About Anuroctonus pococki Soleglad & Fet, 2004
Anuroctonus pococki, commonly called the California swollen-stinger scorpion, is a scorpion species belonging to the family Chactidae. It is native to the coastal ranges of Southern California, and extends into Baja California, North America. It is the only member of the genus Anuroctonus that occurs in Baja California. At an adult size of 65 mm (2.6 in), this scorpion is large relative to other scorpion species found in its native region. It has very large claws tipped in black, and a distinct swollen section on its telson just before the stinger, a feature that is most prominent in mature males. California swollen-stinger scorpions are nocturnal ambush predators that typically wait inside their burrows to catch passing prey. Females dig burrows that can reach up to 60 cm (24 in) deep, while burrows dug by males are usually between 15 and 20 cm (5.9–7.9 in) below ground. This species was first formally described and named in 2004 by Soleglad & Fet. This scorpion has mild venom, and stings from it are very rare. Most stings are painful but not medically serious, and symptoms resolve within 24 hours. However, stings can cause serious health complications in very young or elderly people, and professional medical attention is recommended for any scorpion sting.
