Scorpions!

Did you know that Tennessee actually is the home of two species of scorpions? If you ask a person who lives in Tennessee if they have ever seen a scorpion in their backyard they would possibly look at you like you was crazy. Scorpion sightings are extremely rare.

The two species of scorpion in Tennessee are the the Plain Eastern Stripeless Scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus) (bottom pic)and the the Striped Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)(middle pic). Both have stingers and can deliver venom. If you are allergic to bee or wasp stings then you are more than likely allergic to a scorpion sting and should seek medical attention quickly once stung.

Contrary to popular belief scorpions are not insects. Instead, they are closely related to spiders and belong to the same class, Arachnida. At some point in the past, a common ancestry is shared. They also have similar traits. Scorpions are distinguished by a compact head called a "cephalothorax," a broad segmented abdomen and a tail-like structure called a "telson." The tail tip is enlarged and contains a venomous stinger used for self-defense or to subdue overactive prey. Scorpions can control the amount of venom injected. Venom is injected by thrusting the tail forward over the head and into the prey.

They become active in temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit and are mostly active at night and hide during the day.They are cold blooded. They prefer damp locations like under rocks, fallen trees, rock crevices, and in pine needle litter. Their winter locations are the same but in more protective areas.

The Striped Scorpion is yellow-brown in color with two dark longitudinal stripes on the back of the abdomen and a tooth called a "tubercle," which is located at the base of the stinger. This species is not as long-lived as the Plain Eastern Stripeless Scorpion (which can live up to 5 years). It matures in approximately 12 to 24 months and may live another two years depending on the climate. Scorpions mature faster in warmer weather. Average body length is two to three inches in adults. Mating occurs in early summer and the gestation period is between six to 12 months with litters containing up to 50 young. The Striped Scorpion normally occurs in the south-central to southwestern part of the United States and into northern Mexico. In Tennessee, this species is usually found in groups under rocks and in crevices on well-drained hillsides. Clustering, or staying in groups, is common among this species. The striped Scorpion is not native to Tennessee and was introduced accidentally in the 1960's.

Kentucky also has a native species of scorpion The Southern Devil Scorpion (top pic). Like most scorpions the mother will carry her young on her back until they are mature. When fully grown are about two inches long. They are mostly found near lakes and other water sources in rocky areas.This species is also not very dangerous as far as their toxic level in their venom, but they should NEVER be handled with bare hands. If stung a person may feel tingling along with numbness, it is best to go to the local ER in all cases. Once again the reaction to the venom depends on the persons sensitivity to the venom.The recommended way to capture them (as well as ANY scorpion) is to heard them into a container, then seal it. If you want to keep it alive remember to give it some air holes. The recommended way to preserve scorpions and spiders is in alcohol.


They usually feed only once a week and will eat small bugs and worms. Crickets, mill worms, butterflies, spiders, beetles, cockroaches, ants, and pretty much any other insect they can subdue. Due to their eating of "bad bugs" it is best if you find one in your home to release it into the wild.

Scorpions are collected at night using a portable black light also called a UV light. Exposure to a black light at night will cause scorpions to glow fluoresce green and thus are easy to see. The fluorescence is caused by a substance excreted from the outer or cuticle layer of skin. Scorpions that have just molted do not fluoresce until the new cuticle has hardened. This feature is common to all scorpions.

Scorpion sightings are very likely to increase with more and more natural habitat being consumed by development. If you should be lucky enough to encounter one, remember that they are very beneficial in controlling the insect population. Natural predators include birds, frogs, centipedes, spiders, lizards and snakes. Scorpions are very discreet creatures of the night and would prefer to stay hidden. Consider yourself very fortunate should you happen to see one of these fascinating creatures of the night.