Striped bark scorpion
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| Centruroides vittatus (Say, 1863) |
The striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is an extremely common scorpion found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico; indeed, it is perhaps the most frequently encountered scorpion in the U.S.
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[edit] Appearance and behavior
A medium-sized scorpion that is rarely longer than 60 mm, it is easily identified by two dark, longitudinal stripes on its carapace, with a dark triangular mark on its head. There are minor variations on this theme, however; specimens that are lighter-colored and lack the characteristic stripes have been described as separate species in the past.
Like many scorpions, C. vittatus is primarily a nocturnal insectivore. They are highly adaptable, and can be found almost anywhere with plenty of crevices in which to hide or hunt; these include forests, rocky areas, and buildings, where they can be a frequent indoor pest. The species does well in captivity.
Noted for their complex courtship behavior, their long breeding season runs from autumn through early summer; after an eight-month gestation, they give live birth to a brood of as many as 50 young.
[edit] Human significance
Though not aggressive, the scorpion's close association with humans makes envenomation relatively commmon. The sting is painful, but the worst of it passes in 15-20 minutes; fatalities are rare, and due to anaphalactic shock rather than the venom itself. Reported direct deaths are controversial.
