Where Bugs Meet Their Maker
Where Bugs Meet Their Maker
Scorpions are arachnids, spiders’ near relatives, typically identified by their long pincers and curled stingers. Although there are numerous scorpion species in Texas that you’ll want to watch out for, they prefer dry settings. There are no deadly scorpions in Texas; they only bite when provoked, so don’t be concerned about getting bitten by one of these intriguing creatures. Because they are the only arachnids that fluoresce under UV light, scorpions are best located at night using a blacklight.
Texas is home to at least 20 different species of scorpions. We’ll examine seven of those in this article and briefly discuss each. Scorpions are considered arachnids and have protective exoskeletons and lethal stingers.
Scientific name: Centruoides Vittatus
2.76 inches in size
Venomous: Yes, somewhat.
However, only one species can be found throughout all of Texas, and it’s the striped bark scorpion. Although they can sting, most people only experience mild reactions to the sting. Ice packs should generally be applied to where the sting happened, but it’s essential to watch out for allergic reactions.
Because they are nocturnal, striped bark scorpions prefer to hide away during the day to control their body temperature and hydration balance. Their bodies have a waxy cuticle that, for unexplained reasons, glows blue under a blacklight to reduce water loss.
Scientific name: Pseudouroctonus Reddelli
40-60 mm in size
Venomous: YES
As its name suggests, the Texas Cave Scorpion lives in and around caverns. Although it is a venomous scorpion, it is reportedly more like a bee’s sting and not very dangerous. As they like cave-like habitats, they can occasionally be discovered in residences close to natural regions, but they prefer to nestle beneath wood piles.
The main prey item of the patient and opportunistic predator Texas Cave Scorpion is cave crickets. The only other scorpion that you’ll most likely see in Central Texas is the Bark Scorpion; however, it is considerably less frequent and typically needs to be sought out by aspiring entomologists.
Scientific Name: Centruroides Gracilis
4 inches in size
Venomous: YES
Texas is home to an invasive species called the Florida Bark Scorpion. Although it is poisonous, it is not thought to be harmful or lethal. It poses a slight hazard to the safety and is a matter of concern nonetheless because it frequently settles in populated places. It is less frequent than the Bark Scorpion, but its occurrence has increased over the past five years as they have become more established in the environment.
Contrary to what its name might imply, this species did not originate in Florida but rather in the tropics. It can be discovered hidden inside buildings as well as beneath stones and in stacks of wood. Although it should be managed with care if it is discovered, there is little cause for concern. These scorpions are popular aquarium pets because they often do well in captivity.
Size: 6 inches
Scientific name: Solifugae
Venomous: NO
The Straight-Faced Solifugid is a form of scorpion that can only move on three pairs of legs, preferring to use its thin first pair as sensing organs. Additionally, they have jaws that are vertically bent and have a very unpleasant bite. Actually, among terrestrial invertebrates, these jaws are the largest relative to their size.
They are known as “wind scorpions” because of their agility and speed in the often rocky desert landscape. They lack venom, but only because their pincers can inflict so much mechanical harm that it is not necessary to stun prey. Because they don’t produce venom, they aren’t regarded as “real scorpions,” but they are still members of the family.
Scientific Name: Diplocentrus Lindo
One and a half inches
Venomous: YES
The range of the Lindo Scorpion stretches from western Texas to the portion of northern Mexico that is adjacent to Texas. It has a short, sticky tail and is a deep reddish-brown color. They are closely related to the Emperor Scorpion and are also known as the Digging Scorpion due to the way they burrow in the desert sand.
It is believed that this scorpion will live a long time because of how slowly it grows. It is also thought that it can take up to 8 years for an animal to achieve sexual maturity, which significantly contributes to the species’ low level of familiarity and frequent misidentification as Diplocentrus diablo.
Hadrurus Arizonensis is its scientific name.
5.5 inches in length
Venomous, though not overly so.
Despite having a terrifying reputation, this scorpion is really one of the largest in the country and may rarely inflict serious harm on people. Checking under rocks in and around San Antonio should be done with caution since allergic responses are still a problem.
Due to its size, it can readily eat other scorpions as well as a range of other species, such as lizards and snakes. The brown hairs that cover its body and aid in heat and water retention, as well as vibration detection, are where it derives its common name. Although their venom is weak, this species of scorpion is nonetheless regarded as one of the more active and aggressive ones and should be handled with care.
Hoffmannius coahuilae, scientific name
Size: 1.4 to 2.2 in.
Venomous: YES
The range of this medium-sized scorpion includes Texas and northern Mexico. It can thrive at elevations of more than 7,000 feet and dwells in a range of habitats. Since they mostly burrow, you can find them by searching under rocks and other debris with a blacklight.
The Lesser Stripetail Scorpion’s sting is excruciatingly painful and can endure for up to an hour. After the neurotoxic venom has left your system, there aren’t any serious medical side effects, but you can have some small swelling and edema. Since women tend to be larger than men, they are purportedly more painful.
