Scorpion Habitats

General Locations Where Scorpions Are Found

Scorpions are common in warm, dry climates and are primarily found in:

• Deserts and arid regions (Southwestern U.S., Northern Africa, Middle East)

• Forests and grasslands (certain species prefer tropical and subtropical climates)

• Rocky terrains and mountains

• Urban and suburban areas (scorpions adapt well to human structures)

Hotspots by Region:

• United States: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and California

• Africa: Northern regions, including Morocco, Egypt, and Sudan

• South America: Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela

• Asia: Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and India

• Australia: Northern and western regions

Where Scorpions Like to Hide Outdoors

Common Outdoor Hiding Spots:

1. Under Rocks and Stones – Scorpions love rocky areas as they provide shade.

2. Beneath Tree Bark – Certain species like bark scorpions can be found on trees.

3. In Woodpiles – Firewood stacks provide excellent hiding spots.

4. Inside Crevices and Cracks – Rock crevices, walls, and fences are ideal for scorpions.

5. Under Debris and Trash – Piles of leaves, garden debris, and trash can attract them.

6. Near Water Sources – Scorpions are drawn to water and may be found near moisture.

Scorpions are found in a variety of habitats around the world such as:

Desert

Deserts are hot, dry, and unpredictable, where prey and water can be scarce for long periods. Scorpions here feed on invertebrates such as roaches, beetles, crickets, and termites, thriving because they are naturally water efficient, energy conserving, and built for patience rather than pursuit. In resource poor environments,adapted scorpion can develop potent venom, allowing rapid immobilisation without wasting energy.

Desert scorpions are the definition of efficiency, built to endure.

Tropical

Tropical habitats are warm, rainy, and densely vegetated, with an abundance of moisture creating the humidity and an array of stable microclimates. This supports a near continuous supply of prey which is why many tropical scorpions thrive through consistent feeding opportunities and reliable moulting conditions.

Tropical scorpions flourish where nature provides constant warmth, constant humidity, and constant food.

Savannas

Savanna scorpions are opportunists, built for change, not comfort.

Grasslands and savannas are open, warm, and seasonal, offering a balance between desert dryness and rainforest saturation. Scorpions here feed heavily on termites, ants, crickets, beetles, and roaches. Scorpions thrive here because these habitats reward adaptability, allowing scorpions to capitalise when conditions are favourable, then slow down during drier stretches without collapsing.

Mountains

Mountain scorpions are survival specialists, seasonal, strategic, and often locally distinct.

Mountain habitats are cooler, more extreme, and highly seasonal, but they contain sun warmed rocks and sheltered terrain that create pockets of stable microclimate. Prey is often smaller and less consistent so scorpions here succeed through energy control, timing, and resilience rather than constant feeding. Mountains also isolate populations, which can drive unique local forms and specialised species over time.

Terrestrial

Arboreal

Example of a terrestrial scorpion

Scorpions can either be terrestrial or arboreal. The meanings are as follows:

Terrestrial = Like being on the ground
Arboreal = Prefers being off the ground

Those that are terrestrial will likely try to hide in an existing burrow or one that they have dug up themselves.

Those that are arboreal prefer to be off the ground usually on logs or hiding in between the bark of trees.

Example of an arboreal scorpion

Desert

Scorpions are highly adaptable desert survivors, able to withstand extreme temperatures and long periods without food or water.

They spend the day hidden in burrows or under rocks, emerging at night to hunt insects and other small creatures.

Rainforest

Scorpions that live in rainforests and areas that rain frequently are usually adept at dealing with high humidity environments.

That being said, scorpions themselves, much like cats, do not like to be sprayed with water and will find shelter in a burrow or under foliage.

Scorpion Habitats

Scorpions are found in a variety of habitats around the world such as: ​ ​

Desert

Desert scorpions are the definition of efficiency, built to endure.

Tropical

Tropical scorpions flourish where nature provides constant warmth, constant humidity, and constant food.

Savannas

Savanna scorpions are opportunists, built for change, not comfort.

Mountains

Mountain scorpions are survival specialists, seasonal, strategic, and often locally distinct.

Example of a terrestrial scorpion

Example of an arboreal scorpion

Scorpions are highly adaptable desert survivors, able to withstand extreme temperatures and long periods without food or water. They spend the day hidden in burrows or under rocks, emerging at night to hunt insects and other small creatures.

Scorpions that live in rainforests and areas that rain frequently are usually adept at dealing with high humidity environments. That being said, scorpions themselves, much like cats, do not like to be sprayed with water and will find shelter in a burrow or under foliage.

Scorpions are found in a variety of habitats around the world such as:

Scorpions are highly adaptable desert survivors, able to withstand extreme temperatures and long periods without food or water.

They spend the day hidden in burrows or under rocks, emerging at night to hunt insects and other small creatures.

Scorpions that live in rainforests and areas that rain frequently are usually adept at dealing with high humidity environments.

That being said, scorpions themselves, much like cats, do not like to be sprayed with water and will find shelter in a burrow or under foliage.