Are There Scorpions in Texas?
Yes, scorpions live in western Texas, west of the Pecos River, particularly in the El Paso and trans-Pecos region. The striped bark scorpion is the species found here. Stings are uncommon and rarely medically serious. Most of Texas, east of the Pecos River, is free of scorpions.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion 路 Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion 路 Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion 路 Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- April, May, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
16 types of scorpions recorded in Texas
16 scorpion species have a verified observation record in Texas, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1 of the 16 shown is endemic to Texas, found here and effectively nowhere else.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
Texas Cave Scorpion
Pseudouroctonus reddelli
695 recordsEndemic - No openly licensed photo yet3
Trans-Pecos Twinspine Scorpion
Diplocentrus lindo
393 records - No openly licensed photo yet4
- No openly licensed photo yet5
Intermediate Scorpion
Vaejovis intermedius
105 records - No openly licensed photo yet6
Wauer's Scorpion
Maaykuyak waueri
95 records - No openly licensed photo yet7
Big Bend Scorpion
Diplocentrus whitei
93 records - No openly licensed photo yet8
Thick-handed Scorpion
Chihuahuanus crassimanus
62 records - No openly licensed photo yet9
Pseudouroctonus brysoni
Pseudouroctonus brysoni
42 records - No openly licensed photo yet10
Russell's Scorpion
Chihuahuanus russelli
36 records - No openly licensed photo yet11
- No openly licensed photo yet12
Paruroctonus gracilior
Paruroctonus gracilior
26 records
Also recorded in Texas
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Chihuahuanus globosusChihuahuanus globosus | Chihuahuanus globosus | 19 |
| 14 | Diplocentrus diabloDiplocentrus diablo | Diplocentrus diablo | 14 |
| 15 | Pseudouroctonus apacheanusPseudouroctonus apacheanus | Pseudouroctonus apacheanus | 14 |
| 16 | Arizona Bark ScorpionCentruroides sculpturatus | Centruroides sculpturatus | 13 |
Plus 7 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
14,652 verified observations on iNaturalist of scorpion have been recorded in Texas, most often in April, May, June.
When scorpion are recorded in Texas
Yes, scorpions live in western Texas, west of the Pecos River, particularly in the El Paso and trans-Pecos region. The striped bark scorpion is the species found here. Stings are uncommon and rarely medically serious. Most of Texas, east of the Pecos River, is free of scorpions.
Are they in Texas?
Yes, scorpions do live in parts of Texas, but only in the western desert regions. The striped bark scorpion and other species are found in the trans-Pecos region, west of the Pecos River. This includes areas around El Paso, Hudspeth County, and the deserts surrounding Big Bend National Park. The arid climate of west Texas is suitable for scorpion survival. However, the vast majority of Texas, including all areas east of the Pecos River, does not have established scorpion populations. Cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin are free of scorpions. Central and eastern Texas have the humidity and rainfall that make scorpion survival impossible. If you live in west Texas near El Paso or the Pecos River, scorpions may be present. For specific information about your area, seeScorpion in Texas.
How dangerous is it?
Scorpion stings in Texas are medically minor. The striped bark scorpion, the species found in west Texas, delivers a sting roughly equivalent to a wasp sting. A sting causes localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site, typically lasting a few hours to one to two days. Systemic symptoms such as numbness or tingling distant from the sting are very rare from Texas scorpions. Serious medical effects are extremely uncommon, and deaths have never been documented in Texas. Healthy adults rarely require medical intervention beyond pain management. Children and elderly individuals should seek medical attention if stung, as they may experience symptoms more intensely. The danger from a Texas scorpion sting is minimal when compared to other stinging insects like wasps or fire ants. For more safety information, reviewwildliferesources and guidance.
How to recognize one
The scorpions found in west Texas are relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for. The striped bark scorpion is typically 2 to 3 inches long, tan or brown in color, with darker stripes running along the body. Its tail is thin and tapers to a small stinger. Scorpions have eight legs, two large pincers (pedipalps) at the front, and the distinctive curved tail. In west Texas, they are most active at night and hide during the day under bark, rocks, woodpiles, leaf litter, and in dark spaces like shoes and garage corners. They prefer moist microhabitats like the edges of streams or under irrigated landscaping. Scorpions do not hunt humans and will not sting unless directly threatened or crushed. If you find a scorpion in your west Texas home or yard, stay calm and move away slowly.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If you are stung by a scorpion in west Texas, stay calm. Sit down and keep the stung area still to minimize venom spread. Remove any rings, bracelets, or tight clothing near the sting, as swelling may occur. Wash the sting gently with soap and water. A cool compress, not ice, may help with discomfort. Most stings resolve within hours without medical intervention. If pain is mild to moderate, over-the-counter pain relief may be appropriate. Seek medical attention if pain is severe, if swelling extends beyond the immediate area, or if you develop any unusual symptoms. 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 attempt any field treatment such as ice, tourniquets, cutting, or suction, as these can cause more harm than good.
How to prevent encounters
If you live in west Texas where scorpions occur, prevention is straightforward and practical. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially at night or when walking in rocky, desert, or brush-covered areas. Shake out shoes, clothing, and bedding before putting them on or getting into bed, as scorpions sometimes shelter in these items. Inspect the insides of bags, coolers, and gear before reaching in. Keep your home sealed by caulking cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundation. Remove piles of wood, leaves, and clutter from your yard that could harbor scorpions. Clear dead brush and rocks from immediately around your house. Trim tree branches away from the roof. If you find scorpions indoors, seal entry points. When camping in west Texas, keep your sleeping bag sealed and elevated off the ground. Shake out tents and gear before packing up.
Where in Texas and when
Scorpions in Texas are found only west of the Pecos River in the arid trans-Pecos region. This includes the El Paso area, Hudspeth County, and regions around Big Bend National Park. The specific habitat includes the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding semi-arid areas. Scorpions are rarely encountered in cities but can be found in rural areas, particularly near irrigated landscaping or sources of moisture. Scorpions are most active in warm months from spring through fall, with peak activity during summer. They are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. In winter, scorpions become less active as temperatures cool, though they do not completely disappear. The rest of Texas, east of the Pecos River, lacks scorpion populations. If you want to learn more aboutwildlife in Texas, understanding the regional distribution of scorpions helps you know what to expect in your specific area.
Harmless lookalikes
West Texas has several creatures that people sometimes mistake for scorpions, though all are completely harmless. Pseudoscorpions are the most common misidentification. These tiny arachnids, usually less than a quarter-inch long, resemble miniature scorpions but lack the visible tail and stinger. They are found under bark, in leaf litter, and sometimes in homes, where they feed on small insects and mites. Pseudoscorpions are entirely harmless. Whip scorpions, found in west Texas, have a long, whip-like tail but no stinger and are not dangerous. They are beneficial predators of insects. Earwigs are another look-alike, with pincers on their rear end that might suggest a scorpion tail, but earwigs cannot sting. Some large spiders might be mistaken for scorpions by the unfamiliar, though their body shape is quite different. If you find an arthropod in west Texas that resembles a scorpion, it is likely one of these harmless species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scorpions deadly in Texas? Scorpions in Texas are not deadly. The species found here deliver minor stings similar to wasp stings. Deaths from Texas scorpion stings have never been documented. How common are scorpion stings in Texas? Scorpion stings in west Texas are uncommon. Most people who live there encounter no stings during their residence. Stings are more common in people who work outdoors or disturb scorpions accidentally. What attracts scorpions to a house? Scorpions in west Texas hunt insects and seek shelter from extreme heat. Homes with cracks, gaps, clutter, and abundant insects may attract them. Seal entry points and remove hiding places. What should I do if I see one in west Texas? Calmly move away and leave it alone. Do not attempt to capture or kill it. If stung, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For more information, seeour wildlife guidesand learn aboutwildlife in Texas.
Plan your trip
Best time to see scorpion in Texas: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Texas?+
Yes, scorpions do live in parts of Texas, but only in the western desert regions. The striped bark scorpion and other species are found in the trans-Pecos region, west of the Pecos River. This includes areas around El Paso, Hudspeth County, and the deserts surrounding Big Bend National Park. The arid climate of west Texas is suitable for scorpion survival. However, the vast majority of Texas, including all areas east of the Pecos River, does not have established scorpion populations. Cities like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin are free of scorpions. Central and eastern Texas have the humidity and rainfall that make scorpion survival impossible. If you live in west Texas near El Paso or the Pecos River, scorpions may be present. For specific information about your area, seeScorpion in Texas.
How dangerous is it?+
Scorpion stings in Texas are medically minor. The striped bark scorpion, the species found in west Texas, delivers a sting roughly equivalent to a wasp sting. A sting causes localized pain, redness, and swelling at the bite site, typically lasting a few hours to one to two days. Systemic symptoms such as numbness or tingling distant from the sting are very rare from Texas scorpions. Serious medical effects are extremely uncommon, and deaths have never been documented in Texas. Healthy adults rarely require medical intervention beyond pain management. Children and elderly individuals should seek medical attention if stung, as they may experience symptoms more intensely. The danger from a Texas scorpion sting is minimal when compared to other stinging insects like wasps or fire ants. For more safety information, reviewwildliferesources and guidance.
More wildlife in Texas