Science/Tech

Newly Discovered Scorpion Species Found Outside Tucson, Arizona

By Christine Hsu | Update Date: Feb 20, 2013 02:34 PM EST

A new scorpion species has been discovered in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona.

The newly discovered dark brown creature, discovered by University of Washington biologist Rob Bryson, is only about 1 inch (27 millimeters) long and lives in the oak forests in the Santa Catalina Mountains at an elevation of around 5,900 feet (1,800 meters), according to a new study published in the journal ZooKeys.

The latest discovery is the ninth new species of mountain scorpion discovered in Arizona in the past six years.

The scorpion has been named Vaejovis brysoni, after Bryson who was originally looking for a different animal at the time, according to a news release.

Researchers used ultraviolet flashlights to look for the new scorpion species at night alongside the Catalina Highway.

Researchers said that like other scorpion species, the Vaejovis brysoni also carries its pale-colored offspring on its back.  Scientists said that the scorpion can carry an average of 24 baby scorpions, but researchers are still unsure how venomous the newly discovered scorpions may be.

"This latest new scorpion is a prime example of the amazing diversity of life still to be discovered, right here in 21st century America," study co-author Richard Ayrey said in the statement.

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