Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)
Photo: Charles & Clint / CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Arachnid · Scorpion

Striped bark scorpion care guide

Centruroides vittatus

Intermediate

The striped bark scorpion is a intermediate-level scorpion from S central USA, N Mexico. Adults reach Length 5–7 cm and live 3–5 years in captivity. Climber that needs cork bark and a secure lid; it can scale smooth silicone corners.

  • Enclosure 30 × 30 × 30 cm
  • Temp 24–30°C
  • Humidity 40–55%

How much does a striped bark scorpion cost in Canada?

Animal$20–50Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$110–210Enclosure $30–70 · equipment $40–90 · bioactive supplies ≈ $40
Yearly upkeep$30–60Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$160–320All prices CAD, estimates

Striped bark scorpion quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
Length 5–7 cm
Lifespan
3–5 years
Activity
Nocturnal
Native range
S central USA, N Mexico
Minimum enclosure
30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 7 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
24–30°C
Humidity
40–55%
UVB
Not needed
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms
Bioactive style
Desert invertebrate

Striped bark scorpion enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (12 × 12 × 12 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a desert invertebrate bioactive build.

  1. Soil and sand mix8 cm

Keep it dry with one slightly moistened corner. Desert species are sensitive to stuffy, wet conditions.

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–55%. UVB: Not needed.

What does a striped bark scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 small crickets weekly.

Handling, temperament & health

Fast and climbs well; the sting is very painful but rarely dangerous, so use tools.

Health watch: Too much humidity and poor ventilation cause deaths; keep it dry with a tiny water dish or a lightly misted corner weekly.

Cleaning & maintenance schedule

Daily

  • Visual check.

Weekly

  • Feed; remove leftovers.
  • Moisten one corner lightly.

Monthly

  • Check the soil hasn’t become damp throughout.

Yearly

  • Refresh substrate if it smells or compacts.

Recommended for a striped bark scorpion bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 30 × 30 cm).

Striped bark scorpion FAQ

Is the striped bark scorpion good for beginners?

The striped bark scorpion is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fast and climbs well; the sting is very painful but rarely dangerous, so use tools.

What size enclosure does a striped bark scorpion need?

At least 30 × 30 × 30 cm (about 12 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 7 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a striped bark scorpion cost in Canada?

Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $110–210 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $30–60 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a striped bark scorpion need?

Temperature: 24–30°C. Humidity: 40–55%.

What does a striped bark scorpion eat?

Insectivore – crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms. Adults: 2–3 small crickets weekly.

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This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.