They are found in sandy deserts and other xeric habitats in northwestern Mexico and in southwest United States.

The species of this genus are large (up to a max of 15 cm) and hairy scorpions with yellowish tones through their bodies although there is an exception in Hadrurus spadix, a species which has a dark almost black prosoma and mesosoma while the palps, legs and metasoma are yellow in color.

Though not considered to have a dangerously toxic venom, its sting is still quite painful and unlike other big species of scorpions which defend themselves using their powerful palps to pinch the attacker.

The species of this genus are quite active through the night foraging for food or a potential mate.

If loose soil is not available, they can take shelter beneath rocks and dead plants such as Opuntia and Cylindropuntia during the day.