Description
Scorpions, like wasps, look very intimidating, especially the stinger at the end of their curled tail, but these occasional invaders are primarily a nuisance and are not out for your children. Actually, encounters with life-threatening non-native scorpions are the result of stowaways or released exotic pets. There are 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide; of the 90 scorpion species found in the U.S., only four occur east of the Mississippi River.
Scorpions, class Arachnida, vary in size from 1-4 inches long. The species found in Florida are crab-like, and tend to be reddish-brown to brownish-black to black. They have a broad, flattened body and ten legs, the front pair of which are claw-like pincers used to hold their prey. Their most noticeable feature is their fleshy tail that is usually held over their body. At the end is an enlarged tip that has a large stinger, which is used for defense as well as for capturing their prey.
The smallest and most common Florida scorpion is called the Hentz striped scorpion, which is orangish-brown and is found all over the state except in the southernmost Florida Keys. The largest of Florida’s three scorpion species is the Florida Bark scorpion, also known as the Slender Brown scorpion. The third Florida species, the Guiana Striped scorpion, is yellowish-brown in color and is usually around 2 ½ inches long. It is only found around Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.
Scorpions are typically found hiding outside under boards and logs, under firewood, around piled bricks, and under debris or other areas that offer shelter and protection. They are natural predators and hunt nocturnally. Although it’s not common, scorpions have been known to wander indoors. However, they do reduce pests in and around the home as they feed on insects, spiders, cockroaches, lizards, crickets, and similar small animals. Florida bark scorpions have been known to feed on termite grubs as well.
Prey is located primarily by sensing vibrations. Their pincers have an array of fine sensory hairs that sense air-borne vibrations; the tips of the legs have small organs that detect vibrations in the ground. The surfaces of the legs, pincers, and body are also covered with thicker hairs that are sensitive to direct touch.
This cache has been placed with permission for the CREW Trust and
the South Florida Water Management District
Good luck!