Western Forest Scorpion

Western forest scorpions have eight legs and two large claws in front of their mouths. Their bodies are more "squat" with skinnier tails than other scorpion species. Western forest scorpions are typically dark brown or black. Their legs are a translucent yellowish-brown. Males have a duller color than females. Males are also smaller and shorter in length. Fifth metasomal segment has a ventral median carina which forks to form a "Y". They have been described as "smaller than your pinkie, has a sting milder than a honeybee's, is so shy it only hunts on moonless nights and even then is most often seen running away"

The western forest scorpion is most common in the San Francisco Bay Area, but it is also found in western Oregon and as far north as southern Washington. They reside often in remote regions of the western facing hills. Their habitat ranges from elevations of 5 meters up to 2000 meters. California forest scorpions require a moister environment than other species of scorpions; therefore, they primarily reside under rocks, bark, and dead trees.