2 Scorpion Species Found in Oregon! (w/Pics)

What types of scorpions are found in Oregon?

Scorpions species that live in Oregon

All the scorpions living in Oregon are nocturnal carnivores, so they are most easily seen at night. But did you know that all scorpions glow a bright blueish color under ultraviolet light?

So many times, people take blacklights to help them find and observe scorpions!

2 Types of Scorpions in Oregon:

  • As a rule of thumb, scorpions with small claws and a large stinger are dangerously venomous, while those with large claws and a small stinger are less. This ID Guide will help you identify scorpions, but please seek medical attention if you get stung.

#1. Pseudoscorpion

  • Pseudoscorpiones

Oregon Scorpions species

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Tiny and normally reddish-brown, but can vary in a color—segmented body shaped like a teardrop.
  • Eight small legs. Large pincers that are more than twice as long as the legs.
  • No stinger!
  • Also known as the False Scorpion.

Have you ever seen something that looked like a scorpion but didn’t have a tail?

If you have, well, consider yourself lucky! This tiny arachnid is called a Pseudoscorpion. They are rarely seen and are considered a FALSE scorpion! The Pseudoscorpion is harmless to humans, but since they are predators, they will help keep your home free of small unwanted creatures.

Despite the name, Pseudoscorpions don’t have a tail with a venom-filled stinger. Instead, these tiny arachnids have venom in their pincers that they use to kill their prey. But you shouldn’t have any fear as they cannot harm a human, so there is no need to be afraid of this 1/8 inch (3 mm) arachnid.

pseudoscorpion on finger

Pseudoscorpions are kind of like spiders too because they can make silk! However, they don’t make webs to catch prey. Instead, they use the silk to create a cocoon to use as shelter from cold weather.

Pseudoscorpion Range Map

pseudoscorpion range map

Pseudoscorpions are more common than you think! But since they are so tiny, they are often overlooked and live in homes. In addition, their preferred habitats include moss, leaf litter, and under stones, logs, or bark.


#2. Northern Scorpion

  • Paruroctonus boreus

northern scorpion pic

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Tan with dark brown stripes on the back.
  • Large round pincers.

This arachnid is the most cold-tolerant scorpion in Oregon.

You will typically find Northern Scorpions near sandstone cliffs. Look for them in a variety of habitats and elevations.

Northern Scorpion Range Map

northern scorpion range map

Like other scorpions in Oregon, this species feeds on small prey like insects. When they sting, venom is injected, which subdues their prey.

Northern Scorpions are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day. To find them, you need to go looking under rocks in the daytime. But please be careful if you do since they have a venom-packed stinger.

Luckily, the effects of a sting are mild and similar to a hornet. You can expect localized numbness, which lasts up to four hours.

Check out this video of the Northern Scorpion in the wild!

YouTube video

Do you need additional help identifying scorpions in Oregon?

Try this field guide!


Which of these scorpions have you seen in Oregon?

Leave a comment below!


Check out my other guides about animals in Oregon!

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3 Comments

  1. I was gathering rocks in my back yard in Dorena and I came across a large black scorpion. It was larger than I have seen in The hills of Eugene and it was very black. I have seen scorpions in Arizona also. It was larger than some of those also. I can’t find one on the internet for this area that looked like the one I saw.

  2. Thank you as now I know the type I ha e been catching. There is alot of these in and around klamath falls area. Just about anywhere you see a flat rock or board laying undisturbed for some time but mostly rocks though. I find it very interesting that they give birth I was not aware of that. Scarry to think about because I have caught many of these. Currently six