"Texas Bark Scorpion"; is this C. vittatus?

[TheLobot]

Hi-
First of all, I'm new to this board, and find it very informative and helpful. I am interested in buying two labeled "Texas Bark Scorpions" from a local pet store. Is this the common nomenclature for C. vittatus? I understand that bark scorpions are from the family Buthidae, but that while a sting could be painful, C. vittatus is not deadly (of course, allergies aside). Do C. vittatus look significantly different from other Centruroides that are more venomous? These will be my first scorpions, but I am not a novice to venomous snakes, and understand the responsibility that these animals require. I am using this board along with Barron's guide to Scorpions for my references. I really want to stick with a small species of scorpion that needs relatively low humidity and can be kept in small groups (likely 2-5 scorpions). I would appreciate any other recommendations for a species besides C. vittatus that fits this description. Also, the scorpions in the pet store I am referring to do not have water bowls/trays, but rather get their water from a sort of water gel that I know is used commonly with crickets. Is fresh water needed if this water gel (sorry, don't know the brand name) is used? Also, is $20 a piece a reasonable price to pay? I know this is a long first post, but I figured I would throw all my questions out there at once. Thank you in advance.

 

[Ryan C.]

Hello,

Yes texas bark scorpion usually refers to Centruroides vittatus. A way to tell vittatus from the other Centruroides is that vittatus has a dark colored triangle on the carapace.

Vaejovis spp. would also be some other scorpions to consider.

No $20 each is not a very good price, here on the boards you can get adults for usually around 5-10$ each.


Hope this helps!

 

[Crono]

As for the water gel, it is to give to feeders like crickets, which shouldn't live long anyway. If you think the scorpions need water, then real water is a better choice

 

[cacoseraph]

C. vittatus look fairly similar to C. hentzi in pictures, at least

some vittatus also kind of look like some C. exilcauda a little bit

henzti and vittatus are both pretty low end venom (can still hurt like a hot nail though) but exilicauda is a little more potent and has actual fatalities on record.

all those are bark scorpions, and those are honestly the best bet for what you are looking for. a lot of the smaller Vaejovid scorps that people claim are communal are merely more tolerant of each other than the "average" scorp.

heck, i even had exilicauda siblings cannibalize before, so even with barks there is no guarantee.

 

[Galapoheros]

C. vittatus are pretty interesting. I grew up in an area where they are a pest so I take them for granted. I often find them in my house. I just found a male in the kitchen 2 nights ago...still have it. I would say I find 10 to 15 a year in my house. I've been stung allot. When they sting, they can let you have it a little or give you the good stuff!...and it HURTS! But they are interesting to watch imo. Fun to watch them catch prey. In the wild, while bugging, I usually see them in groups of 2 to 7. They really like to get under the ...bark... of dead trees. I've rarely seen one by itself, outside of my house . Seems like $20 is toooo much. You in the US?

 

[TheLobot]

I did have a look around at the classifieds and mentioned breeders on this site, and see that I can get them from half that price. Thank you. How large a tank is required for breeding purposes? How many males and females should be kept together for breeding purposes? Thanks again.

 

[Ryan C.]

C. vittatus are prolific breeders.

In a 5g tank you can fit around 10-12. Sex doesnt matter.

 

[TheLobot]

When you say "sex doesn't matter", what exactly do you mean?

 

[Ryan C.]

That you dont have to have to have say, 1 male to 2 females.

 

[Canth]

Although only 2 males would present a small problem

 

[TheLobot]

Not a problem for the males!