The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, once included in Centruroides exilicauda) is a small light brown scorpion common to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. An adult male can reach of body length, while a female is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of .

Predators

Arizona bark scorpions are eaten by a wide variety of animals such as pallid bats, birds (especially owls), reptiles (including snakes), other vertebrates (including peccaries and rodents), spiders, and other scorpions. Development, pesticides and the collecting of scorpions for research or the pet trade also reduces the bark scorpion population.

The painful and potentially deadly venom of Arizona bark scorpions has little effect on grasshopper mice. Scientists have found the scorpion toxin acts as an analgesic rather than a pain stimulant in grasshopper mice.

Life cycle

thumb|right|Three adult and four juvenile Arizona bark scorpions

alt=|thumb|A female Arizona bark scorpion with young

Arizona bark scorpions have a gestation period of several months, are born live, and are gently guided onto their mother's back. The female usually gives birth to anywhere from 25 to 35 young. These remain with their mother until their first molt, which can be up to three weeks after birth. Arizona bark scorpions have a life expectancy of about six years.

Arizona bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, are incredibly resilient. During American nuclear tests scorpions (along with cockroaches and lizards) were found near ground zero with no recorded adverse effects.

Habitat

The Arizona bark scorpion is nocturnal,

Arizona bark scorpions prefer riparian areas with mesquite, cottonwood, and sycamore groves, all of which have sufficient moisture and humidity to support insects and other prey species. The popularity of irrigated lawns, and other systems which increase environmental humidity in residential areas, has led to a massive increase in the number of these animals in some areas.

Centruroides scorpions are unusual in that they are the only genus in the Southwest that can climb walls, trees, and other objects with a sufficiently rough surface. Arizona bark scorpions practice negative geotaxis, preferring an upside down orientation, which often results in people being stung due to the scorpion being on the underside of an object.

The Arizona bark scorpion preys on small and medium-sized animals such as beetles, spiders, crickets, cockroaches, other insects and other scorpions.

The range of the Arizona bark scorpion is from southern California, southern Arizona, southern Nevada, extreme southwestern Utah and western New Mexico. They are also found in Baja California, Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico.

Antivenom

An antivenom was developed for this species at Arizona State University by Dr. Herbert L. Stahnke, and produced in quantities sufficient to treat individuals within the state of Arizona. This antivenom was not FDA approved, but use within the state of Arizona was allowable and very successful in shortening the duration of symptoms and hospitalization. Production of this antivenom ceased by 2000 and the product was unavailable by 2004. A Mexican-produced antivenom, Anascorp [Antivenin Centruroides (scorpion) F(ab′)<sub><sup>2</sup></sub>, Laboratorios Silanes, Instituto Bioclon SA de CV], received FDA approval on August 3, 2011, and is now in use.

First aid

Basic first aid measures can be used to help mediate Arizona bark scorpion stings:

  • Clean sting site with soap and water
  • Apply a cool compress (cool cloth)
  • Take acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen for local pain and swelling

Medical emergencies

Arizona poison control centers suggest immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur, particularly in young children. pesticides, glue boards, and removing any scorpion congregation areas in the vicinity of the building.

References

  • Further information on the scorpion