Facts About Arizona Bark Scorpions

Arizona is home to dozens of different types of scorpions. Our desert climate provides the exact type of weather scorpions prefer, and they thrive here more than almost anywhere else on earth. Easily the most well-known and popular scorpions in Arizona are Arizona bark scorpions.

Arizona bark scorpions, scientifically known as centruroides sculpturatus, are small brown scorpions found across Arizona and northern Mexico. An adult male can grow to a little more than three inches, while females top out at a little less than three inches. Bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpion in North America, and they are also the only scorpion in the US that’s considered dangerous.

Where Arizona Bark Scorpions Live

While bark scorpions are extremely well adapted to the desert, they are nocturnal. They avoid the heat of the sun by hiding under rocks, woodpiles, and anything else they can squeeze under. Bark scorpions develop layers of wax on their exoskeletons, allowing for excellent water retention on their bodies.

Bark scorpions prefer to live in areas that retain moisture, such as groves of trees and gardens, due to the high concentration of food nearby. The popularity of sprinkler systems in residential areas have led to an increase in the scorpion population over the past few decades.

Who Eats Whom

Since bark scorpions are nocturnal, they hunt at night, feeding on roaches, crickets, beetles, and other small insects.

In the natural eat-or-be-eaten realm, scorpions have many enemies. Owls, lizards, snakes, and rodents enjoy a tasty snack of Arizona bark scorpions to keep them full and happy.

Lifecycle of Bark Scorpions

The gestation period for Arizona bark scorpions is several months. Babies are born alive. Their mother then carries them on her back for the first few weeks of their lives. Females usually give birth to between 25 and 35 offspring who stay with their mother until after their first molt. The average bark scorpion can also live for up to seven years.

Dealing with Stings

Even though Arizona bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpion in America, they’re still not considered deadly. Arizona State University’s research indicates there hasn’t been a reported death from a scorpion sting in more than 40 years.

Most scorpion stings feel almost identical to a bee sting. A sting from bark scorpions, on the other hand, is much more serious. It often leads to the need for medical treatment. The sting normally causes intense pain and a hot, burning sensation around the affected area.

In some cases, the sting can be much worse and affect the respiratory system. It’s time to seek medical treatment when you have trouble breathing or start to vomit. Trouble swallowing is often a sign of an allergic reaction.

Do You Have Scorpions?

You can certainly go on a scorpion hunt yourself, but if you’re ready to really eliminate these little buggers, then you will need an expert. Budget Brothers will eliminate your scorpion problem and help you avoid these pesky pests.