These are the large giant hairy scorpion and the smaller bark and stripetailed scorpions. The small bark scorpion which is only 2 to 3 inches in length is the only common one in Arizona whose venom is potentially dangerous to people , especially young children and elderly adults. The bark scorpion is the one that prefers to climb and may be found many feet above the ground on trees and rock faces. It also tends to orient itself upside down so people are often stung as they pick up an object and press against a scorpion clinging to the underside. The stripetailed is a sturdy medium-sized scorpion which prefers to remain under rocks during the day.
All scorpions are nocturnal and generally venture from their shelters at night to forage for prey.
Scorpions feed on insects and other small arthropods , including other scorpions. The larger scorpions are powerful enough to capture small vertebrates. They are not without their own enemies though. Scorpions are eaten not only by other scorpions but by elf owls, lizards and some small snakes as well as pallid bats, grasshopper mice and desert shrews. All scorpions are capable of stinging.