A Guide To Identifying Different Types of Scorpions and Their Risks
Scorpions, while generally peaceful, can catch you off guard—or you can surprise them! More often than not, scorpions are disturbed when accidentally stepped on or kicked, which can cause them to go into defense mode.
Our blog from the pest experts at Brooks Pest Solutions will share some helpful information about the most common scorpions you might find in the U.S. We’ll guide you on how to recognize them by their size and color, and provide details about their venom and sting. Keep reading to learn more about the scorpions you may come across.
Five Common Types of Scorpions and How To Identify Them
There are more than 1,300 scorpion species worldwide, with the United States hosting 75 to 100 of them. When you come across a scorpion, it’s useful to identify its species and whether it will sting. Typically, all scorpions can sting, but the pain level from their stings varies among species. Find five common scorpion species you could encounter in the U.S. and how to identify them below.
1. Striped Bark Scorpion
The most common scorpion in the United States, the striped bark scorpion, is mainly found in the south-central United States and northern Mexico. These scorpions are native to Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, and other southern and midwestern states.
The striped bark scorpion is about two and a half inches long and can be identified by its yellowish-tan body with two broad, black stripes on the upper surface of the abdomen. These scorpions are mainly nocturnal, seeking shelter during the day in cool, dark, moist places like under rocks, logs, and debris.
Striped bark scorpions usually avoid confrontation and are not aggressive. They tend to retreat or hide when threatened. They will sting if they feel endangered, such as when stepped on or if someone reaches into a dark area without seeing them. Most stings occur during accidental encounters and can cause swelling, itching, numbness, or discoloration that may last from minutes to days. Nonetheless, their venom is not life-threatening.
2. Southern Devil Scorpion
Known as the plain eastern stripeless scorpion and the southern unstriped scorpion, the southern devil scorpion can be found across the southeastern United States, including Georgia, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, and more. They are about one and a half inches long, with dark brown coloring and a sting often compared to a bee or wasp sting. Like most scorpions, this nocturnal creature spends most of its time hiding under objects on the ground, such as logs, rocks, and boulders.
The southern devil scorpion mainly uses its sting for defense. It will raise its pincers and tail to try to scare off perceived threats before resorting to stinging. If stung, the experience is similar to a bee or wasp sting, with effects that don’t last long. There may be minor swelling and redness at the site, although in rare cases, the sting can cause severe allergic reactions.
3. Florida Bark Scorpion
The Florida bark scorpion, an invasive species in Texas, is also found throughout Florida, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. This suggests that these creatures were likely transported from the tropics by boat. They measure between just under 2 inches and 6 inches in length. The Florida bark scorpion’s coloration varies as well, including red and black, or featuring bands and markings in red, yellow, brown, black, or orange.
Just like the aforementioned scorpions, the Florida bark scorpion is not considered dangerous or deadly. Their stings cause pain, and the venom can lead to redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort. Wash the area with soap and water to reduce itching and keep it clean, and manage any pain with over-the-counter pain medication or ice packs.
4. Texas Cave Scorpion
Texas cave scorpions are usually between one and a half and two and a half inches long. They have rich, dark coloring and tend to have thicker pincers compared to the common striped bark scorpion. These creatures prefer dark, quiet places like caves and grottos, and avoid human structures altogether.
Texas cave scorpions, like others, sting defensively when provoked or threatened, rather than aggressively. Although their sting is venomous, the reaction is generally mild—similar to a fire ant sting—and rarely needs medical attention unless the person is allergic. Stings may cause localized numbness, swelling, and pain.
5. Lesser Stripetail Scorpion
Found across Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, the lesser stripetail scorpion inhabits various environments from mountains to grasslands, blending into different surroundings. These scorpions measure between one and a half to two inches long and are usually a pale tan, orange, or yellow color with a distinctive dark last segment on the tail and a light-tipped stinger.
If stepped on or threatened, the lesser stripetail scorpion will perform a flick—a quick, short movement that positions its stinger at the threat—as a defense. Unlike other, shyer scorpions, the lesser stripetail scorpion will sometimes stand its ground with a defensive posture. The sting is very painful, causing sensitivity and swelling that can last 15 to 30 minutes or longer.
What Do Scorpions Eat?
Regions are so diverse that scorpions prey on a wide variety of species that are too vast to list. Most of a scorpion’s diet consists of insects and arthropods, making them natural pest controllers. Larger scorpion species can also hunt reptiles, small mammals, and even other scorpions. They use their stingers to immobilize their prey.
A basic list of what scorpions eat includes:
- Crickets and grasshoppers
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Beetles
- Moths
- Earwigs
- Centipedes
- Snakes and lizards
- Mice
- Other scorpions
What Is a Scorpion’s Habitat?
Scorpions inhabit every continent except Antarctica, resulting in diverse habitats and adaptations to their environment, including temperature, subtropical, and tropical conditions. Known for their resilience, scorpions burrow and hide under rocks for safety and can even endure freezing temperatures. Scorpion habitats include:
- Deserts and semiarid regions
- Savannas
- Grasslands and forests
- Mountains
- Caves and grottos
- Rainforests
- Intertidal zones
How To Get Rid of Scorpions in Your Home With Brooks Pest Solutions
Scorpions are known to seek shelter in homes, such as in attics, crawl spaces, basements, garages, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom cupboards, in search of warmth, shelter, and possibly food and water. If you suspect you have a scorpion problem, get in touch with Brooks Pest Solutions for a pest inspection or schedule scorpion control services.
Brooks Pest Solutions offers residential pest control services across Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. To get started, contact our team online, call us, or request a quote!