Scorpions are venomous arachnids, and are relatives of the spider. They are nocturnal. Scorpion venom is employed to capture prey and as a defensive measure.
There are many varieties of scorpions in Arizona, but when people talk about scorpions here, they usually are referring to the Arizona bark scorpion. This specific bark scorpion found in Arizona is different from other types of bark scorpion, such as the Florida, striped, and Hentz's bark scorpion.
The Arizona bark scorpion can cause illness to those stung by it, and young children and people with suppressed immune systems are likely to be more vulnerable. Fatalities resulting from the venom of the Arizona bark scorpion are very rare.
The scientific name of the Arizona bark scorpion is Centruroides sculpturatus. At one point it was changed to Centruroides exilicauda, but in 2004 it was changed back to Centruroides sculpturatus because the Baja California bark scorpion was found to be a separate species.
