There’s also a snapshot of a home-invading bark scorpion (actual size: 4 cm) fluorescing under my ultraviolet flashlight. To contrast that image, is my whimsical illustration of the desert denizens for Halloween. But don’t let it fool you. Bark scorpions are not cute and not much fun to have around. And the stings of young bark scorpions can be life-threatening.
As a native Arizonan and nature artist, I have had close encounters with numerous venomous creatures -- rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, tarantulas, and scorpions. Except for the neonate rattler that had a single rattle too little to rattle, every rattlesnake has warned me of its presence, allowing me to avoid being bitten. Gila monsters are actually very charming and docile if you let them alone and don’t do something stupid to annoy them. And tarantulas are harmless if you avoid doing anything to threaten them. But bark scorpions can be stealthy and don’t need much of an excuse to pump venom into you.
A finger of mine recently encountered the business part of a bark scorpion’s tail when I went to place recyclables in my outside container. The scorpion had decided that the inside lip of the container cover was a great place to hide or maybe look for a meal. Fortunately, it was an adult scorpion so I didn't have to go the emergency room. This was the second time I have been stung, so I was aware of all the nasty effects of a sting. However, the sting was still very painful and caused many uncomfortable whole-body sensations for about 36 hours.
