 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Here’s a critter that most people tend to shy away from – a scorpion. Did you know that there are over 40 species of scorpions in Arizona and over 700 species in the world? The scorpion is an arachnid which means it’s in the spider family? In this segment of Item of the Month, we are going to cover the Bark Scorpion which is the most dangerous of the scorpions in Arizona. Description: Scorpions have the two pincers and the stinger tail which it holds up and four pairs of legs. It is small - a fraction over three inches when fully grown. The female is smaller by comparison. Habitat: This scorpion can be found most anywhere – under rocks, on walls (they can climb), and even in trees. It also one of the most common scorpions found in houses. Life Cycle: Most scorpions are solitary, but not this one. It can run in packs of 20-30 and even congregates. The young are born live usually 25-35. The mother puts them on her back where they stay until their first molt – about three weeks. Scorpions can live up to six years. Diet: This is a nocturnal creature and a predator that feeds upon roaches, crickets, spiders and other insects – sometimes, even other scorpions. Range: The Arizona Bark Scorpion can also be found in California and western Mexico. Venom: This is the most venomous scorpion in North America. Its sting can cause severe pain, but an extreme reaction can be numbness and paralysis. Basic first aid: Clean sting site with soap and water. Predators: They are preyed upon by large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds (especially owls), and mammals such as bats. Interesting Facts: Scorpions have been frozen for weeks and once thawed, emerge unharmed. The desert Hairy Scorpion is the largest found in Arizona – 5 inches. The biggest scorpion in the world is the Long-tailed African Scorpion that can get over eight inches. |
| Back
to Item
of the Month Index |
Next
Item of the Month |