Striped Bark Scorpion

Striped Bark Scorpion
Centruroides vittatus (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Bark Scorpions are usually small, agile, and very fast scorpions. There are many species in the genus Centruroides. These scorpions can hide in and escape from very small spaces. They climb well and some species can be found in buildings. Centruroides vitattus is the most common scorpion in the United States and occurs in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico (Ove Rein 2005). This scorpion is about 5 cm long including the tail, and is often encountered in homes and clothing. I actually had one escape from the smallest opening in a closed container, only to find its way into my boyfriend's pants a few days later! Centruroides vittatus occurs in xeric (dry climate) and mesic (moist climate) morphs and varies in coloration.

Captive Requirements

Housing:	Something not too large and very escape-proof
Communal:	Yes (provide a larger tank for communal set-ups)
Diet:	Crickets, roaches
Substrate:	Peat moss or soil
Decor:	Cork bark, water dish
Temperature:	26.7° C (80° F)
Humidity:	Low to moderate
Temperament:	Skittish and quick to run
Considerations:	Sneaky and fast, agile climber; not for beginners

***Texas Scorpions***

I've kept several C. vitattus from Texas. In 2005 I purchased two gravid females and a male at the American Tarantula Society conference. Both females gave birth, and all of the scorplings died!!!!! I believe these individuals are of the xeric morph and the scorplings could not handle being misted. The dark female died, but hopefully the light female will drop some more young.