What's the trick to catching scorpions?

[DJStarstryker]

I have zero problems with tarantulas. Every time I see one I can successfully catch it. But I've had New Leaf since it was released in the US and have NEVER caught a scorpion.

Does anyone have any tips? They always sting me when I try.

 

[StarrySkye3]

Sneaking up slowly with your net out, kinda like you would do with a golden stag, until they are facing you and threatening to sting. Then when they run forward be quick to release the net. That’s how I’ve always been able to get them! I also find that they like to hang out near the edges of the map, that’s just my experience anyway!

 

[Stella-Io]

I'm actually the opposite. Might be cause I'm actually scared of the big hairy horrid demon spawn, but eh.

I did this by accident actually. I was walkin around at night makin house plots with my net out like a dumb-dumb. I heard a weird noise, but not thinking it was a summer beast, I walked towards it (I haven't seen any before in the month so I thought maybe it was the wrong month). Anyway, I walked straight at the demon spawn, it looking and hissing right at me because I still had my net out. I quickly switched tools. Seeing it wasn't running and still facing me, I got my net out and slapped down on it (I was already facing in its direction) and BAM the horrid beast is now in the museum.

Another tip is to dedicate a space to force them to spawn. They will not spawn on tiles from QRs or pavement. Cover your town with alot of QRs or just make one area of it to spawn. They can WALK OVER pavement once spawned, but will not appear on pavement.

 

[2kimi2furious]

So, do they only attack you if you have your net out? I've never been able to catch a scorpion or tarantula. They always bite me.

 

[RedTropicalPeachyFish]

So, do they only attack you if you have your net out?(

Not sure about the tarantula but scorpion ye.

No hesitancy, just swing the net the moment I find them, then I succeed catching one.
When I try to sneak up, I for sure end up seeing the stars spinning above my head.

 

[LadyDestani]

I leave my net in my inventory and make sure it's the only tool or hand-held item so I can switch to it immediately. If you're not holding your net, they won't attack you. Then, I walk very slowly around my town and listen for the skittering sound that they make. When I find one, I try to get in a good position, then pull my net out and swing. That's how I caught mine anyway.

 

[DJStarstryker]

I'm actually the opposite. Might be cause I'm actually scared of the big hairy horrid demon spawn, but eh.

I did this by accident actually. I was walkin around at night makin house plots with my net out like a dumb-dumb. I heard a weird noise, but not thinking it was a summer beast, I walked towards it (I haven't seen any before in the month so I thought maybe it was the wrong month). Anyway, I walked straight at the demon spawn, it looking and hissing right at me because I still had my net out. I quickly switched tools. Seeing it wasn't running and still facing me, I got my net out and slapped down on it (I was already facing in its direction) and BAM the horrid beast is now in the museum.

Another tip is to dedicate a space to force them to spawn. They will not spawn on tiles from QRs or pavement. Cover your town with alot of QRs or just make one area of it to spawn. They can WALK OVER pavement once spawned, but will not appear on pavement.

Wow, the forced spawn idea is great! Thanks! I think the unpredictability of where they will spawn is part of my problem. Even when I'm actively looking for them, it feels like they suddenly appear out of nowhere.

 

[UglyMonsterFace]

I leave my net in my inventory and make sure it's the only tool or hand-held item so I can switch to it immediately. If you're not holding your net, they won't attack you. Then, I walk very slowly around my town and listen for the skittering sound that they make. When I find one, I try to get in a good position, then pull my net out and swing. That's how I caught mine anyway.

Yes, this is exactly what I did and it worked very well. Another thing I noticed is they have spawn spots. They seem to always spawn in the same areas of my town. Don't know if that's a real thing or it was coincidence but that's what it looks like to me. So once you see it spawn and you miss it like it bites you or kamikazes into the river, just keep walking by that area often. Also, use the save and continue frequently to refresh the bug spawns!