Scorpions have long been a source of mystery and fascination. Known for their menacing appearance, they are also one of the planet’s longest-living arachnids, with some species living up to 30 years in captivity! In this article, we’ll take a look at several of the longest living scorpions on the planet and explore why these 12 particular species live longer than others.
12 Longest Living Scorpions
Have a look at this list of long-lived scorpions, starting with the Florida bark scorpion.
12. Florida bark scorpion
Scientific name: Centruroides gracilis
The Florida bark scorpion is one of the longest-living scorpions in the world. It can live 2-3 years in its natural environment and has a lifespan of up to 5 years when kept in captivity. The Florida bark scorpion is native to the southeastern United States, found mostly in Florida and Georgia, but it also occurs as far north as Kentucky and Virginia.
It is typically found living under rocks, logs, or other ground cover. The Florida Bark Scorpion is light brown or tan in color with darker stripes along its back and can be up to 2 inches long when fully grown.
11. Vietnam forest scorpion
Scientific name: Heterometrus laoticus
The Vietnam forest scorpion has a lifespan that averages 5-7 years, although some specimens have been known to live up to 8 years with proper care in captivity. They are native to Southeast Asia and can be found in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The species is known for its hardiness and adaptability; it can live in both humid and dry environments and feed on a variety of food sources. They are also popular among scorpion enthusiasts because they have large claws that make them excellent hunters, as well as attractive black-and-yellow coloration.
10. Shield-Tailed scorpion
Scientific name: Apistobuthus pterygocercus
The Shield-Tailed scorpion has an average life expectancy of 3-8 years, with no record of its maximum lifespan in captivity exceeding 8 years. This species is found mainly in desert regions, such as North Africa and the Middle East.
It is a solitary creature that prefers to hide during the day and hunt at night. It is an ambush predator, waiting for its prey to come into close range before attacking and subduing it with its venomous sting.
9. Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion
Scientific name: Pandinus cavimanus
The Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion is a species of scorpion native to Tanzania, and has an average lifespan of 5-8 years, with the longest-living Tanzanian red-clawed scorpion living 8 years.
These hardy creatures are relatively small, growing up to 1.5 inches in length, and they feature a distinctive red coloration on their claws. In the wild, they are typically found in tropical forests and rocky areas, where they feed primarily on other insects and small invertebrates.
8. Giant forest scorpion
Scientific name: Heterometrus swammerdami
The Giant forest scorpion has a lifespan of 7-8 years on average, and 8 years is the maximum recorded lifespan for this species. The giant forest scorpion can grow up to 9 inches in length and is the largest species of scorpion in the world.
This species lives primarily in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and is an opportunistic hunter that feeds on a variety of insects and small vertebrates. They are also adept climbers and can climb up the sides of trees and other vegetation in search of food or shelter.
7. Arizona bark scorpion
Scientific name: Centruroides sculpturatus
The Arizona bark scorpion has an average lifespan of 5-7 years. The longest-living Arizona bark scorpion was recorded as living 9 years.
Arizona bark scorpions are nocturnal in nature and have a venomous sting which can cause extreme burning pain, numbness, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty breathing. During the day, they hide in crevices or under rocks to avoid the heat of the desert sun. They live in underground burrows in desert scrub and grassland habitats, often near human dwellings.
6. Emperor scorpion
Scientific name: Pandinus imperator
The Emperor scorpion has an average lifespan of 6-8 years, with the longest-living emperor scorpion living up to 10 years in captivity. They are native to tropical rainforests in West Africa and can reach lengths of up to 10 centimeters. Emperor scorpions are nocturnal predators, feeding mainly on insects, worms, and spiders. They have a calm disposition and can be kept as pets in some areas.
5. Malaysian black scorpion
Scientific name: Heterometrus spinifer
The Malaysian black scorpion can live for up to 8 years in captivity and has a life span of about 3-4 years in the wild. The longest-living one lived for 10 years.
This species is native to Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They are mostly nocturnal, preying on small invertebrates like crickets and spiders.
4. Desert hairy scorpion
Scientific name: Hadrurus arizonensis
The Desert hairy scorpion is one of the largest and longest-living species of scorpions in the world, with an average lifespan of 7-10 years in captivity and a maximum recorded age of 20 years in human captivity. This species can reach lengths up to seven inches, with some specimens even reaching nine inches in length.
It is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico and lives primarily in arid and desert climates. Its name is derived from its hairy legs, which are necessary for it to survive in the harsh environment of the desert. It preys mainly on insects, spiders, and small lizards. Despite its large size, it is not dangerous to humans but can deliver a painful sting if provoked.
3. Deathstalker scorpion
Scientific name: Leiurus quinquestriatus
The Deathstalker scorpion is one of the longest-living scorpions in the world, with a recorded lifespan of up to 25 years in captivity and an average lifespan of 5-7 years in the wild. It is found throughout the Middle East and North Africa, primarily in desert regions with dry conditions.
The Deathstalker scorpion is particularly noted for its lethal venom, which can cause severe pain, paralysis, and even death in some cases. As a result, it has been nicknamed “the most dangerous scorpion in the world”.
The Deathstalker scorpion is usually a yellowish-brown color with dark brown or black stripes and spots on its back. It can grow up to 4 inches long and weighs around 1.2 ounces.
2. Striped bark scorpion
Scientific name: Centruroides vittatus
The Striped bark scorpion is a species of scorpion known for being one of the longest-living invertebrates in the world. On average, these scorpions can live up to 8-10 years, compared to other arachnids whose life expectancy ranges from 6 months to 2 years. They have been recorded living up to 25 years like their counterparts, the deathstalker scorpions.
The Striped bark scorpion is native to the Southeastern United States and can be found in many states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. They are brown in color with a distinctive striped pattern on their bodies, giving them their name.
1. Flat rock scorpions
Scientific name: Hadogenes troglodytes
The Flat rock scorpion is one of the longest-living species of scorpions. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, these hardy creatures can live up to 30 years in captivity, with an average lifespan of 6-8 years in the wild. They are a medium-sized species reaching about 8 centimeters (3 inches) in length and have large, powerful pincers for hunting.
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