Insect identifier · Spiders and scorpions
How to identify a Striped bark scorpion
Centruroides vittatus
· Also called striped scorpion, texas bark scorpion, texas scorpion identification, striped scorpion sting
Texas Hill Country and neighboring states: two dark stripes down the back. Painful, usually less toxic than Arizona bark scorpion.
Texas and neighboring states: two dark stripes down the back, climbs like other bark scorpions. Painful sting, usually less toxic than the Arizona bark scorpion, still not something to wait out in a small child. Shoes and bedding checks at night. Do not relocate Arizona advice one-for-one onto a Hill Country sting without looking at stripes.
What does a striped bark scorpion look like?
Two dark stripes, slender pincers, climbs like other bark scorpions.
Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is Similar slender bark-scorpion shape. Colors people notice: tan, black, striped. Field marks: Two dark stripes down the back; Slender pincers; Climbs like other bark scorpions. It is found both. If those marks are missing, open Arizona bark scorpion before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a striped bark scorpion looks like and striped bark scorpion identification.
Identification marks
- Two dark stripes down the back
- Slender pincers
- Climbs like other bark scorpions
Size: Similar slender bark-scorpion shape
Colors: tan, black, striped
Where: both
What a typical striped bark scorpion bite looks like
Painful sting with swelling and lingering ache. Children still need caution. Ice; ER for severe symptoms.
People searching “striped bark scorpion bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. Painful sting with swelling and lingering ache. Usually less severe than Arizona bark scorpion but still miserable. Immediate steps on this page: Ice, pain control as advised by a clinician or poison control; ER for children with severe symptoms; Soothe intact skin later if it itches. This species does bite or sting people. Fever, spreading redness, trouble breathing, or a child with many stings is professional care.
If you were bitten
- Ice, pain control as advised by a clinician or poison control
- ER for children with severe symptoms
- Soothe intact skin later if it itches
Striped bark scorpion vs Arizona bark scorpion
Two dark stripes. Texas and south-central. Painful, usually milder than Arizona bark scorpion, still not a toy.
- Arizona bark scorpion identification (Centruroides sculpturatus)
Range and season
South-central U.S., warm nights.
Texas, Oklahoma, and neighboring states, under bark and in homes on warm nights.
South-central U.S., especially Texas Hill Country and neighboring states.
Warm nights
Common questions
Striped vs Arizona bark scorpion?
Striped bark scorpions have two dark back stripes and live mainly in Texas and nearby states. Arizona bark scorpions are plainer tan and more toxic.
Do they come indoors?
Yes, especially during heat or rain.
Is the sting dangerous?
Painful; medically serious reactions are less common than with C. sculpturatus but children still need caution.
Striped bark scorpion vs Arizona bark scorpion?
Striped: two dark back stripes, south-central U.S. Arizona bark: plain straw, Sonoran Desert, higher medical concern.
Do striped bark scorpions climb?
Yes. Check shoes and bedding in infested homes.