We love scorpions – especially Centruroides exilicauda – the Bark Scorpion. Bark Scorpions are the only medically important scorpions in the United States. They give a wickedly painful sting that can last for 24 – 48 hours. For kids under two years of age, the sting is potentially fatal. Fortunately, there is a new antivenom called Anascorp that can be used for severe envenomations.

The Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) is often found in under rocks during the day (Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

For reasons unknown, all scorpions produce a substance in their exoskeleton that fluoresces under ultraviolet light (commonly known as “black light”). The exceptions are newly molted scorpions and babies. This UV fluorescence makes it easy to spot scorpions at night with a portable black light.

Of course, it’s hard to see the fluorescence of scorpions during daylight – daylight is just too bright. I’ve always wanted a UV flashlight that could “shoot” darkness, too… to knock out the ambient light so that you could see the scorps just as if it were dark, like this.

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) under both visible and UV light (Composite, Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

Then again, it would be cool to be able to have a “daylight flashlight” to shine when these guys are under black light at night… to see what everything “really” looks like.

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) under both visible and UV light (Composite, Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

It’s fun to watch scorpions crawl from daylight into darkness…

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) under both visible and UV light (Composite, Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

Or from darkness back out into the light!

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) under both visible and UV light (Composite, Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

Sometimes a good sharp view is best, in daylight…

The Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) is often found in under rocks during the day (Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

but ultraviolet (UV) light is just way cool – you can see details that don’t show up in daylight.

Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) fluorescing under UV light at night (Arizona) (Richard Wagner/Rich Wagner | WildNaturePhotos)

 

Anyway you look at them, Bark Scorpions are simply fascinating!

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