Scorpion Identification

[nepenthes]

There are a couple Scorpions at the Insectary that aren't properly ID'd. I think I know what one is, but Really don't know.
Anyways, Here are the photos.

I think this species might be Vaejovis carolinensis.

I think this one is Native to the States at least. Ill write down the label next time I am at the Insectary. Assuming some one doesn't get a positive ID on the Scorpion.

If there are any defining features I should get better pictures of, or measurements (I know I am useless, lol), please let me know.
nepenthes

 

[kellakk]

I'm not trained in this, but from what I can tell your first ID sounds correct and the second one is most likely C. exilicauda. It's at least a Centruroides sp, that's for sure.

 

[2nscorpx]

The first one is indeed most likely V. carolinianus, but there are several species that look similar. Do you know the locality of the specimen? The second is probably not C. exilicauda, because this is the species name of a certain population in California, and that is it. It actually looks to me like C. vittatus "pantheriensis" morph; the alternative is C. sculpturatus, but this particular one does not look like C. sculpturatus, especially the carapace.

 

[nepenthes]

The label on the container says Deep Woods Southern OH, but it could be from any where. The labeling system is poor for some of the invertebrates. So I figured as much on the V. carolinianus, its small not much more than 1". The second one is from the south west, possibly Arizona. Like I said, if it cant be confirmed until I can get what the container is labeled. But I believe that one is possibly 2-3 inches. Ill confirm this on the 20th (next Friday). But the Genus is definitely a start, thank you.

If I was more familiar with Scorpions I am sure that would help. These guys have just been bugging me, just sitting around with no species name. I hope you understand.
nepenthes

 

[Gnat]

Vaejovis carolinianus do not range in Ohio, but I'm gonna say that's what you have. It looks just like mine and the size is similar.

 

[kellakk]

The first one is indeed most likely V. carolinianus, but there are several species that look similar. Do you know the locality of the specimen? The second is probably not C. exilicauda, because this is the species name of a certain population in California, and that is it. It actually looks to me like C. vittatus "pantheriensis" morph; the alternative is C. sculpturatus, but this particular one does not look like C. sculpturatus, especially the carapace.

I was under the impression that C. sculpuratus is now included within C. exilicauda. Am I not up to date on the literature?

Looking back at the picture, I agree with you on the ID though. That triangle is very obvious.

 

[2nscorpx]

These guys have just been bugging me...

Not even a bit of a pun intended?

I was under the impression that C. sculpuratus is now included within C. exilicauda. Am I not up to date on the literature?

Looking back at the picture, I agree with you on the ID though. That triangle is very obvious.

Well, I am not either, and I know I stated that C. exilicauda was of a certain population. I thought that C. exilicauda was only the proper label for a certain (ambiguous) population in Baja, California. C. sculpturatus was simply a different species, although I do know of true specimens of C. exilicauda that is being bred in Europe. I am not sure, though, about the specifics of the population in Baja, so I'll look into it when I have the time. For now, don't believe me; I'm not an expert. I don't want to be misleading.

 

[kellakk]

From what I've read, C. exilicauda was described first in he 1800s as a population in Baja Caifornia, and C. sculpuratus was described in the earl 1900s from the Southwest. Recent taxonomic revisions have decided that they are the same species, and since C. exilicauda was described first that was the name they took.

 

[2nscorpx]

From what I've read, C. exilicauda was described first in he 1800s as a population in Baja Caifornia, and C. sculpuratus was described in the earl 1900s from the Southwest. Recent taxonomic revisions have decided that they are the same species, and since C. exilicauda was described first that was the name they took.

Hmm, thanks! Do you have any papers for this revision on hand?

 

[kellakk]

I wish I did, let me see if I can find it.

After some searching, it looks like it was brought up by Stahnke in 1971 and then Curry et. al. in 1984. These two papers deal with envenomation by the species.

 

[Fulene]

The first one is indeed most likely V. carolinianus, but there are several species that look similar. Do you know the locality of the specimen? The second is probably not C. exilicauda, because this is the species name of a certain population in California, and that is it. It actually looks to me like C. vittatus "pantheriensis" morph; the alternative is C. sculpturatus, but this particular one does not look like C. sculpturatus, especially the carapace.

I'm fairly new to scorpion ID. What is meant by " " pantheriensis morph"? This does not look like mature C. Vittatus we have here in Oklahoma. Do you know if C. Vittatus can live in colonies? I'm thinking of collecting some. Had to kick one out of my bed the other night!

 

[ShredderEmp]

Pantherensis morph is a color variation. That is why it doesn't look like your Centruroides vittatus in OK. C. vittatus are communal as adults, but they will cannibalize young.

 

[lancej]

The "pantheriensis morph" is considered a color form of C. vittatus that occurs in West Texas in a small area. C. vittatus can be kept communally as adults (like all of the native U.S. Centruroides species). Centruroides are very interesting and easy to keep.

 

[ShredderEmp]

The "pantheriensis morph" is considered a color form of C. vittatus that occurs in West Texas in a small area. C. vittatus can be kept communally as adults (like all of the native U.S. Centruroides species). Centruroides are very interesting and easy to keep.

I agree. Plus they breed pretty quickly and as long as you have adult pairs, you won't have a shortage of babies. Centruroides gracilis are also a very cool species. They only time mine won't eat is when they are about to molt.

 

[lancej]

I agree. Plus they breed pretty quickly and as long as you have adult pairs, you won't have a shortage of babies. Centruroides gracilis are also a very cool species. They only time mine won't eat is when they are about to molt.

I forgot to mention the breeding part. They are the rabbits of the scorpion world!

 

[Fulene]

I forgot to mention the breeding part. They are the rabbits of the scorpion world!

I am very glad to know that! I guess I won't be keeping any! There are so many here that I can observe them and collect them anytime for short observational periods. We can't even go around barefoot in the house this summer. At least it's not advisable lol! I love the way they move, and as I said, they don't seem really ready to sting but I've only observed them for short periods inside a baggie when they're probably kind of freaked out. I've also seen the little guys play dead...Awwww. I need to remove them from my storm shelter at the start of every tornado season though I've shared it with them a few times.(and some black widows.)