🦂 Centruroides sculpturatus (Arizona Gold Bark Scorpion XL)

Common Name: Arizona Gold Bark Scorpion XL

Region: Sonoran Desert, U.S. & Mexico

Appearance: Golden-brown exoskeleton, often translucent under certain lighting—subtle shimmer with formidable pincers.

Size: 7–8 cm (2.8–3.1 inches) in length

Habitat: Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and northern Mexico; prefers rocky crevices, bark, and hidden nooks

Behavior: Nocturnal; hides during the day and actively hunts at night. Uniquely adept at climbing walls, trees, and ceilings

Feeding: Carnivorous—feeds on insects, spiders, and other arthropods

Taxonomy: Family Buthidae | Genus Centruroides

Venom: The most venomous scorpion in the U.S.; stings cause intense pain, tingling, and occasional neurological effects

Notable Trait: Often enters homes—exceptionally agile climber