Centruroides exilicauda, the Baja California bark scorpion, is a species of bark scorpion found in Baja California. It is closely related to the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), but is not considered dangerous. Previously only distinguished by geographic range, the two variants were classified in 1980 as the same species. Subsequently, differences in venom toxicity were recorded, and in 2004, DNA analysis showed them to be separate species. The Baja California bark scorpion is a slender, long-tailed scorpion, and although it is typically sand-colored it appears in darker colors. Background The Baja California bark scorpion is a scorpion that belongs to the Centruroides genus and exilicauda species and is one of the 529 species of scorpions around today and one of the 41 bark species of scorpions. They are native to the Western parts of North America, including Baja California, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They have also been seen around the Colorado River. C. exilicauda ranges in length from 1.5 inches to 3 inches. Their tails are 1/16 of an inch wide. The C. exilicauda exoskeleton can appear in a yellow to light brown to gold color which is ideal for their surrounding environment. There are two main differences that can distinguish the Baja California bark scorpion from other scorpions. First is the subaculear tooth that is at the end of their stinger. Second is the fact that Baja California bark scorpion rest their tails on the ground, as opposed to other scorpions who rest their tail in an arch over their back. Ecology The Centruroides genus are carnivorous predators in their ecosystems. Because they feed on the insects that are in their environment, the Centruroides genus plays a key role in regulating the insect population. Centruroides also serve a role as the prey for many larger predators in their ecosystems, such as owls, lizards, snakes, bats, mice, and shrews. Because of the natural environment Centruroides exilicauda lives in, it is not uncommon for them to go without food or water for extended periods of time. Because of this their bodies are adapted to retain nutrients. Scorpions are carnivorous and in the wild will feed on a variety of insects, centipedes, spiders, and other scorpions. In the wild, C. exilicauda will typically feed every two to three days. Human interaction Centruroides exilicauda is found throughout Baja California and is native to the United States in three states, California, Arizona,