There are several species of scorpions in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Southern California. The bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) is one of the only species with a potentially lethal sting. Like most predators, scorpions tend to forage in distinct and separate territories and return to the same area night after night. They may enter homes when their territory has been disrupted by construction, tree removal, or other disturbances.

Bark scorpions are smaller than most scorpions (1-2 inches long). The pincers are long and thin, and its abdominal segments are longer and more slender than other scorpions. The color may vary from light tan to a darker golden brown. It is also the only scorpion that curls its tail to the side while at rest.

Bark scorpions like to climb on and hide under the bark of trees. They are common in riparian areas (mesquite, cottonwood, and sycamore groves). Bark scorpions are nighttime feeders found most commonly near irrigated areas, pools, in palm trees, and wooden, fences and on the walls in homes.

Bark scorpions can climb walls and walk across ceilings. It can show up in bathtubs, sinks, and beds having fallen from the ceiling. Bark scorpions are active when nighttime tem-peratures are above 77° F. They are less active during the hottest part of the summer and are inactive during the winter where it is cold.