Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)

Short answers

Striped bark scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?

30×30×30 cm, with vertical climbing structures (a bark dweller).

Striped bark scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–29 °C, at night 18–22 °C (not below 18 °C).

Striped bark scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Striped bark scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 4–6 years (females longer).

Striped bark scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–29 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C (not below 18 °C)

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–50 % (rather dry, adaptable)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

30×30×30 cm, with vertical climbing structures (a bark dweller)

Substrate

Coarse sand or dry desert substrate, cork bark and stones as hides

Feeding

Food

House crickets, small crickets, small roaches

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 5–7 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 4–6 years (females longer)

Origin

The southern USA (Texas among others), northern Mexico

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

Not essential (an optional slightly cooler winter spell is possible)

Cohabitation

Keep singly – juveniles cannibalise each other according to Wikipedia, and while adults are largely neutral towards each other, group housing remains risky and is only justifiable with a lot of space and hides.

Notes

An excellent climber and escape artist – an absolutely escape-proof lid is needed. The venom is painful but usually not life-threatening medically. A buthid, and quick.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
• Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – Beginner
• Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
• Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
• Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
• Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
• Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×30 cm, with vertical climbing structures (a bark dweller)), substrate (Coarse sand or dry desert substrate, cork bark and stones as hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.