Striped Tail Scorpions

What do striped tail scorpions look like?

Scorpions have two body parts, eight legs, a set of large pincers, fang-like appendages near the mouth, and a segmented tail. The last bulbous section (telson) of the tail houses the venom glands. Pincers aid in catching prey as the telson injects the venom. Their bodies have hard, protective coverings called an exoskeletons. Scorpions have multiple sets of eyes but have poor sight, therefore, they depend on a comb-like organ at the base of the last pair of legs to act like a feeler. Specifically, striped tail scorpions are 2 1/4 inches long, are yellow to tan in color, and have a dark triangle mark between their eyes.

Habits of striped tail scorpions

• Diet: Any invertebrate including many insects, worms, and baby lizards.
• Activity: Nocturnal
• Preferred Climate: Temperatures above 60 degrees
• Defense: Pincers and venom injected.
• Cautions: Scorpions will sting when touched, mishandled or if they become trapped against skin after crawling into shoes, clothing or bedding. All scorpion species in the US are venomous but do not pose a large health risk unless the victim has an allergic reaction or is a small child or elderly, therefore, it is recommended that a physician always be notified if a person is stung.
• Home Invasion: Scorpions may find their way into a home, hiding under rocks, woodpiles, crevices or anyplace providing shade and seclusion.