Scorpions in Georgia (4 Types With Pictures)

Scorpions are intriguing creatures that have been around since the Paleozoic era, 300 million years ago. Though they have a fearsome reputation, they are not born aggressive – rather, they tend to be quiet and shy. About 2,000 species of scorpions exist today and are distributed across the entire globe. They come in many different shapes and sizes as well, with some being no bigger than a fingernail while others can reach up to 8 inches long! Scorpions’ bodies also change form throughout their lifetime in response to temperature and food availability. 

Are There Scorpions In Georgia

Scorpions are eight-legged arachnids that can be found in various corners of the globe, including some states in the U.S. In particular, certain species of scorpion can be encountered in Georgia on occasion. Scorpions in Georgia typically range in size from two to three inches long and feature a distinctive set of claws and a curved abdomen with a narrow tail protruding out of the back end. In this article, we will talk about various scorpion species that Inhabitat in Georgia.

Types Of Scorpions In Georgia

Georgia is home to several distinct species of scorpion, including the striped bark scorpion, desert hairy scorpion, and stripeless bark scorpion. These arachnids can be found living throughout the state’s warm climates – often in wooded or sandy areas. While not as lethal as some tropical species of scorpions, these creatures still produce venom that can cause nasty swelling and intense pain in humans if stung.

Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)

The Striped Bark Scorpion is a species of scorpion found in the state of Georgia. It is generally found around rocks, wood piles and logs, and spends most of its life in underground burrows or under surface objects. This species is typically small to medium-sized and can vary in colour from yellowish-brown to bluish-greyish shades. With a wide range of habitats available in Georgia, this species has adapted to survive there. 

The Striped Bark Scorpion thrives due to its ability to blend into its natural habitat and hide away from unwanted predators. This voracious predator thrives on a diet composed mainly of insects such as moths and crickets, while they also scavenge other insects that can be found around their resting places. Its venomous sting can cause pain and paralysis amongst its prey, which makes them an efficient hunter even though lack the speed that some other scorpions possess.

Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis)

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is found around the US, including in the state of Georgia. This species is known for its yellowish-brown colouring, with four dark stripes running along its back. It emits a yellow luminous glow when exposed to certain wavelengths of light – an interesting sight for nocturnal explorers! The sting from a Desert Hairy Scorpion can be painful and unpleasant, but it is usually not fatal. They are generally only visible during the warmer months of spring and summer, as they hibernate during cold winter months. With their unique colouration and ability to glow at night.

Stripeless Bark Scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus)

The Stripeless Bark Scorpion is a species of scorpion that is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in Georgia. While its sting can be painful, it generally does not cause serious harm if treated appropriately. 

However, a sting from a Stripeless Bark Scorpion should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought if necessary. These scorpions are typically light yellow or grey in colour and measure between one to two inches long. They can often be found under logs, boards, rocks and other areas of debris which provide the protection they seek while they hunt their prey – typically insects or other arthropods. 

Slender Brown Scorpion (Centruroides gracilis)

The Slender Brown Scorpion is one of the many species of scorpion found in Georgia. This light brown arachnid has formidable stingers which produce venom to protect itself when disturbed or threatened. It is beneficial to humans as it helps keep populations of pest insects down, such as roaches and crickets. 

Outside humans, they have very few natural predators due to their potent poisonous stings. Fortunately, their venom is known to not be deadly towards humans and tends to cause a localized pain that eventually fades after several hours. These scorpions prefer the dark crevices found under stones and wood and can range from an inch long, to 3 inches in size. They can also be found inside human dwellings like attics, crawl spaces and garages; anywhere there is plenty of insect prey for them to feed on.

Are Georgia Scorpions Dangerous?

Not much because a Striped Bark Scorpion, the only native Georgia scorpion, is found throughout the southern regions of the state and while they can sting, their venom is rarely strong enough to cause serious harm – usually resulting in localized pain and swelling. While it might be alarming to come across one of these eight-legged creatures in your home or yard, it’s not as dangerous as you think. Although having them around can do more good than harm because they feast on household pests such as cockroaches and crickets.

What To Do If You See A Scorpion?

If you ever come face-to-face with a scorpion, don’t panic. The most important thing is to not make any sudden movements or loud noises to startle it. It might be best to move away slowly and get help from wildlife experts who specialize in scorpions if you are worried about safety. Try not to touch the scorpion directly, but you can gently her the creature off its path with a broom or flat object. If it is inside your home, try to contain it with a glass cup and slide a piece of paper underneath so that it won’t escape. If necessary, some insecticides can be used but you should use caution and follow directions carefully when applying pesticides.

References:

https://www.zonehomesolutions.com/scorpions-in-georgia/
https://www.orkin.com/ask-orkin/are-there-venomous-scorpions-in-georgia
https://newswire.caes.uga.edu/story/1696/the-scorpion-myth.html