Striped Devil Scorpion Care Guide
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Striped Devil Scorpion Care Guide
The Striped Devil Scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus), also known as the Arizona Striped Tail Scorpion or Devil Scorpion, is one of the most common and widely kept scorpion species in North America. Native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, these small, hardy scorpions are an excellent entry point into scorpion keeping. They are more manageable than many exotic species, relatively low-maintenance, and fascinating to observe — especially under UV light, where they glow a vivid blue-green.
At Ohio Pet Depot, we carry Striped Devil Scorpions alongside other scorpion species including the Congo Scorpion. This guide covers everything you need to keep them healthy and safely.
⚠️ Venom Information — Read First
The Striped Devil Scorpion is venomous, but its venom is considered mild compared to the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus). Important facts:
- Sting effects for most healthy adults: localized pain, burning, and swelling at the sting site lasting a few hours to a day — comparable to a bee sting
- Not considered medically significant for healthy adults in most cases — however, individual reactions vary
- Seek medical attention if you experience systemic symptoms (nausea, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, numbness spreading from the sting site), if a child is stung, or if you have known allergies or sensitivities
- Do not confuse with the Arizona Bark Scorpion — Centruroides sculpturatus is the only dangerously venomous scorpion in the US and looks similar; know your species before handling
Handle with care and respect. Even a mild sting is painful and unpleasant.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paravaejovis spinigerus (formerly Vaejovis spinigerus) |
| Common Names | Striped Devil Scorpion, Arizona Striped Tail Scorpion, Devil Scorpion |
| Adult Size | 2–3 inches total length |
| Lifespan | 3–6 years in captivity |
| Origin | Sonoran Desert — Arizona, New Mexico, northern Mexico |
| Habitat | Rocky desert, under rocks, debris, and in sandy soil |
| Activity Level | Nocturnal; most active after dark |
| Temperament | Defensive but not overly aggressive; will sting if threatened |
| Experience Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Venom | Mild — localized pain; not medically significant for healthy adults in most cases |
| UV Fluorescence | Yes — glows vivid blue-green under UV/blacklight |
Enclosure Setup
Size
Striped Devil Scorpions are small and don't require large enclosures. A 5–10 gallon tank is ideal for a single adult. They are solitary and should be housed alone — scorpions are cannibalistic and will eat each other outside of breeding contexts. A secure, escape-proof lid is essential — scorpions can climb glass and squeeze through small gaps.
Substrate
This is a desert species that requires dry substrate. Best options:
- Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate — excellent for creating stable burrows; holds tunnel shape; naturalistic desert look; highly recommended
- Play sand or fine desert sand — inexpensive and naturalistic; mix with a small amount of clay for burrow stability
- A sand + excavator clay mix — best of both worlds
Provide 3–5 inches of depth to allow burrowing. Keep the substrate dry — Striped Devil Scorpions are desert animals and do not tolerate persistent moisture.
Hides & Decor
Provide flat rocks, cork bark flats, and pieces of slate or sandstone for the scorpion to hide under. In the wild, Striped Devil Scorpions are found under rocks and debris. A naturalistic desert setup with rocks, sand, and sparse decor is ideal. Ensure all rocks are stable and cannot shift or collapse onto the scorpion.
Temperature & Lighting
Temperature
| Zone | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Ambient (daytime) | 78–88°F |
| Warm side (optional) | 85–95°F |
| Cool side | 72–80°F |
| Nighttime low | 65–75°F (can drop naturally) |
Striped Devil Scorpions are native to the hot Sonoran Desert and thrive in warm conditions. Most homes maintain adequate temperatures without supplemental heating. If additional heat is needed, a low-wattage heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter on one side of the enclosure creates a natural thermal gradient. Avoid under-tank heaters without a thermostat — scorpions burrow and can be trapped against unregulated bottom heat.
Lighting & UV
No special lighting is required for the scorpion's health. However, a UV/blacklight flashlight or lamp is a fantastic way to observe your scorpion at night — all scorpions fluoresce blue-green under UV light due to compounds in their exoskeleton. This is one of the most striking features of scorpion keeping and never gets old.
Maintain a standard 12-hour light / 12-hour dark cycle. Scorpions are nocturnal and most active after lights out.
Humidity
Keep humidity low — 20–40%. Striped Devil Scorpions are desert animals and do not tolerate high humidity. High humidity causes bacterial growth in the substrate and respiratory issues over time.
- Do not mist the enclosure
- Ensure good ventilation through the lid
- The scorpion gets all the moisture it needs from prey items
- An optional very small damp area under one hide can be provided but is not necessary
Diet & Feeding
Striped Devil Scorpions are ambush predators that detect prey through vibration. They will eat any appropriately sized live invertebrate. Always use feeding tongs — never hand-feed or place your hand near the enclosure opening during feeding.
Feeder Insects (Staples)
- Banded Crickets — excellent staple; movement triggers strong predatory response
- Dubia Roaches — nutritionally superior; highly accepted; low odor
- Mealworms — good variety feeder; offer in moderation
- Superworms — great for adults; high protein
Feeding Schedule
| Age / Size | Frequency | Prey Size |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (under 1 inch) | Every 3–5 days | Pinhead crickets, small mealworms |
| Sub-adult (1–2 inches) | Every 5–7 days | Small crickets, small dubias, mealworms |
| Adult (2+ inches) | Every 7–14 days | Medium crickets, dubias, mealworms, superworms |
Prey size rule: Offer prey no larger than the scorpion's carapace (the flat plate behind the head). Oversized prey can injure the scorpion, especially during molting.
Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours. Live crickets left in the enclosure will stress and can injure a molting scorpion.
Fasting is normal: Scorpions can go weeks to months without eating, especially before a molt or during cooler temperatures. Do not force-feed a scorpion that refuses food.
Water
Scorpions get most of their moisture from prey. Provide a very small, shallow water bottle cap with fresh water. Change it every 2–3 days. Scorpions drink occasionally and dehydration can occur in very dry conditions. Never use a deep dish — scorpions can drown.
Molting
Scorpions molt (shed their exoskeleton) as they grow. Signs of an upcoming molt:
- Refusal to eat for 1–3 weeks
- Increased burrowing and hiding
- Dull, faded coloration
During and after molting:
- Do not feed — the scorpion is completely vulnerable; live prey will injure or kill a freshly molted animal
- Do not disturb the enclosure
- Ensure adequate humidity is not too low — a stuck molt can be fatal
- Wait at least 2 weeks after molting before resuming feeding to allow the new exoskeleton to fully harden
- The old exoskeleton can be left in the enclosure or removed — the scorpion may eat it to reclaim minerals
Handling
Striped Devil Scorpions can be handled by experienced keepers, but caution is always warranted. Their sting, while not medically significant for most healthy adults, is genuinely painful.
- Use long feeding tongs to gently guide the scorpion onto your hand if you choose to handle — never grab from above
- Keep handling sessions brief — scorpions are not social animals and handling is stressful for them
- Never handle during or after molting — the new exoskeleton takes weeks to fully harden
- Never handle if you are allergic to bee or wasp stings — scorpion venom can trigger similar allergic responses
- Keep over a low surface — a dropped scorpion can be injured by the fall and is difficult to safely retrieve
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after any contact
Health & Common Issues
| Issue | Signs | Cause / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydration | Shriveled abdomen, lethargy, curled posture | No water source; provide shallow water cap and check prey availability |
| Stuck molt | Partial shed retained, inability to move normally | Low humidity during molt; do not attempt to remove shed manually; consult exotic vet |
| Prey injury | Wounds, missing legs, lethargy after feeding | Live prey left in enclosure; always remove uneaten prey within 24 hours |
| Prolonged fasting | Refusal to eat for weeks | Usually pre-molt or temperature-related; check temps, do not force-feed; offer food weekly and remove if refused |
| Death after molting | Found dead shortly after a molt | Often caused by live prey injury during vulnerable post-molt period; always remove prey during molting |
If stung: Wash the wound with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for pain and swelling. Monitor for systemic symptoms. Seek medical attention if symptoms spread beyond the sting site, if a child is stung, or if you have known allergies. Inform medical staff the species is Paravaejovis spinigerus.
Shopping List
- 🪲 Striped Devil Scorpion
- 🦟 Banded Crickets — staple feeder
- 🪲 Dubia Roaches — staple feeder
- 🐛 Mealworms — variety feeder
- 🐛 Superworms — adult feeder
- 🌱 Zoo Med Excavator Clay Burrowing Substrate — ideal desert substrate
Also at Ohio Pet Depot
If you love scorpions, check out our other species:
- 🪲 Congo Scorpion — a robust forest scorpion species for keepers looking for something different
Come Visit Us!
Ready to bring home a Striped Devil Scorpion? Stop by Ohio Pet Depot to see our current Striped Devil Scorpions in person. Our staff can walk you through enclosure setup, feeding, and safe handling practices. We carry all the feeders and supplies listed in this guide.
Questions? Call us, stop in, or reach out online. We take invertebrate care seriously.