Striped bark scorpions are a unique and fascinating species of the scorpion to keep as pets. With their striking black and white stripes, these scorpions are sure to catch the eye of any visitor to your home. But before you consider adding a striped bark scorpion to your family, it’s important to do your research and make sure you are prepared for the responsibility of caring for one of these exotic creatures.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping striped bark scorpions as pets, including their care, habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction. We’ll also delve into the ins and outs of setting up an enclosure for your scorpion, as well as how to keep them healthy and happy. Whether you are a seasoned exotic pet owner or a beginner, this guide is packed with helpful tips and information to make sure your striped bark scorpion has a long and healthy life.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Centruroides vittatus |
| Common names | Striped bark scorpion, striped scorpion |
| Native range | United States (southeastern states, Texas, and Oklahoma) |
| Size | 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in length |
| Lifespan | 4-7 years |
| Diet | Crickets, beetles, roaches, worms |
| Enclosure size | 10-gallon terrarium for 1-2 scorpions |
| Temperature | 80-85°F (27-29°C) during the day, 70-75°F (21-24°C) at night |
| Humidity | 30-40% |
| Habitat | Dry, arid environments |
While the striped bark scorpion is commonly found in North America, scorpion enthusiasts may also be interested in learning about the asian forest scorpion found in Asia.
Striped Bark Scorpion Care
Habitat
One of the most important aspects of caring for a striped bark scorpion is providing them with the proper habitat. These scorpions are native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, so they are accustomed to hot and dry environments.
A 20-gallon tank is a good size for a single adult striped bark scorpion, but you may need a larger enclosure if you plan on keeping more than one. It is also a good idea to include hiding spots and other forms of enclosure décor to give your scorpion places to retreat to and explore.
Diet
Striped bark scorpions are opportunistic predators, which means that they will eat whatever prey is available to them. In the wild, their diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. In captivity, you can feed your scorpion a variety of insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. It is important to dust these insects with a calcium supplement every few feedings to ensure that your scorpion is getting enough of this essential nutrient.
It is also a good idea to offer a variety of insects to ensure that your scorpion is getting a balanced diet. Some experts recommend feeding adult striped bark scorpions every 5-7 days, while juveniles may need to be fed more frequently. It is important to monitor your scorpion’s weight and condition to ensure that they are getting the right amount of food.
Behavior
Striped bark scorpions are nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night. During the day, they will usually hide in their enclosure décor or burrow underground to avoid the heat. They are generally calm and docile creatures, but it is still important to handle them with caution as they can sting if they feel threatened.
It is a good idea to wear gloves when handling your scorpion, especially if you are a beginner. When handling your scorpion, be sure to support its body so that they do not feel threatened or squeezed. It is also a good idea to give them a little bit of space and let them explore on their own, as they can become stressed if handled too much.
Reproduction
Striped bark scorpions are sexually mature at around 1-2 years of age. In the wild, they mate during the summer months and the female gives birth to a litter of baby scorpions in the fall. In captivity, breeding striped bark scorpions is possible, but it requires a bit of knowledge and experience.
You should also research the proper techniques for introducing male and female scorpions and for separating them after mating to prevent fighting. It is also a good idea to have a separate enclosure for the female to give birth in to protect the babies from the male. Baby striped bark scorpions are very small and delicate, so they require special care and attention. It is generally recommended that breeding be left to experienced exotic pet owners.
Molting
Like all arthropods, striped bark scorpions must shed their exoskeletons in order to grow. This process, known as molting, typically occurs every few months for juvenile scorpions and less frequently for adults. During the molting process, your scorpion may become sluggish and inactive, and it may even lose its appetite. It is important to not handle your scorpion during this time and to provide them with a moist hide in their enclosure to help them shed their exoskeleton smoothly.
You should also provide a shallow dish of water for your scorpion to drink from, as they may become dehydrated during the molting process. After your scorpion has successfully molted, it is important to remove any leftover exoskeleton from the enclosure to prevent your scorpion from eating it and potentially becoming impacted.
Handling
As mentioned earlier, it is important to handle your striped bark scorpion with caution and to wear gloves when handling them. It is also a good idea to let your scorpion explore on their own and not handle them too much, as they can become stressed if handled excessively. If you do need to handle your scorpion, be sure to support its body and give them space.
It is also a good idea to approach them slowly and calmly to avoid startling them. With proper handling and care, your striped bark scorpion can become a docile and interesting pet. However, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals and have the potential to sting if they feel threatened. It is always a good idea to use caution and to seek medical attention if you are stung.
My Private Notes
As someone who has had experience with striped bark scorpions, I have learned a few things that might not be obvious to everyone. Here are some non-obvious tips that I have found helpful when caring for these fascinating creatures:
- Provide a thermostat-controlled heat pad: While a heat lamp or ceramic heater can help regulate the temperature in your scorpion’s enclosure, using a thermostat-controlled heat pad can help ensure that the temperature stays within a specific range. This can be especially helpful for maintaining a consistent temperature during the night when the heat lamp is turned off.
- Use a humidity gauge: While a hygrometer can give you a rough idea of the humidity in your scorpion’s enclosure, using a humidity gauge with a probe can give you a more accurate reading. This can be especially helpful for fine-tuning the humidity level in your scorpion’s enclosure and for detecting any sudden changes that may indicate a problem.
- Be careful when handling your scorpion: While striped bark scorpions are generally docile and can be handled with caution, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals and have the potential to sting if they feel threatened. Always use caution when handling your scorpion and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling them to avoid any accidental stings.
- Monitor your scorpion’s behavior: Paying attention to your scorpion’s behavior can give you valuable clues about its health and well-being. Changes in behavior, such as a loss of appetite or a sudden increase in aggression, can be an indication of a health problem. By monitoring your scorpion’s behavior and seeking veterinary care if necessary, you can help prevent more serious health issues from developing.
I hope these tips are helpful and give you a better understanding of how to care for striped bark scorpions. With proper care and attention, these fascinating creatures can make rewarding and interesting pets.
While the striped bark scorpion is a common sight in the southwestern United States, it is often confused with the wind scorpion, which is actually a type of solifugae. To learn more about the wind scorpion, visit desert-scorpions.com.
Setting Up a Striped Bark Scorpion Enclosure
Enclosure Setup
Proper enclosure setup is essential for the health and well-being of your striped bark scorpion. As mentioned earlier, a 20-gallon tank is a good size for a single adult striped bark scorpion, but you may need a larger enclosure if you plan on keeping more than one. It is important to use a tank or enclosure that is made of sturdy, escape-proof material such as glass or acrylic.
Some good options for hiding spots include cork bark, hollow logs, and PVC pipes. You should also provide your scorpion with a substrate to burrow in, such as coconut coir or sand. Be sure to avoid using substrates that are too moist or that could potentially harbor mold or bacteria.
Enclosure Maintenance
Proper enclosure maintenance is crucial for the health and well-being of your striped bark scorpion. It is important to clean your scorpion’s enclosure regularly to remove any uneaten food, waste, or shed exoskeletons. You should also check the enclosure for any signs of damage or wear and tear and make repairs as needed.
You should also monitor the humidity and temperature in your scorpion’s enclosure and make adjustments as needed to ensure that they are comfortable. It is also a good idea to provide your scorpion with a shallow dish of water to drink from and to mist their enclosure occasionally to provide them with a source of hydration. With regular maintenance, you can help ensure that your striped bark scorpion has a clean and comfortable home.
Substrate
The substrate that you use in your striped bark scorpion’s enclosure is important for providing them with a comfortable place to burrow and hide. As mentioned earlier, coconut coir and sand are good options for substrates, but you should avoid using substrates that are too moist or that could potentially harbor mold or bacteria. It is also a good idea to use a substrate that is easy to clean and maintain, as you will need to remove any uneaten food, waste, or shed exoskeletons from the enclosure regularly. With the right substrate, you can help ensure that your striped bark scorpion has a comfortable and healthy home.
Lighting
Proper lighting is important for the health and well-being of your striped bark scorpion. As nocturnal creatures, these scorpions do not require a lot of light, and in fact, too much light can be stressful for them. It is a good idea to provide your scorpion with a low-wattage heat lamp or ceramic heater to help regulate its body temperature, but you should avoid using bright lights or exposing them to direct sunlight. It is also a good idea to provide your scorpion with a day/night cycle by turning the lights off during the day and on at night. This will help them maintain their natural sleep patterns and prevent stress.
Humidity
Striped bark scorpions come from desert environments, so they are accustomed to dry conditions. It is important to maintain a low humidity level in their enclosure to prevent moisture-related issues such as respiratory infections. You can monitor the humidity in your scorpion’s enclosure using a hygrometer, and you can adjust it by misting the enclosure occasionally or by using a dehumidifier. It is generally recommended to maintain a humidity level of 30-40% for striped bark scorpions. It is also a good idea to provide your scorpion with a shallow dish of water to drink from, as they do need a source of hydration in their enclosure.
Temperature
Proper temperature is important for the health and well-being of your striped bark scorpion. As desert creatures, these scorpions are accustomed to hot and dry conditions. In order to replicate this type of environment in your home, it is important to use a heat lamp or ceramic heater to provide your scorpion with a basking spot.
The temperature in your scorpion’s enclosure should be kept between 80-85°F during the day and can drop to around 70-75°F at night. It is important to monitor the temperature in your scorpion’s enclosure using a thermometer and to make adjustments as needed to ensure that they are comfortable. With the right temperature, you can help ensure that your striped bark scorpion stays healthy and happy.
The striped bark scorpion is often mistaken for a pseudoscorpion, but they are actually two different species. To learn more about pseudoscorpions, visit desert-scorpions.com.
Striped Bark Scorpion Health Issues
Signs of a Healthy Scorpion
Knowing what to look for can help you spot potential health issues in your striped bark scorpion early on and get them the treatment they need. Some signs of a healthy scorpion include:
- Clear and bright eyes
- Smooth and shiny exoskeleton
- Good appetite
- Active and alert behavior
If you notice any changes in your scorpion’s appearance or behavior, it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian who is experienced in treating exotic pets. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent more serious health issues from developing.
Common Health Issues
Some common health issues that can affect striped bark scorpions include:
- Dehydration: Scorpions can become dehydrated if they do not have access to a source of water or if the humidity in their enclosure is too low. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, a shriveled appearance, and lethargy. To prevent dehydration, it is important to provide your scorpion with a shallow dish of water to drink from and to mist their enclosure occasionally.
- Respiratory infections: Scorpions can develop respiratory infections if the humidity in their enclosure is too high or if they are exposed to drafts or temperature fluctuations. Signs of a respiratory infection include labored breathing, sneezing, and discharge from the nose or mouth. To prevent respiratory infections, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your scorpion’s enclosure and to avoid exposing them to drafts or temperature fluctuations.
- Impactions: Scorpions can become impacted if they eat substrate or other indigestible materials. Signs of an impact include a loss of appetite, constipation, and lethargy. To prevent impacts, it is important to provide your scorpion with a substrate that is easy to digest, such as coconut coir or sand, and to remove any uneaten prey or indigestible materials from the enclosure regularly. It is also a good idea to monitor your scorpion’s diet and condition and to seek veterinary care if you suspect an impact.
Striped Bark Scorpion Shedding
As mentioned earlier, striped bark scorpions must shed their exoskeletons in order to grow. This process, known as molting, typically occurs every few months for juvenile scorpions and less frequently for adults. During the molting process, your scorpion may become sluggish and inactive, and it may even lose its appetite.
You should also provide a shallow dish of water for your scorpion to drink from, as they may become dehydrated during the molting process. After your scorpion has successfully molted, it is important to remove any leftover exoskeleton from the enclosure to prevent your scorpion from eating it and potentially becoming impacted.
People Also Ask
What is the lifespan of a striped bark scorpion?
Striped bark scorpions have a lifespan of about 5-7 years in captivity when provided with proper care.
Are striped bark scorpions venomous?
Yes, striped bark scorpions are venomous. However, their venom is not typically deadly to humans and is considered to be of low toxicity. It is still important to handle them with caution and seek medical attention if stung.
Do striped bark scorpions make good pets?
Striped bark scorpions can make good pets for experienced exotic pet owners who are willing to devote the time and effort to properly caring for them. They are not recommended for beginners or for those who do not have the necessary resources to provide for their needs. It is also important to consider the legality of keeping scorpions as pets in your area before making the decision to get one.
Conclusion
Striped bark scorpions are unique and fascinating creatures that can make interesting and rewarding pets for experienced exotic pet owners. With proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your striped bark scorpion has a long and healthy life. By providing them with the proper habitat, diet, and care, and by setting up a suitable enclosure and maintaining it properly, you can give your scorpion the best chance at a happy and healthy life. Remember to handle your scorpion with caution and seek medical attention if you are stung, and always follow the laws and regulations regarding the keeping of exotic pets in your area.