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English Name:
Bark Scorpion Spanish Name: alacrán de Durango Scientific Name: Centruroides exilicauda
Photographer: Brenda King Copyright: © 2007 Brenda King |
The bark scorpions (Centruroides exilicauda) body has two parts, a cephalothorax and abdomen. The tail is actually a part of the abdomen. It has five segments each longer than the last; at the tip is the stinger (not considered a segment). They have 8 jointed legs and a pair of pedipalps that are use for grasping prey and sensing.
Scorpions have “hairs” on their legs and other body parts that are sensitive to vibrations in the air. To avoid the extreme heat of the daytime they will shelter in the shade and come out at night to hunt for food. In the winter months they will hibernate, often congregating in large groups.
The bark scorpion can be found in many places due to its ability to climb. It can be found not only under rocks or in rock crevices, but also in trees or high on rock walls. They also can be found inside of peoples dwellings trapped in sinks or bathtubs, climbing walls, or in a dark closet.
The bark scorpion occurs from southern California through southern Arizona into western New Mexico; and in adjacent Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua).
They are common and widespread throughout their range.
Scorpions are predators. They consume all types of insects, spiders, centipedes, and even other scorpions.
Scorpions are preyed upon by large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds (especially owls), and mammals such as bats, shrews, and grasshopper mice.
Scorpions live at least 2-6 years although many live much longer, especially in the wild.
They are 2-3 inches long.
Bark scorpions will glow a green color (fluoresce) under ultraviolet light.
This is the only species of scorpion in Arizona that is truly considered as life threatening.
Scorpions give birth to live young during the summer months. The babies will crawl up their mother's pincers and legs to get on her back. They will ride around on her back until they molt in 7-21 days.
