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BugGuide Gathering
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University of Tennessee Biological Field Station
August 8-10, 2008
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Photo#80804
Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda, formerly called C. sculpturatus) - Centruroides sculpturatus

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda, formerly called C. sculpturatus) - Centruroides sculpturatus
Between Mesa and Apache Junciton, Maricopa / Pima County Line County, Arizona, USA
August 27, 2006
Size: <1" long
I believe this is an immature Centruroides exilicauda, or AZ bark scorpion. These scorpions are common here. I would prefer they stay outside, but I find many of them inside my house, especially during our summer monsoon season. I suspect this is a bark scorpion because it climbs and can lie with its tail sideways, more typical of this species -- I have been told that this species can make itself as flat as a credit card, so even if I didn't have a gappy house, they could still get in. Although the sting is potentially fatal, Arizona Southern University has reported no fatal cases of a scorpion sting in over 30 years -- I hope I don't break their record.

Looks like a juvie female C.
Looks like a juvie C. exilicauda (could be a small female too). All scorpions lay with their tails when at full rest, just so you know. :-) They have a very potent sting and all caution should be exercised around them. Fatalities are rare since ASU developed a anti-venom for C. exilicauda stings. However, the scientist who made the AV has since retired and left AZ with only a 5 year supply. Many children and elderly people are rushed to the hospital each year and have near-fatal experiences.

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