Arizona is home to a wide variety of small critters that can be seen throughout the state. From lizards and snakes to spiders, scorpions, and tarantulas, Arizona is full of diverse and fascinating creatures. These animals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be found in both urban and rural areas. Many of these animals are harmless and are often seen as a part of the unique landscape of the desert. However, some of these critters can be dangerous and should be respected and respected. With a little knowledge and respect, you can learn to appreciate, observe, and safely coexist with these amazing small critters.
Arizona's Top 20 Critters
The following is the Top 20 list of critters you are most likely going to come across, either in your home or while out in doing any type of recreation in the state.
| Name of Critter |
|
Habitat/Location |
| Gila Monster |
|
Southwest deserts |
| Desert Horned Lizard |
|
Southwestern deserts |
| Collared Lizard |
|
Southwestern deserts |
| Western Banded Gecko |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Chuckwalla |
|
Dry, rocky areas |
| Tarantula |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Desert Centipede |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Desert Hairy Scorpion |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Sonoran Desert Toad |
|
Southwest deserts |
| Four-Lined Skink |
|
Rocky areas and woodlands |
| Side-Blotched Lizard |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Mojave Rattlesnake |
|
Southwest deserts |
| Western Diamondback Rattlesnake |
|
Dry, rocky areas |
| Long-Nosed Snake |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Western Whiptail |
|
Deserts and arid regions |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
|
Southwest deserts |
| Ladder-Backed Woodpecker |
|
Southwestern deserts |
| Gambel's Quail |
|
Dry, rocky areas |
| Harris's Antelope Squirrel |
|
Southwest deserts |
| Round-Tailed Ground Squirrel |
|
Southwestern deserts |
| Lesser Long-Nosed Bat |
|
Southwest deserts |