
Community identification
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Centruroides sculpturatus
- Order & Family
- Order Scorpiones, Family Buthidae
- Size
- 2.75 to 3.15 inches (7 to 8 cm)
Natural Habitat
Arid and semi-arid regions, commonly found under rocks, logs, and in tree bark; often enters residential areas in the Southwest US and Northern Mexico.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; primarily hunts small insects, spiders, and occasionally other scorpions using venom to paralyze prey.
Behavior Patterns
Nocturnal and thigmotactic; it is a skilled climber and is the only scorpion in the US that can hang upside down. They often congregate in large groups during winter.
Risks & Benefits
Highly venomous; considered the most dangerous scorpion in North America with a sting that can cause severe pain, numbness, and respiratory distress. Beneficial to ecosystems as a natural pest controller.