Northern Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus spadix), also called Black Hairy Scorpions, are a large species with a black "head" and a black "back." A similar species, the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus arizonensis), has a black "back" and a yellow "head." Other species are smaller. The common name comes from its habitat, dorsal color, and brown "hairs" that cover the body.

Northern Desert Hairy Scorpions can be found in Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, generally at more northerly locations than the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion.

For scorpions, Northern Desert Hairys grow very large (to about 5 inches). Northern Desert Hairy Scorpions mate like other scorpions and give birth to live young. The young ride on their mother's back before venturing out on their own.

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpions feed on anything they can catch, including other scorpions. Their size also makes them big enough to feed on small vertebrates, including mice, lizards, and snakes.