Bugs in Sonoita (Elgin: house, moving to, guide)

[DaveJS]

I'm moving to Elgin this summer, and I was wondering if anyone can tell me the bug issue there (or around there like in Sonoita). My major concern are scorpions, spiders, and centipedes - I know they have them in Az, but what about in or near Elgin? Like, how frequently are they seen?

[AZAstronomer]

I live in Sonoita and scorpions, spiders, centipedes, tarantulas, black widows, etc. live here as well. I have had a couple of the biggest centipedes I have ever seen (I'm from NYC so that really isn't saying much) in the house but just scooped them in a cup and put them outside. I only see scorpions outside once in a while, however I have seen some crawly creatures that I have no idea what they are but I'm sure they serve a purpose so I just try to stay out of there way.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by AZAstronomer

I live in Sonoita and scorpions, spiders, centipedes, tarantulas, black widows, etc. live here as well. I have had a couple of the biggest centipedes I have ever seen (I'm from NYC so that really isn't saying much) in the house but just scooped them in a cup and put them outside. I only see scorpions outside once in a while, however I have seen some crawly creatures that I have no idea what they are but I'm sure they serve a purpose so I just try to stay out of there way.

Just curious, how big were the 'pedes? Ive tried to find some giant centipedes in AZ but have come up empty-handed. There are some that can get up to 10" long in AZ. Did they look like either of these?

Arizona giant centipede - Scolopendra heros - BugGuide.Net

http://www.goldenphoenixexotica.com/shaz.jpg

[AZAstronomer]

I always take pictures of all the bugs before I let them go so here are a few pictures of the actual 'pedes that were in my house.

Susan

[Steve-o]

Excellent! Thank you very much!

Those look like Scolopendra polymorpha to me, but I could be wrong. Not quite what Im looking for, but thanks anyways! Also, do you keep tarantulas as pets? Im gonna guess that the tarantula in the photo is a Aphonopelma iodius (or maybe chalcodes)? Im guessing because those are native to your area, I figured you found one in the yard and decided to keep it? Anyways, thanks again!