Striped Bark Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

The body is flattened and elongated, with a pair of pincers, four pairs of walking legs, and a long, curling tail ending in a stinger. The exoskeleton is waxy and fluoresces under ultraviolet light.12

Personality what they are like

This scorpion is defensive and quick to react, so it is not a pet for handling. It prefers to flee or hide, but will sting if threatened. Its sting is painful but not usually dangerous, though allergic reactions are possible.31

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and active foragers. They need space to climb and explore, and they do not burrow. Provide hiding spots and a temperature gradient.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal grooming needed. Keep the enclosure clean, provide a shallow water dish, and maintain humidity between 50 and 70 percent. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.4

Home where they are happiest

A minimum 3-gallon tank with at least 2 inches of substrate for one specimen. Temperature should be 25 to 30°C. Provide hiding places and decorations. They can be kept in small groups with adequate space and food. Note: they are not native to all regions, and keeping them may be regulated in some areas.43

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, superworms, houseflies, and cockroaches. Adults eat 2 to 3 medium crickets every 10 to 14 days. Young can be fed pinhead crickets.43

Company who they like around

Generally solitary but can be kept in small groups if space and food are adequate. They are cannibalistic, so larger individuals may eat smaller ones. They do not need social interaction and are best observed rather than handled.14

The story where it all began

The striped bark scorpion has been known since 1821 and is one of the most widespread scorpions in the United States. It has become popular in the pet trade because it is hardy, breeds well in captivity, and has a relatively mild sting. Its name comes from the dark stripes on its back, and it is a member of the bark scorpion group, though it does not usually live on trees.31