The Most Venomous Scorpion in North America is Found in Arizona!

Ever since I was young, scorpions have freaked me out. Imagine my discomfort when I discovered the most venomous scorpion is found in Arizona. The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most venomous in North America. Although small, they pack a punch.

Close-up of a scorpion's curved tail and stinger.

Climbers

Most scorpions are ground dwellers, preferring to burrow and nest near the desert floor. The Arizona Bark Scopion on the other hand, loves climbing. At night, you can find them upside down in trees and on the walls and roofs of structures. During the day, the nest is underneath tree bark, hence its name.

They prefer to be upside down in high places to protect themselves from ground dwelling predetors. The bark scorpion also has a unique leg shape that resembles a cockroach or a spider's legs more than a scorpion's. This makes it the optimul night time hunter and tree climber.

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A close-up of a yellow scorpion with raised tail.

Unique features

The Arizona Bark scorpion is not like other species due to its unique desert adaptations. It can survive underwater for over 48 hours, making it flood-resistant. It is also able to withstand nuclear levels that would be instantly deadly to humans.

Another unique feature of the Arizona Bark Scorpion is its hibernation behavior. Most scorpions are solitary creatures, keeping to themselves and killing other scorpions only during mating. This species, however, is the only one to engage in group hibernation. In the winter, 40+ bark scorpions will group for warmth.

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green scorpion on ground

Venom

The Arizona Bark Scorpion has a neurotoxin. When stung, the venom can lead to intense pain, numbness, tingling, and in some cases, systemic symptoms such as muscle twitching, unusual head or eye movements, drooling, and difficulty breathing. The bark scorpion sting is not life-threatening, but it does suck.

Despite their powerful sting, the bark scorpion is the only scorpion used in medicine. The venom has been studied and used in visualizing brain tumors during surgery. On top of that, studies done on the chemical compounds of this venom have helped researchers discover new treatments for autoimmune diseases.

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Tall dry grass in foreground with pine trees beyond.

Scorpions are creepy, sure. However, one of the coolest species lives right here in Arizona! Its sting may be painful, but the Arizona Bark Scorpion is one of a kind and has helped researchers learn more about medicine and insect habits. These guys are very common in southern Arizona, so watch out!

CONTINUE READING: What To Know About Arizona's Most Painful Insects