Many people don’t realize Colorado is home to scorpions — in fact, you can find three different species here! In the spirit of spooky season, here are some fun scorpion facts:
- Scorpions are a type of arachnid — yes, like a spider!
- They have a pair of eyes in the middle of their head, but also 2-5 extra sets along their sides.
- Scorpions’ exoskeletons contain a chemical structure that makes them glow in the dark when exposed to ultraviolet light.
- Scorpions can survive for up to a year with no food and only water.
Colorado Scorpions
Common Striped Bark Scorpion
This species of scorpion is widespread in southeastern Colorado and can be found as far north as I-70. They’re the most common type of Scorpion in the US. They are typically about 2.5 inches long when fully extended. They make homes in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to deserts to forests.
Northern Desert Hairy Scorpion
The largest type of scorpion in Colorado, this species can grow to be 5 inches in length when fully extended and are large enough to feed on small rodents. You’ll find these guys primarily on the Western slope — where it's warmer, more arid, and they can burrow — most notoriously in the Dinosaur National Monument area.
Northern Scorpion
You can find the northern scorpion along the Colorado-Utah border. Evident by its name, these scorpions are the northernmost of the species. They have the best tolerance for colder climates. Adults are usually 1.5 to 2 inches in length.
