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April 12th, 2008
The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus, previously known as Centruroides exilicauda), is a small (7 cm) light brown scorpion common to the southwest United States. Originally described as Centruroides sculpturatus, the species was synonymized with Centruroides exilicauda by Williams in 1980. In 2004 it was separated and renamed Centruroides sculpturatus once again based on DNA evidence and differences in venom. Centruroides exilicauda is native to Baja California and Centruroides sculpturatus takes up the rest of the range and is the famililar “Arizona bark scorpion”. It is venomous, although its sting is rarely lethal; exceptions are cases involving small children, pets or people allergic to the venom. An antivenom was developed for this species, and produced in quantities sufficient to treat individuals within the state of Arizona. Production of this antivenom has since ceased, and a Mexican antivenom is being tested in its place. Fatalities are rare, with two recorded in the state of Arizona since 1968.
-Wikipedia
