Baja california bark scorpion
Centruroides exilicauda, the Baja California bark scorpion, is a species of bark scorpion found in Baja California. It is closely related to the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), but is not considered dangerous. Previously only distinguished by geographic range, the two variants were classified in 1980 as the same species. Subsequently, differences in venom toxicity were recorded, and in 2004, DNA analysis showed them to be separate species. The Baja California bark scorpion is a slender, long-tailed scorpion, and although it is typically sand-colored it appears in darker colors.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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ViviparousAmong animals, viviparity is the development of the embryo inside the body of the parent. The term 'viviparity' and its adjective form 'viviparous'...
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The Baja California bark scorpion is often found in cool moist areas, such as creek, stream, or lakeside environments. Centruroides exilicauda commonly hides beneath tree bark, in rock crevices or other ground cover as it shelters from daily heat. Centruroides scorpions are capable of climbing and negative geotaxis, in which they cling upside down to surfaces. This scorpion may be found sheltering in homes or other constructed environments.
The Centruroides genus are carnivorous predators in their ecosystems. Because they feed on the insects that are in their environment, the Centruroides genus plays a key role in regulating the insect population. Centruroides also serve a role as the prey for many larger predators in their ecosystems, such as owls, lizards, snakes, bats, mice, and shrews. Because of the natural environment Centruroides exilicauda lives in, it is not uncommon for them to go without food or water for extended periods of time. Because of this their bodies are adapted to retain nutrients. Scorpions are carnivorous and in the wild will feed on a variety of insects, centipedes, spiders, and other scorpions. In the wild, C. exilicauda will typically feed every two to three days.
Centruroides exilicauda use venom to hunt by injecting the prey which immobilizes or kills it. Their venom has the potential to be fatal to humans. However, the chances of this happening are low. Each scorpion species’ venom has a unique chromatographic profile, due to genetic factors distinct in each species. The genetic differences in venom are important for determining different species of scorpions since their morphology can be almost indistinguishable. In 2004, the existence of the C. exilicauda species was confirmed when the venom from them and the venom from their close relative, Centruroides sculpturatus, were tested and found to have different toxicity levels. The soluble venom of C. exilicauda and C. sculpturatus were extracted and the amino acid sequences concerning toxins were tested in mice. They showed that the venom from C. exilicauda was a less common medical threat. In humans, the venom of the California bark scorpion may cause difficulty breathing or muscle spasms.
