Striped Bark Scorpion
Centruroides vittatus
This species glows an eerie, vibrant neon blue-green under ultraviolet (UV) light due to fluorescent chemicals in its cuticle.
- Scientific name
- Centruroides vittatus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Arachnida › Scorpiones › Buthidae › Centruroides
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- desert
- Habitat
- Under loose tree bark, rock crevices, surface debris, and occasionally inside dark areas of human homes.
- Diet
- Insects, spiders, centipedes, and other small invertebrates.
- Range
- United States, Mexico
- Size
- 5 to 7 cm (2 to 2.75 inches) in length
- Lifespan
- 3 to 5 years
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide application and habitat loss due to urban sprawl.
- Safe to approach?
- Defensive. Possesses a painful but rarely life-threatening venomous sting. Maintain a safe distance and do not handle. Always shake out shoes, sleeping bags, and clothing when camping in their range. If stung, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cool compress, and monitor for allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms like muscle spasms or difficulty breathing develop.
The striped bark scorpion ( Centruroides vittatus ) 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.
Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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