Arizona Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

This scorpion has a slender, segmented body with a relatively thick tail compared to its small pincers. The body is usually light yellow, golden brown, or tan, with darker brownish-tan stripes running along the keels of the tail. The dorsal surface is granular and often darker than the legs and pincers. The tail ends in a curved stinger, and the terminal granules on the dorsal keels are enlarged and spinelike.21

Personality what they are like

This scorpion is skittish and defensive, more likely to sting than many other pet scorpions. It is not a handling pet and should be observed rather than touched. Its sting is mildly venomous, similar to a wasp sting, but can be dangerous to allergic individuals. Because of its nervous nature, it is best suited to experienced keepers who respect its need for space.43

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These scorpions are nocturnal and become active at night to hunt. They do not need extra lighting and prefer darkness. They are not social and should be housed alone. They need a dry enclosure with hiding spots and a shallow water dish, and they benefit from some open floor space to move around.43

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

No grooming is needed. The main care is maintaining a clean, dry enclosure with proper humidity (30-40%, never above 50%). Provide a shallow water dish and mist lightly if needed. Avoid handling; if you must move the scorpion, use soft tongs or a brush. Be careful after moulting, as the new exoskeleton is soft and easily damaged.43

Home where they are happiest

A 2-5 gallon enclosure is enough for one adult. Use a substrate of dry sand, peat, coconut fibre, or a mix, 2-3 inches deep, kept mostly dry. Provide hides such as flat rocks, cork bark, or desert wood. Keep temperatures around 24-28°C (75-82°F) during the day and 20-23°C (68-73°F) at night. Maintain low humidity (30-40%) and avoid wet substrates. This species is not communal and must be housed alone.346

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed a variety of live insects such as crickets, roach nymphs, mealworms, and occasionally waxworms. Adults eat every 7-14 days, while younger scorpions need smaller prey like fruit flies or pinhead crickets. Dust prey with a calcium and multivitamin supplement occasionally. Always feed at night and remove uneaten prey to avoid stress.43

Company who they like around

This is a solitary, ground-dwelling scorpion. It does not need company and should be kept alone. It is not aggressive but will sting if provoked. It is not a pet for handling; keep it in a secure enclosure and observe from a distance. Its sting is mildly venomous, but allergic reactions are possible, so handle with care.43

The story where it all began

The Arizona stripe-tailed scorpion is a common desert species native to the south-western United States and northern Mexico. It has been kept as a pet for many years, valued for its small size and interesting behaviour. It is often found under rocks and in sandy washes, and in captivity it adapts well to simple arid enclosures. Its common names, such as devil scorpion, reflect its defensive nature and the dark stripes on its tail.214

Recognised by the official bits

BugGuide

Recognised by the brownish-tan stripes along the keels of the tail, and enlarged spinelike granules at the end of the dorsal keels.2

iNaturalist

Listed as Paravaejovis spinigerus, commonly called the Stripe-tailed Scorpion.7