Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A Mexican red rump tarantula (Brachypelma vagans) has beaten scorpions in controlled trials: researchers tested it against two Centruroides species. That makes it a documented example—not a universal winner. The outcome of a spider–scorpion encounter depends on the species, their relative size and which animal attacks first.
Which spider has been shown to beat scorpions?
The clearest experimental example is the Mexican red rump tarantula, Brachypelma vagans. In a 2011 study, researchers observed pre-adult tarantulas in trials involving two scorpion species, Centruroides gracilis and C. ochraceus, as well as cricket and cockroach comparison prey. Across 115 trials, the tarantulas’ attack success was 63.8% ± 0.8% across prey types. Scorpions attacked the tarantulas in 25.5% of occasions; none of those scorpion attacks succeeded, and scorpions were killed in 9% of occasions.
Those figures describe the study’s experimental encounters, not the odds in a random meeting in the wild. The authors’ conclusion was that “tarantulas are potential predators of scorpions.” Read the 2011 study in the Journal of Arachnology.
Can other tarantulas hunt scorpions?
Yes. The University of Queensland’s overview notes that Arizona blonde tarantulas (Aphonopelma chalcodes) have been recorded hunting and eating scorpions. It also describes laboratory observations in which a tarantula retreated when a scorpion struck first. That observation illustrates why the order of attack can matter, but it does not establish a rule for every species or encounter. See the University of Queensland overview.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
Can a scorpion beat a spider?
Yes. The matchup can go the other way: the Australian scorpion Isometroides vescus specializes in hunting burrowing spiders, particularly trapdoor spiders. The Australian Museum describes it as feeding solely on burrowing spiders, especially trapdoor spiders, and the Western Australian Museum also identifies trapdoor and wolf spiders as favored prey. These are examples of a scorpion preying on spiders, not evidence that scorpions always win. Australian Museum: Scorpions · Western Australian Museum: Meet the Spider-hunting Scorpion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What affects who wins?
- Species: The studied tarantula and Centruroides scorpions are specific examples; the results do not cover every spider–scorpion combination.
- Relative size: The animals’ sizes are one factor to consider, but the cited sources do not establish a general size-based rule.
- Who attacks first: The Queensland overview’s laboratory observations show that a scorpion striking first can prompt a tarantula to retreat.
- Setting: A controlled trial is not the same as a natural encounter, so its results should not be treated as a prediction for every wild meeting.
Together, these examples show that predation can run in either direction. There is no reliable species-independent answer to which animal would win in an unspecified encounter.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Each entry is accompanied by facts about a bird's (annoying) call its (dumb) migratory pattern its (downright tacky) markings and more.|The essential guide to all things wings with migratory maps tips for birding musings on the avian population and the ethics of birdwatching.|Matt Kracht is an amateur birder writer and illustrator who enjoys creating books that celebrate the humor inherent in life's absurdities. Based in Seattle he enjoys gazing out the window at the beautiful waters of Puget Sound and making fun of birds.|A perfect coffee table or bar top conversation-starting book|Makes a great Mother's Day Father's Day birthday or retirement gift
Rank #4
- Pocket Guide to Insects of North America
- Pocket Guide to Insects of North America
- National Geographic Maps
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
