Bark scorpions, which are the only dangerous species in California, differ from other species by their thin tail, their narrow chelae (or pincers)-they are about six times as long as the broadest part-and the presence of a little bump or tooth just below the stinger.

Illustration of bark scorpion showing blow up of pincers and a blow up of the stinger. Credit: Smith, R. L. 1982.Venomous Animals of Arizona.Tucson: Univ. Arizona, College of Agric. Bulletin 8245.
Credit: Smith, R. L. 1982.Venomous Animals of Arizona.Tucson: Univ. Arizona, College of Agric. Bulletin 8245.