The state of Arizona is home to dozens of species of scorpions. The most notorious of these creatures is the Arizona Bark Scorpion, or Centrurodies Sculptuartus. This particular scorpion is one of 1,500 species of scorpions that inhabit the Earth. While scorpions prefer a desert like climate, they can be found in many types of habitats. They can be found under rocks, logs and boards, as well. There are over thirty species of scorpions in Phoenix, alone.
The Bark Scorpion is unique however, because it falls into one particular category of scorpions. Twenty-Five of the 1,500 species of scorpions are lethal to humans, and the Bark Scorpion just happens to be one of the twenty-five.
Attributes of a Bark Scorpion
This scorpion comes in a variety of colors. Some are tan while others are yellow brown with marked lines in the mesosoma, or middle part of the body. Some Bark Scorpions have no markings but they all have thin tails and thin pincers. All species of Bark Scorpion have a dark triangle above their eyes.
Male Bark Scorpions can grow to be around three inches long while female Bark Scorpions are a little smaller, at around 2 inches. Female Bark Scorpions do not lay eggs, they give birth to a large litter of white babies, called scorplings. Once the babies are born, they climb onto the mothers back where they live until they are two weeks old.
Bark Scorpions live all year long in Arizona and they have learned to adapt. They are able to survive the coldest temperatures the desert has to offer. They prefer to live in groups, often gathering in groups to nest and lay eggs. They feed on crickets, roaches, beetles, and sometimes other scorpions. Their predators include owls, bats, and lizards.
To determine whether or not you have found a Bark Scorpion, watch how it acts. While waiting for its prey, the Bark Scorpion will curl up its tail and place it down, and parallel. All other species of scorpions will keep their tails in an upright position.
Bark Scorpions come out at night, when the air temperature cools. They also enjoy moist, damp areas, such as your sink or bathtub. They are extremely good climbers and are able to scale walls and hang from ceilings. Even though they are nocturnal, your dog may still find one. If your dog happens to be digging during the day, he may uproot one and get stung. Poisoning occurs when the venom of the scorpion enters a dogs’ bloodstream.
Scorpion Dog Stings
If your dog is stung by a Bark Scorpion make sure you get him to a vet, immediately. In the mean time, wash the sting with soap and water. If the sting is on your dogs’ leg or tail, try to raise the sting site to heart level. Keeping the site at heart level will prevent the venom from entering your dogs’ bloodstream.
According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, the most common signs of scorpion poisoning include: Yelping, limping, head shaking and head rubbing, pawing, or licking at the sting site. Larger dogs are better able to tolerate being stung by a scorpion than smaller dogs. Larger dogs also have a quicker recovery time.
Ways to Keep Your Dogs Safe
The best way to keep your dog safe from being stung by the Bark Scorpion is to seal cracks in your home. This keeps the scorpions outside where they belong. Use weather stripping around doors and windows. Some like to hunt scorpions at night when they are most active. Scorpions shine bright under black lights, when you see one, whack it with a shoe, or other object until it dies.
For more tips on keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe, keep reading our blog, at www.arrowheadscoopers.com. Give Arrowhead a call today, at (602) 391-0160 to receive a free pet waste removal quote. Arrowhead is the leading pet waste removal service in the greater Glendale, and greater Peoria, Arizona areas. Be sure to check out customer reviews as well! Happy Tails!
