has just one scorpion species—the Southern Devil Scorpion. Fortunately, this scorpion species is typically skittish and would rather flee than attack if it has the chance. Even better, they aren’t considered dangerous scorpions compared to other potentially fatal species.
About the Southern Devil Scorpion
One of the few scorpions living in the southern United States and the only one found in Virginia, is virtually harmless. When the devil scorpion stings, victims may experience a painful pinch and slight swelling around the area. However, the swelling usually subsides in about an hour or the following day.
Identifying features:
- Their color ranges from solid brown to reddish or dark brown.
- Like all scorpions, they have eight legs and two pincers or claws.
- They are typically 1-1.5 inches in length but can grow up to three inches.
You may spot the devil scorpion in yard debris, rock piles, and other outdoor hiding spots. They occasionally wander indoors. Due to their shy behavior, you will spot them in dark crevasses and other quiet and hidden locations.
Southern devil scorpions also live in the following southeastern states, often restricted to particular areas:
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Florida
Like most scorpions, the southern devil is mainly encountered at night because it is nocturnal and typically takes shelter during the day. They consume small insects, spiders, and other even scorpions. Because of their diet and non-threatening status, they are often considered a beneficial critter to have around.
Some people are allergic to scorpion stings. Any scorpion, including the southern devil scorpion, is a threat to these individuals. Otherwise, this particular species is not considered a dangerous scorpion. Furthermore, young children, older adults, and those with preexisting health issues may be more at risk for further complications when stung by the southern devil scorpion.
Dangerous Scorpions of the World
Out of the nearly 2,000 species, only 25 are considered dangerous scorpions with the potential to end a human life. Virginians can count themselves lucky! In our state, we only have the virtually harmless devil scorpion.
However, there is a deadly species found in the United States—the Arizona bark scorpion. These threatening yet tiny scorpions can deliver a life-threatening sting. In most cases, victims experience severe symptoms that require medical attention. Fortunately, there has been a widely available anti-venom for many years, making fatal cases extremely rare.
You’ll discover more of the world’s most dangerous scorpions in the following sections.
Bark Scorpion
This specific bark scorpion species can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Mexico. They are relatively small, reaching lengths of just 2.5 inches. It has a tan body with a darker back. Furthermore, it may have stripes, depending on its specific location.
Bark scorpions are often spotted near tree bark, giving them their name. You will also see them in all the typical scorpion hiding places, including in piles of rocks, wood, and other debris.
Attacks from this dangerous scorpion occur mostly at night and in the summer season. Victims have reported sharp pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area. Also, numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.
Brazilian Yellow Scorpion
South America’s most dangerous scorpion is the Brazilian yellow scorpion. It can be identified by its length of about 2 to 3 inches and bright yellow coloring with a darker back.
Those stung by this scorpion species more commonly experience localized pain, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, fever, and nausea. In more severe cases, an individual may undergo hyperesthesia, which involves increased sensitivity to sight, sound, touch, and smell. Other symptoms include stomach cramps and respiratory issues.
Arabian Fat-tailed Scorpion
Arabian fat-tailed scorpions are notorious for being aggressive and not hesitating to sting as their primary and first defense. Because of this, they are more of a threat than other dangerous scorpions.
This scorpion is native to Africa and the Middle East. It has a thick tail and a solid reddish-brown or black body. When stung by the Arabian fat-tailed scorpion, you will endure extreme pain, swelling, redness, and further complications, like internal bleeding, vision issues, heart problems, and trouble breathing.
Spitting Thicktail Black Scorpion
This unique and dangerous scorpion gets its name from a fascinating behavior—the Spitting thicktail black scorpion can spit its potent venom up to three feet!
It also delivers its venom by stinging a victim. However, their approach to this defense is also different from most scorpions. It contains two poisons. The first strike is considered a warning and primarily used to immobilize prey. If the spitting thicktail black scorpion continues to feel in danger, it will sting again, delivering a more threatening dose of venom.
Those struck by the spitting thicktail black scorpion suffer from severe pain, muscle spasms, drooling, sweating, and heart malfunctions.
More Fascinating Scorpion Facts
Learning about the most dangerous scorpions found worldwide, perhaps you are hungry for more. No problem! Below are some of the most exciting and mind-blowing facts about sneaky scorpions to satisfy your curiosity and grow your appreciation for these incredible creatures:
- Scorpions have roamed the earth for over 420 million years.
- Rather than laying eggs, scorpions give birth to live young. Their babies will then climb onto the back of the mother and remain there until they molt for the first time.
- Wild scorpions live relatively long lives of about two to ten years. In captivity, they can live up to 25 years old.
- Scorpions glow under UV lights, which allows for easier detection by researchers and homeowners alike. Since this fascinating discovery, the known scorpion species has jumped from 600 to almost 2,000. What’s even more remarkable is that fossilized scorpions still glow under UV light after hundreds of millions of years.
- Scorpions are built for harsh conditions, often in the barren desert. This is why several species can survive extended periods without a meal. Some can go without food for an entire 12 months!
Have You Spotted a Scorpion in Virginia?
Although rare, you may catch a devil scorpion scurrying underneath yard debris on your property or perhaps trapped in your home.
At James River Pest Solutions, we handle it all—from pesky flies and biting ants to spooky spiders. The occasional scorpion is no match for our experienced and knowledgeable team of professionals.
Give us a call to get rid of any pest issue that comes your way.