Not furry either, still lovely.
Florida Bark Scorpion
Centruroides gracilis
Also called Brown Bark Scorpion, Slender Brown Scorpion, Red Bark Scorpion, Caribbean Dusky Scorpion, Blue Scorpion
From Native to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras; introduced to Cuba, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Florida (USA), parts of Africa, and Tenerife.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Males can reach up to 15 cm, females up to 10 cm; typical adult size is 7.5-11.5 cm.
Females live 3-4 years, males about 2 years; some sources report up to 6 years in captivity.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton
This scorpion has a slender, elongated body with large pincers and a segmented tail that ends in a venomous stinger. The colour is variable, ranging from dark brown to reddish, black with red pincers, or dark brown with yellowish legs and red chelae. Some individuals show a pale median stripe on the back.15
Personality what they are like
Florida bark scorpions are fast, skittish, and defensive rather than aggressive. They prefer to retreat and hide when disturbed, but they can sting if startled or handled. They are not recommended for handling due to their speed and the risk of stings.36
Daily activity how busy a day looks
These scorpions are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day. They need a secure enclosure with plenty of hiding spots, such as cork bark and rocks. They are excellent escape artists, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.54
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep the enclosure warm (75-90°F) and humid. Use a substrate that retains moisture, such as organic potting soil or coconut fibre. Provide a shallow water dish and mist regularly. Clean the enclosure regularly to prevent mould and bacteria.54
Home where they are happiest
A 5-gallon tank is enough for a small group. Use a heat pad under the tank, as heat lamps can stress these nocturnal animals. Maintain a temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C) on the warm end, and keep humidity high. Provide hiding places and a secure lid. This species is venomous, so handle with care and keep away from children and pets.536
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous. Feed on live insects such as crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other small invertebrates. Gut-load feeder insects before offering.46
Company who they like around
Can be kept communally in groups of up to 10-20 if given enough space and hiding spots. However, smaller individuals may be eaten by larger ones, so keep similar-sized animals together. This species is venomous, so it is not a pet for handling.24
The story where it all began
The Florida bark scorpion is native to Central America and Mexico, and has been introduced to many other regions, including Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. It has been kept in captivity for many years and is known for its adaptability and communal nature. It is a popular pet scorpion, though its venomous sting means it is not for beginners.12
Recognised by the official bits
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Recognised as a species of scorpion in the family Buthidae.7
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Florida Bark Scorpion. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Florida Bark Scorpion?
Feeding frequency depends on the scorpion's size, age, and moult stage. As a general rule, offer live insects like crickets every few days, but always check with your vet or the food label for exact amounts. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding based on these factors.46 Furry Diary plan
What does a Florida Bark Scorpion eat, and what should it never eat?
Florida bark scorpions eat live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. What they should never eat isn't detailed here, so ask your exotic-pet vet for guidance.46
How much space does a Florida Bark Scorpion need?
A 5-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of these scorpions. They need a secure enclosure with a tight-fitting lid as they are excellent escape artists. Provide plenty of hiding spots like cork bark and rocks.536
What temperature, light or water does a Florida Bark Scorpion need?
Keep the enclosure warm at 75-90°F using a heat pad under the tank, as heat lamps can stress them. They need high humidity, a shallow water dish, and regular misting. No special lighting is required since they are nocturnal.5436
How often should I clean a Florida Bark Scorpion's home?
Spot-clean the enclosure weekly by removing leftover food and waste. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a full substrate change every six months. Regular cleaning prevents mould and bacteria.54 Furry Diary plan
Can a Florida Bark Scorpion live with others?
Yes, they can be kept communally in groups of up to 10-20 if given enough space and hiding spots. However, keep similar-sized individuals together to avoid cannibalism. This species is venomous, so care is needed.24
How long does a Florida Bark Scorpion live?
Florida bark scorpions typically live between 2 and 6 years. With proper care, they can reach the upper end of that range.34
Can I handle a Florida Bark Scorpion?
Handling is not recommended. They are fast, skittish, and can sting if startled or handled. This species is venomous, so it's best to admire them from a distance.362
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Centruroides gracilis en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, history, fun fact
- ntnu.no: c gracilis ntnu.noused for origin, colours, social needs, history
- thetarantulacollective.com: centruroides gracilis thetarantulacollective.comused for length cm, lifespan years, temperament, habitat needs, fun fact
- petproducts.org: centruroides gracilis petproducts.orgused for lifespan years, best traits, activity needs, grooming or care, diet basics, social needs
- lllreptile.com: 170 florida bark scorpion lllreptile.comused for coat or body, best traits, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs
- backwaterreptilesblog.com: florida bark scorpion care backwaterreptilesblog.comused for temperament, habitat needs, diet basics
- eol.org: 52224021 eol.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.