Striped Bark Scorpion

§ Quick facts

§ Encyclopedia

The striped bark scorpion is an extremely common scorpion found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico. It is perhaps the most frequently encountered scorpion in the U.S.

Source: Wikipedia — Striped bark scorpion · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small slender scorpion with pale tan body; two dark longitudinal stripes down the back of the abdomen; pincers and tail relatively slender (not robust as in some species).

Similar species. Arizona Bark Scorpion (smaller, even more slender; restricted to southwestern desert; more venomous). Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion (much larger, more robust).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects (crickets, roaches, beetles), spiders, other arthropods. Captures prey with pincers, then injects venom with tail sting only for larger prey.

Behavior. Most common scorpion in central US and most often encountered in homes. Stings are painful but rarely medically significant in adults (less dangerous than Arizona Bark Scorpion); reactions can be severe in children, elderly, or allergic individuals. Glows bright blue-green under ultraviolet light — researchers and homeowners use blacklights at night to find them. Females give live birth to 30+ young that ride on the mother's back for 1–2 weeks until first molt.

§ Range

Central US

§ Habitat

Various habitats

§ Threats

Pesticide spraying.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the striped bark scorpion is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain natural predator populations.

§ Further reading

• Wikipedia — Striped bark scorpion
• www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Centruroides vittatus
• iNaturalist · taxon 49399
• IUCN Red List — search for Centruroides vittatus
• GBIF occurrence records
• Encyclopedia of Life — Centruroides vittatus

§ Sources cited

• American Arachnological Society
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
• American Association of Poison Control Centers