The reclusive bark scorpion is among the most deadly arachnids in North America. This creature likes to climb up to high places and hide during the day. An insect or even a hand that strays too close to the resting scorpion will receive a quick sting and a full dose of venom. At night, the scorpion comes down from its hiding place to hunt aggressively on the ground.
Fingerettes: This creature is very venomous and doesn't need strong pincers to nail prey. In fact, the bark scorpion's claws are so thin that it uses them as if they were two small fingers to pick away at victims after the kill.
Shoot First: The bark scorpion doesn't hesitate to deal with threats. At the slightest disturbance, this arachnid lashes with its tail to sting its attacker and scurries away, leaving the victim to suffer with painful venom in its body.
High Ground[]
This scorpion hides under loose tree bark. That's how it got its name.
Most scorpions spend all their lives on the ground, but this arachnid has no fear of heights. The bark scorpion seeks daytime hiding spots in trees and bushes where it is safe from predators. This arachnid keeps its tail curled up at its side rather than arched over its back so it can squeeze into tight places, such as a loose piece of bark. These scorpions are even known to group together in the best hiding spots. When the sun goes down, each crawls back to the ground and hunts alone throughout the night.
Last Gasp: This scorpion is the most dangerous of its kind in the southern United States. It stings people and injects victims with venom that causes violent sickness and breathing problems.
Courtship Dance: When it's time to mate, a male bark scorpion finds a female and grabs her pincer in his own. The male leads the female in a "dance," turning her around until she lets him fertilize her eggs.
Surprise Sting[]
- Taking a rest from his work on the ranch, a man sits down on a rock and leans back on the trunk of a tree. The man doesn't realize it, but a bark scorpion has been resting underneath the bark of an overhanging branch all day.
- The sun is about to set and the scorpion emerges from its hiding spot. The man grabs the branch to help himself up, and places his hand right on the arachnid. The scorpion stings him without hesitation and darts away as the man lifts his hand in shock.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The bark scorpion is featured on several Monster Mania cards:
- It is first used as part of one of the example creatures in Create-A-Monster on Monster Mania 36.
- It is then featured in Tricky Treat on Monster Mania 93.