Scorpions are found on all continents except Antarctica. The diversity of scorpions is greatest in subtropical areas; it decreases toward the poles and equator, though scorpions are found in the tropics. Scorpions did not occur naturally in Great Britain but were accidentally introduced by humans, and have now established a population. New Zealand, and some of the islands in Oceania, have in the past had small populations of introduced scorpions, but they were exterminated. Five colonies of Euscorpius flavicaudis have established themselves since the late 19th century in Sheerness in England at 51°N, while Paruroctonus boreus lives as far north as Red Deer, Alberta, at 52°N. A few species are on the IUCN Red List; Lychas braueri is classed as critically endangered (2014), Isometrus deharvengi as endangered (2016) and Chiromachus ochropus as vulnerable (2014).

　　Scorpions are xerocoles, meaning they primarily live in deserts, but they can be found in virtually every terrestrial habitat including high-elevation mountains, caves, and intertidal zones. They are largely absent from boreal ecosystems such as the tundra, high-altitude taiga, and mountain tops. The highest altitude reached by a scorpion is 5,500 meters (18,000 ft) in the Andes, for Orobothriurus crassimanus.

　　As regards microhabitats, scorpions may be ground-dwelling, tree-loving, rock-loving or sand-loving. Some species, such as Vaejovis janssi, are versatile and are found in all habitats on Socorro Island, Baja California, while others such as Euscorpius carpathicus, endemic to the littoral zone of rivers in Romania, occupy specialized niches.

Where Do Scorpions Live?

Scorpions are found on all continents except Antarctica. They live primarily in arid and semi-arid regions however they are found in a diverse range of environments including grasslands, temperate and even tropical forests. Here are a few regions where scorpions are often encountered:

1. North America: Scorpions are present in various parts of North America, including the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. The desert areas of these states are known for hosting a diverse range of scorpion species.
2. South America: Scorpions can be found in several countries across South America. Regions like the Brazilian Amazon, the Atacama Desert in Chile, and the Gran Chaco region are known for their scorpion populations.
3. Africa: Many species of scorpions inhabit Africa, particularly in arid and desert regions. Countries like South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, and Morocco are home to diverse scorpion fauna.
4. Middle East: The Middle East region is known for its scorpion diversity. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, and Oman have various species of scorpions.
5. Australia: Australia is known for its unique and diverse wildlife, including numerous species of scorpions. They are found throughout the country, including in arid regions and woodlands.
6. Asia: Scorpions are found in different parts of Asia, including countries like India, Pakistan, China, and Iran. The Indian subcontinent and the Middle East have a rich variety of scorpion species.

Where Do Scorpions Live?

We know that scorpions exist and still roam the planet, but where? Do scorpions live around you? Chances are, yes. Scorpions are found on every continent except for Antarctica. It is believed that scorpions spread to many different locations by ‟hitchhiking” in cargo.

Once dispersed into an area, these creatures have the innate ability to adapt to almost any environment. They can be found in mountainous areas, deserts, forests and marshes. Here’s a closer look at some of their favorite hiding places.

The perfect climate

Scorpions thrive in temperatures ranging from 68 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Certain species can live in extremely cold climates, while others prefer hot, arid deserts. In these extreme temperatures, scorpions must be able to burrow into the soil to either find warmth or protect themselves from the sun.

Put out that light

These eight-legged pests are sensitive to light, so they tend to stay in protected areas during the day. They love to hide in the sand and underneath rocks. You can also find them under logs, piles of rubble, heavy vegetation and clutter. Some species, such as the bark scorpion, will nest in trees and bushes.

Just waiting for a meal

Scorpions are skilled predators. They rest in their burrow, or nesting area, waiting for an unsuspecting food source to pass by. Once they sense the vibrations of their prey, scorpions grab it with the claws located on the tips of each of their front legs. If the prey is small enough, scorpions simply crush it. If not, they inject the prey with venom from the stinger at the end of their tail. Once the prey is no longer able to escape, the armored predators enjoy their feast.

So, where do scorpions live? Hopefully not in or around your home. Not only can they sting, but all scorpions are venomous. While their venom isn’t always harmful to humans, the sting of certain species can be life-threatening.