Editing Arizona bark scorpion

{{Short description|Species of scorpion}}
{{distinguish|Striped bark scorpion|Baja California bark scorpion}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Centruroides sculpturatus 191624836.jpg
| image_caption = In [[Phoenix, Arizona]]
| name = Arizona bark scorpion
| taxon = Centruroides sculpturatus
| authority = ([[Horatio C Wood Jr.|Wood]], 1863)
}}

The '''Arizona bark scorpion''' ('''''Centruroides sculpturatus''''', once included in ''[[Centruroides exilicauda]]'') is a small light brown [[scorpion]] common to the [[Sonoran Desert]] in the [[southwestern United States]] and northwestern Mexico. An adult male can reach {{Measurement converter|8|cm|in}} of body length, while a female is slightly smaller, with a maximum length of {{Measurement converter|7|cm|in}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://bugguide.net/node/view/45899 | title = Species ''Centruroides sculpturatus'' - Arizona bark scorpion | access-date = June 18, 2008 }}</ref>

== Predators ==

Arizona bark scorpions are eaten by a wide variety of animals such as [[pallid bat]]s,<ref name="Hopp 2017">{{cite journal | last1 = Hopp | first1 = B. H. | last2 = Arvidson | first2 = R. S. | last3 = Adams | first3 = M. E. | last4 = Razak | first4 = K. A. | year = 2017 | title = Arizona bark scorpion venom resistance in the pallid bat, ''Antrozous pallidus'' | journal = PLOS ONE| volume = 12 | issue = 8| page = e0183215 | doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0183215| pmid = 28854259 | pmc = 5576675 | bibcode = 2017PLoSO..1283215H | doi-access = free }}</ref> [[bird]]s (especially [[owl]]s), [[reptile]]s, and other vertebrates. Some examples include [[spider]]s, [[snake]]s, [[peccary|peccaries]], [[rodent]]s, and other scorpions. Development, pesticides and collecting scorpions for research or the pet trade also reduces the bark scorpion population.

The painful and potentially deadly venom of Arizona bark scorpions has little effect on [[Grasshopper mouse|grasshopper mice]]. Scientists have found the scorpion toxin acts as an analgesic rather than a pain stimulant in grasshopper mice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utexas.edu/news/2013/10/24/grasshopper-mice-bark-scorpion/|title=Grasshopper Mice Are Numb to the Pain of the Bark Scorpion Sting|access-date=2013-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131026024234/http://www.utexas.edu/news/2013/10/24/grasshopper-mice-bark-scorpion/|archive-date=2013-10-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Life cycle ==
[[File:Basgen-scorpion-compared.JPG|thumb|right|Three adult and four juvenile Arizona bark scorpions]]
[[File:Arizona bark scorpion mom and babies.JPG|alt=|thumb|A female Arizona bark scorpion with young]]
Arizona bark scorpions have a gestation period of several months, are born live, and are gently guided onto their mother's back. The female usually gives birth to anywhere from 25 to 35 young. These remain with their mother until their first molt, which can be up to three weeks after birth. Arizona bark scorpions have a life expectancy of about six years.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.scorpionworlds.com/arizona-bark-scorpion/|title=Arizona Bark Scorpion - Scorpion Facts and Information|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref>

Arizona bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, are incredibly resilient. During US nuclear testing, scorpions, along with cockroaches and [[lizard]]s, were found near ground zero with no recorded adverse effects.<ref name=UA-poison>{{cite web|year=2008 |url=http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/outreach/poison/scorpions.php |title=Poison and Drug Information Center |publisher=The University of Arizona |access-date=June 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702060625/http://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/outreach/poison/scorpions.php |archive-date=July 2, 2008 }}</ref>

== Habitat ==
The Arizona bark scorpion is [[Nocturnality|nocturnal]],<ref name=":0" /> and particularly well adapted to the desert: layers of wax on its exoskeleton make it resistant to water loss. Nevertheless, Arizona bark scorpions hide during the heat of the day, typically under rocks, wood piles, or tree bark. Arizona bark scorpions do burrow, and are commonly found in homes, requiring only 1/16 of an inch for entry.<ref name=scorpion-mangement>{{cite web | year =  2008 | url = http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74110.html | title = Scorpion Management Guidelines | access-date = June 18, 2008 }}</ref>

Arizona bark scorpions prefer [[riparian]] areas with [[mesquite]], [[Populus sect. Aegiros|cottonwood]], and [[sycamore]] groves, all of which have sufficient moisture and humidity to support insects and other prey species. The popularity of irrigated lawns, and other systems which increase environmental humidity in residential areas, has led to a massive increase in the number of these animals in some areas.

''Centruroides'' scorpions are unusual in that they are the only genus in the Southwest that can climb walls, trees, and other objects with a sufficiently rough surface. Arizona bark scorpions practice [[negative geotaxis]], preferring an upside down orientation, which often results in people being stung due to the scorpion being on the underside of an object.<ref name=naturalhistory>
{{cite book
  | author = Phillips S.
  | author2 = Comus P.
  | title = A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert
  | publisher = Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
  | year = 2000
  | isbn = 978-0-520-21980-9
  | page = [https://archive.org/details/naturalhistoryof00ariz/page/292 292]
  | url = https://archive.org/details/naturalhistoryof00ariz/page/292
  }}
</ref>

The Arizona bark scorpion preys on small and medium-sized animals such as beetles, spiders, crickets, cockroaches, other insects and other scorpions.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Bark%20Scorp.php|title=Bark Scorpion Fact Sheet|website=www.desertmuseum.org|access-date=2019-12-02}}</ref>

The range of the Arizona bark scorpion is from southern [[California]], southern [[Arizona]], southern [[Nevada]], extreme southwestern [[Utah]] and western [[New Mexico]]. They are also found in [[Baja California]], [[Sonora]] and [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]], [[Mexico]].<ref name=":1" />

== Venom ==
[[Image:Bbasgen-scorpion-front.jpg|thumb|right|Frontal view of an Arizona bark scorpion in a defensive posture]]
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most [[Venom (poison)|venomous]] scorpion in North America, and its venom can cause severe pain (coupled with numbness, tingling, and vomiting) in adult humans, typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours.<ref name=":0" /> Temporary dysfunction in the area stung is common; e.g. a hand or possibly arm can be immobilized or experience convulsions. It also may cause loss of breath for a short time. Due to the extreme pain induced, many victims describe sensations of electrical jolts after [[envenomation]]. Two recorded fatalities have occurred in the state of [[Arizona]] since 1968; the number of victims stung each year in Arizona and [[New Mexico]] is estimated to be in the thousands.<ref name=UA>{{cite web | url = http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/insects/az1223/ | title = Scorpions | work = Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences | publisher = The University of Arizona | access-date = June 20, 2008 }}</ref> 

=== Antivenom===
An [[antivenom]] was developed for this species at [[Arizona State University]] by Dr. Herbert L. Stahnke, and produced in quantities sufficient to treat individuals within the state of [[Arizona]]. This antivenom was not FDA approved, but use within the state of Arizona was allowable and very successful in shortening the duration of symptoms and hospitalization. Production of this antivenom ceased by 2000 and the product was unavailable by 2004. A Mexican-produced antivenom, Anascorp [Antivenin Centruroides (scorpion) F(ab′)<sub><sup>2</sup></sub>, Laboratorios Silanes, Instituto Bioclon SA de CV], received FDA approval on August 3, 2011, and is now in use.<ref name=FDA-Anascorp>{{cite web | year = 2011 | url = https://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/BloodBloodProducts/ApprovedProducts/LicensedProductsBLAs/FractionatedPlasmaProducts/ucm266726.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110805200500/http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/BloodBloodProducts/ApprovedProducts/LicensedProductsBLAs/FractionatedPlasmaProducts/ucm266726.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = August 5, 2011 | title = August 4, 2011 Approval Letter - Anascorp | access-date = December 9, 2012 }}</ref>

=== First aid ===
Basic first aid measures can be used to help mediate Arizona bark scorpion stings:<ref name=UA-medical>{{cite web | year = 2000 | url = http://www.opa.medicine.arizona.edu/horizons/2000/fall/pg21.htm | title = Soothing the Scorpion's Sting | author = David Von Behren, MPH | publisher = The University of Arizona | access-date = June 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603092350/http://www.opa.medicine.arizona.edu/horizons/2000/fall/pg21.htm |archive-date=June 3, 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Clean sting site with soap and water
* Apply a cool compress (cool cloth)
* Take acetaminophen ([[paracetamol]]) or [[ibuprofen]] for local pain and swelling

=== Medical emergencies ===
Arizona poison control centers suggest immediate medical attention if severe symptoms occur, particularly in young children.<ref name=UA-poison /> The Poison Center may be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

== UV lighting ==
[[File:Arizona.bark.scorpion.UV.jpg|thumb|Arizona bark scorpion glowing under [[ultraviolet light]]]]
Arizona bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, will glow when exposed to a [[blacklight]]. This is particularly useful in scorpion detection, since Arizona bark scorpions are active during the night, and can be easily spotted using this method. Typical UV [[LED]] flashlights enable their human operator to readily detect Arizona bark scorpions at a distance of approximately six feet. Newly molted Arizona bark scorpions will not glow under [[ultraviolet light]] for a few days after molting.

== Control and prevention ==
Arizona bark scorpions are tan or light beige tone in color and very small, making them difficult to detect especially on natural terrain (rocky land, multiple vegetation and soil textured land). They often look for places to hide, and they will not seek out humans unless provoked or defending young.  Several methods of control have historically been used to control Arizona bark scorpions, such as physical barriers (scorpions are unable to climb smooth surfaces),<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pestborders.com/university-testing/ | title=ASU entomology testing physical barrier | website=www.pestborders.com | access-date=April 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/pest-control-videos/can-scorpions-climb|title=Pest Control Videos|website=www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com|access-date=5 May 2019}}</ref> pesticides,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.desertusa.com/insects/scorpion-prevention-and-extermination.html|title=Scorpion Prevention and Scorpion Extermination (DesertUSA)|last=DesertUSA.com|website=www.desertusa.com}}</ref> glue boards, and removing any scorpion congregation areas in the vicinity of the building.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Arthropods}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Centruroides sculpturatus|''Centruroides sculpturatus''}}
*[http://www.ub.ntnu.no/scorpion-files/c_exilicauda.php Further information on the scorpion]

{{Taxonbar|from=Q666300}}

[[Category:Buthidae]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Southwestern United States|Scorpion, Arizona Bark]]
[[Category:Scorpions of North America]]
[[Category:Animals described in 1863]]