Rattle snakes!!!???

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by MAB

the only things Ive seen around my house are black widows.
I have seen scorpions and wind scorpions at work.
At first I was terrified,but once I cought one,and played with it I was not afraid anymore.
If you go out at night to a dark area in the desert,bring a black light,scorpions glow under the light.
Wear boots and heavy pants and just keep your eyes open.

For some reason people think that here in the desert we have scorpions and snakes crawling around everyhouse.Even in heavy populated areas,its just not true.

To be honest with you,I saw more insects and snakes when I was growing up in Ensenada.

I say,dont worry about it and just kep your eyes open.

Last year (saw this on Animal Planet) alone, Tucson had over 10,000 (!!!!) calls to the FD to remove rattlers from peoples' yard. Its a serious problem out there and people need to exercise extreme caution around the house/yard/parks/etc. Whats nice about rattlers is that theyre kind enough to give you a warning that theyre mad, unless you step on one accidentally. There are several makes of nice snake-bite proof hiking/hunting boots. If youre ever out on a serious hike in the desert, its a good idea to wear them.

As for blacklighting, thats a wonderful trick, I use it all the time in AZ when I visit, and youd be surprised to see just how many you can turn up at night. I one 5 sq ft area I found 12 bark scorpions (Centruroides exilicauda) that had just left mom (looked to be around 2nd instars) and were out and about. I found over 20 that night in my father-in-law's yard alone! Theyre out there in force, but theyre nocturnal and very cryptic, you all probably walk past dozens a day and never even know theyre there. Trust me on that. Not trying to scare you, just inform you.

Here is a photo I took of a AZ desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) I keep as a pet. Here is what scorpions look like when subjected to blacklight, they flouresce a brilliant green!


Here is a Aphonopelma hentzi tarantula in defensive pose. This was a male we found in Missouri adn theyre almost identical to the species in Arizona. This male was a solid 6" across.


Here is giant centipede of the Scolopendra genus (in this case a S. polymorpha). This is a small specimen, only about 4" right now. It will reach 6-7" and have nasty bites, although not lethal.


Here is a size comparison. This is a Vietnamese centipede, but some species in AZ can easily achieve this length and greater.


Here is another AZ scorpion (Smeringurus mesaensis). Not lethal, but bad sting. Theyre often confused with the deadly C. exilicauda.


DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!!!! I work with scorpions on a daily basis and know how to handle them, etc. I do NOT CONDONE HANDLING SCORPIONS! im just showing how docile most are, here is an adult Hadrurus arizonensis, Arizona's (and North America's) largest species of scorpion. My F-I-L had one in his yard and flipped a lid, he didnt think scorpions got that big! LOL These have a sting similar to a wasp. If youre stung by any scorpion call the AZ Poison Control Center for proper care, theyre a reliable source and yield TONS of calls.

[jackie30]

Hi, I've lived in PHoenix/Scottsdale for almost 9 years and have never seen a snake. Scorpions are another story. Depending on which part of the valley you live, you will find scorpions in your house occasionally. Living closer to the mountain or new construction seems to attract the scorpion.