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Smeringurus mesaensis

Smeringurus mesaensis

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Smeringurus mesaensis, commonly known as the dune scorpion or giant sand scorpion, is a species within the family Vaejovidae. It inhabits the deserts of the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
 
 

  • Description

    Adult dune scorpions typically measure about 72 mm in length and weigh approximately 2 grams. They exhibit a sandy beige coloration, which provides effective camouflage in their desert surroundings. Females are generally larger than males, though males possess proportionally larger pedipalps.

  • Habitat and Distribution:

    S. mesaensis is native to the Nearctic region, commonly found in the southern parts of California and Arizona, as well as Baja California in Mexico. They prefer open desert or dune habitats, where they construct burrows in sandy soils.

  • Behavior

    These scorpions are fossorial and solitary, spending much of their time in burrows to avoid extreme desert temperatures and predators. They are nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt and mate, with peak activity between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. During the mating season, males travel considerable distances in search of females.

  • Reproduction

    Mating occurs in August and September, often on moonless nights. After a gestation period of 10 to 14 months, females give birth to live young between July and September. The offspring ride on the mother’s back until their first molt, approximately 12 days after birth, before dispersing to lead independent lives.

  • Venom

    While S. mesaensis possesses venom used to subdue prey, it is not considered dangerous to humans. However, a sting can cause localized pain and swelling. Caution is advised when handling or encountering these scorpions.

  • Captive Care

    In captivity, dune scorpions require an environment that mimics their natural desert habitat. A substrate of sand or a sand-soil mix is suitable for burrowing. Maintaining a temperature gradient, with daytime temperatures around 80-90°F (27-32°C) and cooler nights, is beneficial. Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish is also recommended.

  • Classification

    Smeringurus mesaensis was first described by entomologist Herbert L. Stahnke in 1957. 

    In 1983, Richard M. Haradon introduced Smeringurus as a subgenus of Paruroctonus and placed Paruroctonus mesaensis within the subgenus.

    Eventually in 1992, Scott A. Stockwell elevated Smeringerus to full genus status, resulting in the reclassification of Paruroctonus mesaensis to Smeringerus mesaensis

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