Paruroctonus boreus (Northern Scorpion)
Paruroctonus boreus: northern scorpion fast facts
The northern scorpion, Paruroctonus boreus, is a fascinating arachnid found across western North America. Here are some quick facts about this species: 
Identification
Size: Adults typically measure around 1-inch (2.5 cm) long, though they can be up to 4 inches in length, including the tail.
Coloration: Light brown or olive bodies with beige or faint horizontal stripes, and a lighter-colored tail.
Distinctive features: Four pairs of legs, a pair of pincers (pedipalps), and a tail ending in a bulbous stinger. 
Habitat and behavior
Range: Found in Western North America, from the east of the Cascades to the foothills of the Rockies, including Idaho's southern arid regions below 4,000 feet elevation |. Also found in Canada, including British Columbia and Alberta, making it the northernmost scorpion species.
Preferred habitat: Open, arid, rocky or sandy areas with 10-20 inches of yearly precipitation, such as sagebrush and shrub steppe communities. In Idaho, they are often found on barren, fissured, or rocky slopes.
Nocturnal: They are primarily active at night, especially during the warmer months. During the day, they hide under rocks, logs, or within crevices in the soil for protection from predators and heat. They may also enter warm, sheltered places in the fall to hibernate.
Prey: Younger scorpions (1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars) prefer soft-bodied prey like grubs and termites. Adults and older immatures broaden their diet to include spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and stinkbugs.
Hunting: They detect prey using sensory hairs on their pedipalps, which pick up minuscule vibrations from approaching insects. They seize prey with their pedipalps and may sting to subdue them. 
Venom and safety
Mild venom: The venom is not typically considered life-threatening to humans, although it can cause localized pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting. Some individuals may experience numbness, tingling, muscle twitching, or altered taste sensation. Severe allergic reactions are possible.
Defensive stings: They primarily use their venom for subduing prey and self-defense. They are not known to sting humans unless provoked.
Prevention: To minimize encounters, eliminate potential hiding places like debris, trash, and woodpiles around your home. Seal entry points to structures and ensure good drainage to prevent moisture accumulation. When working outdoors, wear gloves and sturdy shoes.