Centruroides sculpturatus is the well-known Arizona bark scorpion. It is readily distinguished from all other scorpions in the area by having long, slender hands and fingers, along with a long, slender tail or metasoma. In the desert, it is typically uniform tan-yellow to orange; at higher elevations it may be striped. When at rest, the metasoma is held at the side and coiled to where the sting is directed to the base of fourth segment. Occasionally in males it is coiled horizontally over body. Metasomal segments are subequal in length, long and slender in males. The Arizona bark scorpion is very common in rocky areas in the desert and found throughout Arizona.
Things to know about Arizona bark scorpions
- Family: Buthidae
- They are usually about 2 - 3 inches long.
- They are nocturnal.
- They give birth to their young live, about 25-35 at a time.
- They eat crickets, roaches and other insects.
- If you find one, there are probably more.
- Just because you see them in the pool, don't assume they have drowned
- They can climb rough surfaces.
- Arizona bark scorpions are said to be the most common scorpions found inside homes in our area.
