This is a specific care sheet for Baja California Bark Scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus), for more in this genus see Category:Centruroides.

Most commonly known as the Baja California Bark Scorpion.

Introduction

The Baja California Bark scorpion can be found in the USA (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah) and northwestern Mexico. This species is found in different places, but is usually found under rocks, logs, the bark of trees, and other surface objects. It is found in temperate and arid areas.

This scorpion can inflict a very painful sting, and is considered to be medically significant. It is probably not as dangerous as previously thought, and possesses no threat to most healthy adults. The sting can be dangerous and life-threatening to infants and small children. Children often show severe involuntary motor activity, agitation, and respiratory difficulties after being stung by C. exilicauda.

This species are found in many different colour morphs, and it is possible that the scorpions described as this species actually are several species. A revision of the species is needed.

This species is found in some pet collections, both in US and Europe. Captive breeding has been reported. Due to the strength of its venom, this species should only be kept by experienced keepers.

Habitat

Enclosure

The Baja should be housed in an enclosure with a minimum volume of 10 gallons with a secure locking roof.

Substrate

The Baja Californian Bark scorpion should be provided with atleast 10 cm (4 inches) of sand within its enclosure. Wherever and however you source your sand substrate, it should always be cleaned thouroughly to wash it of any residual chemical before exposing it to your scorpion. Beach sand should not be used because of the high salt content.

Bags of play sand used in children’s sand pits is ideal and can be bought at most DIY stores. This sand on it’s own will not provide a suitable substrate for burrowing so it will have to be combined with other materials. The most recommended method is combining 5 parts good quality potting soil with 10 parts sand and mixing it with 1 part bentonite. Bentonite is a finely powdered aluminium silicate clay that is used as a binder. A small bag will last for a long time and can be found at most art supply stores. Although harmless to your scorpion, it should always be used in the quantities stated above, as too much of this substance can cause damage and wear down your scorpions exoskeleton.

Temperature

Temperature for this species should be maintained at 24-32°C (75-90°F).

To achieve these conditions, a range of appliances are available. Specially designed heating pads for this purpose are available on the market and help to maintain consistent ambient air temperatures within the enclosure. Temperatures should be closely monitored and inspected at regular intervals, the most efficient way to do this is too have multiple thermometers located around the enclosure at different heights and locations. For example, having one at substrate level and then a further one at the highest point your scorpion has access too.

Humidity

Being a desert-dwelling scorpion, they only require a relatively low humidity unlike their tropical relatives. No particular effort is required to maintain these conditions, aslong as the ambient conditions in your home are not excessively humid and are somewhere around the 30-45% mark.

It is probably a good idea to invest in a hygrometer as would be necessary with most other species of scorpion anyway. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure and you can use it occasionally to ensure that the ambient levels are suited to your pet.

Feeding

In captivity they feed well on crickets, waxworms, and even small mealworms.

Breeding

Female scorpions are often bulkier and have thinner pincers than the males. However, these differences are usually subtle. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give the you an idea of their scorpion’s gender. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.

During courtship the male grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as “juddering�?. Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions. Females will usually give birth to approximately 12 scorplings.

Ailments

Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.

Molting

One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.

Other problems

Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.