Striped Bark Scorpion — Fact Sheet

Scientific name: Centruroides vittatus (Say, 1821) Common names: Striped bark scorpion, Texas bark scorpion, common striped scorpion Order: Scorpiones (family Buthidae) Status in the San Antonio / Boerne corridor: These guys are native and abundant. In fact, they are the single most common scorpion in Texas and are the only species you'll find all over the state.

At a glance #

Size	25–70 mm (1" to 2-3/4")
Color	Yellowish-tan body with two distinctive dark longitudinal stripes down the back; dark triangular mark above eyes
Body type	Arachnid (8 legs); long slender body, slender pedipalps (pincers), thin tail
Active period	Nocturnal year-round; mating Fall, Spring, early summer
Sting	Single, defensive; sharp burning pain 15–20 minutes; rarely medically serious
Habitat in homes	Attics, wall voids, under siding, in stored items
Famous trait	Glows blue-green under UV black light

Why this fact sheet exists in a stinging insect content set #

Striped bark scorpions are arachnids, not insects. They share a family tree with spiders, ticks, and mites. We include them in our services because we know from experience that customers often search for information about scorpions.

• Every customer inquiry about "stinging pests in Texas" almost always brings up scorpions. Most people don’t make the distinction between insects and arachnids when they’re searching for "things that sting."
• In the San Antonio to Boerne area specifically, scorpions rank among the top three pest problems for new homeowners, right alongside fire ants and wasps.
• Scorpion-related service calls peak seasonally in our region. Homeowners in the Hill Country frequently face issues with scorpions in their attics.
• Understanding the biology matters for stinging pests — the venom delivery system, effects of stings, and treatment options are similar to those for stinging Hymenoptera.

This fact sheet covers scorpions, which may not be insects but definitely sting. Our treatment methods for scorpions overlap a lot with what we do for stinging insects like bees and wasps. Their biology is intriguing; for instance, there are around 1,500 species worldwide, but only a handful can deliver a sting that’s dangerous to humans. In Texas, we often see the Centruroides vittatus, commonly known as the striped bark scorpion, which can be found throughout the state, including neighborhoods in San Antonio, Boerne, and Fair Oaks Ranch. Customers want to know how we handle these pests, and it’s important to take scorpion sightings seriously, especially in warmer months from April to October.

Identification #

The striped bark scorpion is the only scorpion you'll likely run into in the Hill Country. Identifying them is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for.

Diagnostic features:

• Yellowish-tan to pale-yellow body — it can look almost amber when you shine a flashlight on it.
• Two broad dark longitudinal stripes running down the back of the abdomen — this is what gives it its name.
• Dark triangular mark on the carapace (the head shield) above the median and lateral eyes.
• Slender pedipalps (the front "claws") — these are narrow, not thick and heavy.
• Long thin tail — in adults, it's longer than the body.
• Dark brown to black tip on the tail (the postabdomen) and the bases of the pedipalps in younger specimens.

Size and dimorphism: Adults typically measure around 60 mm (2-3/8") long. Males have longer tails than females. Younger scorpions tend to be lighter in color compared to adults. In the Big Bend area of West Texas, you might find populations that are barely marked or entirely pale. However, the scorpions in central Texas usually display the full color pattern consistently.

Distinguishing from other Texas scorpions #

Texas is home to around 20 species of scorpions. In the San Antonio and Hill Country areas, you'll mainly come across one species — C. vittatus. It’s so prevalent that you can often identify it just by where you are; it’s pretty much the only scorpion you’ll find outside of West Texas.

For comparison purposes:

• **Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus): Found only in West Texas (El Paso area, Big Bend). It's smoother and a pale yellow color without distinct stripes. This scorpion is significantly more dangerous — its venom is the strongest of any North American scorpion. You won’t find it in the San Antonio area.**
• Other Texas scorpions: Mostly Vaejovis species, which are generally larger and more robust, with thicker pedipalps. They tend to be in West and South Texas, usually in dry habitats. You won’t see them much in residential areas.

If you spot a scorpion in a Boerne, Bulverde, or Stone Oak attic, it’s definitely Centruroides vittatus. No question about it.

Biology and behavior #

Anatomy refresher #

Scorpions are a type of arachnid. What sets them apart are their long bodies, segmented tails, and venomous stingers at the end of their tails. They have eight legs, which are the four pairs that walk, along with pedipalps that look like lobster pincers for grabbing prey. They also have small mouthparts called chelicerae.

The "tail" of a scorpion is really called the metasoma. It has five segments and ends in the telson, which holds the venom glands and the aculeus, or sting. When a scorpion stings, it arches its tail forward over its body to jab the aculeus into whatever it’s targeting.

Hunting and feeding #

Striped bark scorpions are active at night. They come out of their daytime hiding spots around sunset to hunt for food. Their diet includes spiders, centipedes, crickets, flies, beetles, and other small arthropods, usually found on or near the ground.

Their hunting strategy relies on a fascinating sensory system. Scorpions have comb-like chemical receptor organs called pectines on their undersides that touch the ground as they walk. This gives them chemical and tactile information about what's underfoot and potential prey. They also sense vibrations through specialized leg organs to pick up on nearby movements. When you combine this with their venom, it makes for effective hunting even in total darkness.

Scorpions catch their prey using their pedipalps, which are like pincers. They crush the prey and then arch their tail forward to deliver a sting. This venom paralyzes the victim—I've seen insects jerk around for a moment before going completely limp. The scorpion keeps its grip until the prey is dead.

Eating is pretty strange for scorpions. Their mouths, called chelicerae, are tiny, so they can't chew solid food. Instead, they digest their meals outside their bodies. They cough up digestive fluids onto their prey and then suck up the liquefied remains. It’s a bit like drinking a smoothie. A single meal can take hours to consume, and one large prey item can keep a scorpion going for weeks.

Reproduction #

Mating happens in the fall, spring, and early summer. The courtship is quite a show. The male grabs the female's pedipalps and walks her across a flat surface while laying down a spermatophore. The female then picks it up.

Striped bark scorpions give birth to live young. The embryos develop inside the female thanks to a placental connection, which is pretty rare for bugs. It takes about eight months for them to gestate. On average, a brood consists of around 30 young, but I've seen it go as high as 50.

Newborn scorpions hop onto their mother's back right after they're born and stay there during their first instar. Once they molt for the first time, they scatter and start living on their own. On average, scorpions molt about six times before they reach maturity, which can take several years.

That brood-carrying behavior is something you don't forget. A female scorpion will have 20 to 30 tiny pale babies clinging to her back. I've seen it a lot during May and June in the Hill Country.

Habitat and shelter #

The genus name Centruroides suggests that these critters like to climb. Striped bark scorpions are known for being great climbers. They get their name "bark scorpions" from their preference for dead plants, fallen logs, and even our homes. Unlike other scorpions that dig their own burrows, C. vittatus prefers to hide in existing cracks and crevices.

Daytime shelter locations include:

• Under rocks and surface debris — a common hiding spot for many pests.
• Inside fallen logs and dead vegetation — these areas provide shelter and food.
• Beneath tree bark — particularly in cedars and live oaks, where I’ve found many nests.
• In old rural structures — barns, sheds, and other outbuildings are often infested.
• In houses — especially in attics, wall voids, garages, storage areas, and beneath siding.
• In stored items — like boxes, shoes left outside, folded tarps, and firewood; pests love these spots.

The waxy cuticle on their bodies keeps them from losing water, which is vital for surviving those hot, dry summers in the Hill Country. They can climb pretty well too, often reaching high spots. I've seen them scale wall studs, stack stones, and even smooth surfaces if there's enough texture for grip.

The "scorpions in the attic" problem in the Hill Country is something we see all the time. Homes with stone veneers and traditional shingle or tile roofs tend to trap scorpions in the attic. Over the years, these critters build up in there, and they often move through wall voids into your living space as the seasons change.

Venom — the science #

The venom of C. vittatus contains multiple bioactive components:

• CvlV4 toxin: This toxin messes with sodium channels in sensory neurons called nociceptors, which are responsible for detecting pain. It keeps these channels from shutting down, causing that sharp, burning sensation when you get stung.
• Multiple allergen proteins: There are at least nine of these proteins identified through SDS-PAGE and IgE immunoblot analysis. They can trigger hypersensitive immune responses in some people.
• Enzymes: These include alkaline phosphatase, esterase, esterase lipase, acid phosphatase, and phospholipase A. Together, they contribute to the local tissue damage you might experience after a sting.

A 2017 study in PLOS One found that adult striped bark scorpion venom is about 2.7 times stronger than juvenile venom. They measured this using ED50 values, which showed 50.1 μg/g for adults and 134.2 μg/g for juveniles. The reason for this difference lies in changes in venom gene expression as scorpions age. Adults have more sodium channel modulators, while juveniles focus on potassium channel modulators. This is one of the clearer examples of how venom strength varies with age in scorpions.

The complete C. vittatus genome has been sequenced and annotated. We've mapped venom toxin genes to specific contigs and scaffolds. This scorpion is one of only three species in the world that has a published genome assembly.

Why scorpions glow under UV light #

The exoskeleton, or cuticle, of scorpions has compounds that fluoresce blue-green when you shine ultraviolet light (like a 'black light') on them. This happens with all scorpion species and is one of the best ways to identify them, according to Wikipedia.

Why this happens is still a bit of a mystery. The glow comes from chemicals in the hyaline layer of the scorpion’s cuticle, like beta-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. Scientists haven’t nailed down the exact reason scorpions evolved to fluoresce. Some ideas floating around include:

• UV light detection. Scorpions don’t have the usual compound eyes. They may actually use their whole body as a UV light sensor, with fluorescence helping them detect light.
• Predator deterrence. Surfaces that fluoresce under UV light can be seen by some animals, which might act as a warning sign for predators.
• Prey attraction or avoidance. The fluorescence could influence how prey behaves, although it’s not entirely clear how.
• Photoprotection. These compounds may help protect scorpions from UV damage.
• Byproduct. It could just be a neutral result of how their cuticle chemistry has evolved.

A black-light flashlight, often marketed as "scorpion flashlights," is a game changer for spotting scorpions at night. Under UV light, scorpions glow a bright blue-green, making them easy to spot against their surroundings. Trust me, I've seen how much easier this makes locating them compared to using regular white light. This method is commonly used for night surveys, especially in areas that frequently deal with scorpion issues.

Local context — San Antonio and the Hill Country #

The striped bark scorpion is found throughout our service area. You’ll see different population levels depending on the habitat.

• Boerne, Fair Oaks Ranch, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Comfort, Bergheim, Helotes: high scorpion pressure. The limestone-and-cedar Hill Country is perfect for them — plenty of rock crevices, mature live oaks for shelter, and dry, well-drained soils. Many custom homes in these areas often have scorpions living in their attics.
• Stone Oak / Sonterra / Encino Park: moderate to high. The wooded areas north of Loop 1604 have a mix of native habitat and developed lots, leading to significant scorpion pressure.
• Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Monte Vista: moderate. These older neighborhoods with mature trees and rocky landscapes create a suitable environment for scorpions.
• Central San Antonio (downtown, near downtown): low to moderate. The dense urban setting and yards dominated by turfgrass don't provide the best habitat for scorpions.
• Southside and East San Antonio brush corridors: moderate. While the brush-country habitat works for scorpions, it’s not as ideal as the Hill Country.
• New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Kerrville: high. This area follows the same Hill Country pattern as Boerne, making it a hotspot for scorpions.

A common scene in Boerne or Fair Oaks Ranch: a homeowner discovers a scorpion in the bathtub, a closet, a child's bedroom, or even in a folded towel. It’s a real concern, and they often call us. When we inspect, we frequently uncover a long-established population in the attic. These critters tend to move through wall voids into living areas, especially during the late summer heat and when the weather transitions to winter. They’re just looking for a stable, comfortable spot.

Specific Hill Country considerations #

Stone-veneer homes attract scorpions because the gaps between the stones and the sheathing behind them create a cozy environment. It’s a sheltered spot with stable temperatures and plenty of insects to feast on. If your home was built in the Texas Hill Country since 2000, there’s a good chance you have stone veneer on at least one side.

Outdoor stacked-stone retaining walls and landscape features are great spots for scorpions to hang out. They might look nice, but they can really attract pests.

Cedar elimination work (that's clearing Ashe juniper, which we call "cedar" around here, even though it's not a true cedar) on Hill Country properties can lead to more scorpion sightings. When we remove their habitat, these critters often look for new places to hide, and that can mean moving into nearby buildings.

Outdoor pavilions, pool houses, and casitas are prime spots for scorpions. Surveys show that scorpions are found in 60–80% of unmaintained outbuildings across the Hill Country.

Risk to humans and pets #

Low to moderate. The sting of a striped bark scorpion is definitely painful, but for healthy adults, it rarely leads to serious medical issues.

Typical sting effects:

• You’ll feel a sharp pain at the sting site, often compared to a hot needle or like a wasp sting.
• There’s usually a burning sensation that peaks for 15–20 minutes, then fades over a couple of hours.
• Expect local swelling, redness, and some minor edema.
• About 10% of stings result in a tingling or numbness, often described as an electric shock moving up the affected arm or leg.
• Most symptoms clear up completely within 24 hours.

More serious cases (rare):

• Allergic reactions can happen, and in some cases, they lead to anaphylaxis — that’s the only way a C. vittatus sting can be life-threatening.
• Symptoms often show up as hives, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory distress.
• You'll usually see muscle spasms and jerky eye movements as the first serious signs.
• Kids under 6, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk.

Deaths from striped bark scorpion stings are extremely rare in healthy adults. There's no documented case of a confirmed death directly from C. vittatus venom; any fatalities usually come from anaphylactic shock, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pets: Dogs and cats often get stung while sniffing around scorpions. Reactions can range from mild (like limping or a little whimpering) to more serious swelling in the area. If symptoms last more than a few hours or if your pet shows signs of a bigger reaction, like difficulty breathing, it’s best to get them to a vet.

First aid #

Standard care for a striped bark scorpion sting:

• Wash the area with soap and water.
• Use an ice pack on the sting site for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off — shorter if you have circulation issues.
• Keep the affected area still to slow the spread of venom.
• Loosen any tight clothing and remove jewelry in case of swelling.
• Take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl for allergic-type symptoms.
• Seek emergency care if serious symptoms develop; you can call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Treatment approach #

Scorpion control is the most genuinely difficult ongoing pest management challenge in our service area. Reasons:

• Scorpions are surprisingly mobile; they can climb and squeeze through small gaps.
• They don’t reproduce quickly, but they can stick around for years.
• You’ll find them in hard-to-reach spots like attic insulation, wall voids, and stone veneer cavities.
• They have a high tolerance to insecticides — their exoskeletons resist most contact treatments.
• Unlike social insects, scorpions don’t have a nest to target.
• They’re nocturnal, which makes it tricky to know when to observe and treat them.

Our standard approach for established Hill Country scorpion populations:

Identification and survey:

• We use a UV black light night survey to pinpoint where stinging insects are hanging out and how many there are.
• An interior survey is done in places like attics, garages, and crawl spaces to find where they might be nesting and getting inside.
• We assess the exterior perimeter, looking at landscape features, gaps in stone veneer, wood piles, and any debris that could attract pests.

Exclusion:

• Seal up wall void entry points, soffit gaps, and weep holes. We can consult with you on whether to screen or seal, since weep holes help manage moisture.
  
• Install or replace door sweeps to keep pests from sneaking in.
  
• Repair window screens to block out unwanted insects.
  
• Seal cracks in your foundation to prevent pests from entering your home.

Habitat modification:

• Remove ground-level debris and woodpiles within 20 feet of your home.
• Trim back any vegetation touching your structure.
• Get rid of or move stacked stone landscape features close to your house.
• Tackle moisture problems that draw in prey insects.

Chemical treatment:

• We use residual perimeter treatment with labeled products. Microencapsulated or wettable powder formulations stick to a scorpion's cuticle better than water-based solutions.
• Granular treatments are applied to landscape beds and turf areas.
• We do crack-and-crevice treatments in spots where we've found harborage.
• Attic dust treatment is used for established interior populations.
• For properties with ongoing problems, we recommend routine repeat treatments every three months.

Realistic expectations:

• True elimination of scorpions from Hill Country property is pretty much impossible.
• The goal is to significantly reduce their numbers and keep them out of your living spaces.
• Homes that achieve "no scorpion sightings inside" usually do it with a mix of exclusion and regular perimeter treatment.
• Year 1 of treatment often shows a dramatic drop in scorpions; by years 2 and beyond, populations stabilize at much lower levels.

Odd, funny, and genuinely true #

• Striped bark scorpions glow blue-green under UV light, like every other scorpion species. Why this happens is still genuinely unknown despite decades of research. The compounds responsible (beta-carboline and 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin) are well-characterized, but the evolutionary function remains debated.
• Scorpions can survive months without food. A well-fed striped bark scorpion can persist 6+ months without eating, drawing on stored fat reserves. This is part of why eliminating populations is so difficult — depriving them of prey for short periods does not significantly reduce numbers.
• **The genus Centruroides contains some of the most medically dangerous scorpions in North America.** C. sculpturatus (Arizona bark scorpion) is the most dangerous; multiple Mexican Centruroides species cause pediatric deaths annually. C. vittatus is in the same genus but is comparatively mild — sometimes called "the gentle relative" in the keeping community.
• Striped bark scorpions are kept as pets. They are popular among scorpion enthusiasts because of their relatively mild venom, attractive striped patterning, and active behavior. Online care guides treat C. vittatus as a beginner-friendly scorpion species. Texas pest control operators occasionally find escaped pet scorpions in the wild — almost always C. vittatus.
• They can survive being frozen. Documented research shows that C. vittatus can survive brief subfreezing temperatures and even short periods of ice formation in their bodies, then revive when temperatures rise. This freeze tolerance is part of how they persist in the northernmost parts of their range (as far north as southern Nebraska).
• A single mother carries 20–30 babies on her back for the first instar. If you ever see a scorpion that appears to have a "fuzzy" or textured back in May or June, look closely — it's a mother carrying her brood. The young rest on her back and feed on egg yolk reserves until their first molt, after which they disperse.
• The published genome has 760 megabases of DNA — about a quarter the size of the human genome. The assembly identified 36,189 protein-coding genes. Of these, 19 sodium-channel toxin genes and 14 potassium-channel toxin genes have been mapped to specific scaffolds — the molecular basis for the venom complexity.
• Scorpions are ancient. The oldest scorpion fossils date to approximately 430 million years ago, in the Silurian period. Scorpion body plan has changed remarkably little since then. The striped bark scorpion you find in your attic is using essentially the same anatomical design that existed before the first land plants formed forests.
• The species was first formally described by Thomas Say in 1821 — the same American entomologist who later described Brachygastra mellifica (the Mexican honey wasp). Say's work in the 1820s and 1830s established many of the foundational species descriptions for North American arthropods.
• They eat each other. Cannibalism is documented in C. vittatus — larger individuals will prey on smaller ones, particularly if food is scarce. Mothers also occasionally consume their own offspring. This is part of why population density does not increase indefinitely in confined habitats.
• The stripes are aposematic — warning coloration. The dark dorsal stripes against a yellowish background signal "I am venomous" to potential predators, and predatory birds and small mammals that attempt to eat a scorpion learn the association quickly.
• They are detected by hunting tarantulas as prey. Texas brown tarantulas and other large tarantula species in the Hill Country eat scorpions — including striped bark scorpions. The interaction is one of the few cases where a Texas spider regularly preys on a venomous arthropod.
• A scorpion in the bathtub is almost always trapped, not arriving via the drain. They climb walls in search of prey or shelter, slip into the smooth porcelain bathtub, and cannot climb back out due to the slick surface. This is the single most common "found a scorpion in the house" scenario in the Hill Country.

FAQ hooks (for LuperIQ / SEO) #

• Getting rid of scorpions in your house usually means sealing up cracks and crevices, keeping your yard tidy, and calling a pest control service if needed.
• Scorpions in the Hill Country can be dangerous, especially the bark scorpion, which has a venomous sting.
• Scorpions glow under black light because of a substance in their exoskeleton that fluoresces. It's pretty wild to see!
• If you find a scorpion in your bed, try to stay calm. Use a jar or cup to trap it and then release it outside.
• A dangerous scorpion sting usually causes severe pain, swelling, and other symptoms like difficulty breathing. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek medical help.
• You might have so many scorpions in your attic because it’s dark and undisturbed, making it a perfect hiding spot for them.
• In San Antonio, we commonly see the striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) and the Texas scorpion (Vaejovis spinigerus).
• Yes, scorpions can pose a risk to dogs and cats, especially if they get stung. Keep an eye on your pets and contact your vet if they get stung.

We’ve pulled together information from several reliable sources for this fact sheet. This includes the Wikipedia entry on the striped bark scorpion, which cites Say's original description from 1821. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Field Guide to Common Texas Insects has entries on Centruroides vittatus, and we've also referenced the Animal Diversity Web account by Schaefer and Fabritius from 2001. There’s peer-reviewed research on age-dependent venom variation published in PLOS One in 2017, and the genome assembly published in G3 Genes|Genomes|Genetics in 2024. For a broader context, we've considered Earth Sky's natural history coverage by Alex Reshanov, the Reliant Pest Control medical summary, and the Tarantula Collective species profile. The distribution data comes from the extensive work by Sissom and others on Centruroides. Lastly, the venom biology details come from literature on Centruroides venom proteomics, specifically the CvlV4 toxin characterization.

Frequently asked questions #

How can I identify a Striped Bark Scorpion? #

Striped Bark Scorpions are typically light brown to yellowish in color, with two distinct dark stripes running down their backs. They have a slender body and can grow up to 3 inches long. If you spot a scorpion with these features, it’s likely a Striped Bark Scorpion.

What kind of behavior do Striped Bark Scorpions exhibit? #

These scorpions are nocturnal hunters, primarily active at night when they search for insects to eat. They tend to hide under rocks, logs, or in crevices during the day. If disturbed, they may sting in defense, but they usually prefer to flee.

Are Striped Bark Scorpions dangerous to humans? #

While their sting can be painful and might cause some swelling or discomfort, Penn State Extension states that Striped Bark Scorpions are not considered life-threatening to healthy adults.

When is the best time of year to treat for Striped Bark Scorpions in San Antonio? #

In San Antonio, scorpion activity typically peaks in the warmer months, particularly from late spring through early fall. It's wise to schedule treatments during this time to minimize their presence around your home.

What does your treatment process for Striped Bark Scorpions involve? #

Our treatment process includes a thorough inspection of your property to identify potential hiding spots and nesting areas. We then apply targeted treatments to those areas, focusing on both immediate elimination and long-term prevention. We also provide recommendations for reducing outdoor attractants around your home.

Last reviewed April 25, 2026 by Travis Lambert (Owner).