Are There Scorpions in Nevada?
Yes, scorpions live in Nevada, including the bark scorpion and striped bark scorpion in the southern and western desert regions. They are common around Las Vegas and southern Nevada, hiding in wood piles, shoes, and garages. Most stings are mild, but you should know how to stay safe and what to do if stung.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 1,926
- GBIF records
Yes, scorpions are in Nevada. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
14 types of scorpions recorded in Nevada
14 scorpion species have a verified observation record in Nevada, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 14 shown is endemic to Nevada, found here and effectively nowhere else.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
Beck's Desert Scorpion
Paruroctonus becki
601 records - No openly licensed photo yet2
Yellow Devil Scorpion
Paravaejovis confusus
442 records - No openly licensed photo yet3
- No openly licensed photo yet4
Paruroctonus shulovi
Paruroctonus shulovi
302 records - No openly licensed photo yet5
- No openly licensed photo yet6
- No openly licensed photo yet7
Mojave Dunes Scorpion
Paruroctonus arenicola
213 recordsEndemic - No openly licensed photo yet8
- No openly licensed photo yet9
Eastern Swollenstinger Scorpion
Anuroctonus phaiodactylus
104 records - No openly licensed photo yet10
Smeringurus vachoni
Smeringurus vachoni
89 records - No openly licensed photo yet11
- No openly licensed photo yet12
Stahnkeus deserticola
Stahnkeus deserticola
18 records
Also recorded in Nevada
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Serradigitus wupatkiensisSerradigitus wupatkiensis | Serradigitus wupatkiensis | 17 |
| 14 | Superstition Mountains ScorpionSuperstitionia donensis | Superstitionia donensis | 15 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Yes, scorpions live in Nevada, including the bark scorpion and striped bark scorpion in the southern and western desert regions. They are common around Las Vegas and southern Nevada, hiding in wood piles, shoes, and garages. Most stings are mild, but you should know how to stay safe and what to do if stung.
Are Scorpions in Nevada?
Yes, scorpions are well established in Nevada. The bark scorpion, also called the Arizona bark scorpion, is the most common species found throughout southern and central Nevada. The striped bark scorpion is also present in parts of the state. These scorpions thrive in Nevada's desert environment and are found in and around homes in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and other populated areas. They prefer warm climates and are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall. While they are present in Nevada, encountering one is usually avoidable with basic awareness and precautions. Ourscorpion in Nevada guidehas more details about their behavior and habitat. If you want to learn about other wildlife in the state, check out ourNevada wildlifehub for information on all species.
How Dangerous Are Scorpion Stings?
Scorpion stings in Nevada are generally not medically serious. The striped bark scorpion and most common Nevada scorpions cause only mild pain similar to a wasp sting. The area may swell slightly and feel sore for a few hours, but severe reactions are rare. The Arizona bark scorpion's venom is more potent than other US scorpions, but even serious stings rarely cause life-threatening complications in healthy adults. Children and elderly people may have stronger reactions and should seek medical attention more readily. Deaths from scorpion stings are extremely rare in the United States. Most people who are stung recover completely within hours to a few days with basic care. Understanding your risk and knowing what to do if stung puts you in a much better position to handle the rare encounter. For more on scorpion in Nevada, see ourNevada scorpion guide.
How to Recognize a Scorpion
Scorpions are distinctive arachnids with eight legs and a segmented tail that curves upward with a stinger at the tip. Nevada scorpions are typically small, ranging from two to three inches long. The bark scorpion is yellowish to tan colored with darker bands on its legs and tail. The striped bark scorpion has lighter coloring with brown stripes running down its back. Both species are flat bodied, which helps them squeeze into cracks and hiding places. You will usually find scorpions in dark, protected spots: under logs and bark, in woodpiles, in shoes or clothing left on the floor, behind and under baseboards, and in garage corners. They hunt at night and hide during the day. If you see a scorpion, stay calm. It will try to avoid you just as you will try to avoid it. You can also browseNevada wildlife.
What to Do If Stung
If a scorpion stings you, stay calm and keep the area still. Remove any rings or tight bracelets from the stung hand or arm in case swelling develops. Wash the area with soap and water. Take over-the-counter pain relief if you need it. Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to reduce pain and swelling, but do not apply ice directly to skin. Elevate the stung limb above your heart if possible. Most stings improve within a few hours. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Do not cut the wound, use a tourniquet, or try to catch the scorpion. Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, numbness, difficulty breathing, or muscle spasms.
How to Prevent Scorpion Encounters
Simple steps reduce the chance of encountering a scorpion in Nevada. Clear woodpiles, brush, and clutter away from your home's foundation and doors. Store firewood away from the house. Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations with caulk or weatherstripping. Install door sweeps on exterior doors to close gaps at the bottom. Shake out shoes, clothing, and blankets before wearing or using them, especially if they have been sitting in garages, closets, or on floors. Wear closed toe shoes when walking outside, particularly at night. Use a blacklight flashlight at night to spot scorpions in your yard if desired, as their exoskeletons fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Keep your house free of insects, since scorpions hunt other pests. Reduce outdoor lighting at night, as it attracts insects that scorpions eat.
Where in Nevada and When
Scorpions in Nevada are found throughout the southern half of the state and parts of central Nevada. They are most common in the Las Vegas Valley, Henderson, Boulder City, and surrounding desert areas. They also inhabit parts of Nye County and Pahrump. Scorpions become active in spring as temperatures rise and remain active through early fall. They are most commonly seen from May through October. Nighttime is when they hunt and are most active, so this is when you are most likely to encounter one. During hot summer months, they may hide deeper underground to avoid extreme heat. They enter homes seeking shelter, water, or prey in any season but are far more active and noticeable during warm months. Winter activity is minimal, though indoor encounters can happen year-round since heated homes provide suitable conditions. Ourwildlife guidesoffer seasonal activity information for all Nevada species.
Harmless Lookalikes
The good news is that most arthropods you encounter in Nevada are harmless and nothing like a scorpion. If you see a creature with a curved tail and stinger, it might be a pseudoscorpion, which is much smaller and completely harmless. These tiny relatives of scorpions have no stinger and no venom. Common Nevada spiders often scare people who think they see scorpions. Wolf spiders, which are large and fast, are sometimes mistaken for scorpions but have no stinger and do not attack people. Cellar spiders and jumping spiders are also harmless. Whip scorpions and vinegaroons are strange-looking arachnids that live in Nevada but pose no danger to people. If you find an unfamiliar creature and worry it might be a scorpion, its lack of a distinct segmented tail with a stinger means it is not a scorpion at all. The stinger is the key identifying feature you will see.
Frequently Asked Questions
What attracts scorpions to a house? Scorpions seek shelter, moisture, and food. They hunt insects, so if your home has roaches, crickets, or other pests, scorpions may follow. Reducing insects inside and sealing entry points helps prevent scorpions. Are scorpion stings deadly? Scorpion stings in Nevada are almost never fatal. Serious medical complications are rare, and deaths in the US are extremely uncommon. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen. How common are scorpion stings in Nevada? Stings are uncommon despite scorpions being present. Most people who live in Nevada never experience a sting. Awareness and simple precautions make encounters even rarer. What should I do if I see one? Remain calm and back away slowly. Leave the scorpion alone, and it will leave you alone. Do not try to touch, capture, or kill it. Let ourNevada wildlife guidehelp you learn to coexist safely with all local species.
Plan your scorpion sighting in Nevada
1,926 verified scorpion records have been logged in Nevada. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Nevada
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Frequently asked questions
Are Scorpions in Nevada?+
Yes, scorpions are well established in Nevada. The bark scorpion, also called the Arizona bark scorpion, is the most common species found throughout southern and central Nevada. The striped bark scorpion is also present in parts of the state. These scorpions thrive in Nevada's desert environment and are found in and around homes in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and other populated areas. They prefer warm climates and are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall. While they are present in Nevada, encountering one is usually avoidable with basic awareness and precautions. Ourscorpion in Nevada guidehas more details about their behavior and habitat. If you want to learn about other wildlife in the state, check out ourNevada wildlifehub for information on all species.
How Dangerous Are Scorpion Stings?+
Scorpion stings in Nevada are generally not medically serious. The striped bark scorpion and most common Nevada scorpions cause only mild pain similar to a wasp sting. The area may swell slightly and feel sore for a few hours, but severe reactions are rare. The Arizona bark scorpion's venom is more potent than other US scorpions, but even serious stings rarely cause life-threatening complications in healthy adults. Children and elderly people may have stronger reactions and should seek medical attention more readily. Deaths from scorpion stings are extremely rare in the United States. Most people who are stung recover completely within hours to a few days with basic care. Understanding your risk and knowing what to do if stung puts you in a much better position to handle the rare encounter. For more on scorpion in Nevada, see ourNevada scorpion guide.
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