Skip to content
Placeholder graphic with illustrated pests

Guiana Striped Scorpion

Actual Size: 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches (females), 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inches (males)

Characteristics: These scorpions feature a yellow body adorned with a dusky pattern and two prominent dark bands running along their mesosomes.

Legs: 8

Antennae: None

Wings: None

Habitat: Inhabits areas with dense vegetation, often in leaf litter, under rocks, and within tree bark. It is primarily found in tropical environments and coastal plains.

Habits:

  • Primarily prey on small insects, arachnids, and other arthropods.
  • Its sting contains potent venom that can cause severe reactions in humans.
  • Generally not aggressive unless threatened but can deliver a painful sting when provoked.

Guiana Striped Scorpion in Florida

The Guiana Striped Scorpion (Centruroides guanensis) is a less common species in Florida, found mostly in the southern, warmer, and more humid areas like Miami-Dade, Collier, and Monroe counties. This scorpion typically grows between 1 ½ to 2 ¾ inches and features a yellow body adorned with a dusky pattern, although it may have different colors and patterns. Its sting is brief and painful, with effects lasting from one to five hours. Its venom is considered to be mild compared to other scorpion species.

Guiana Striped Scorpion Habitat

Known for their elusive nature, Guiana Striped Scorpions typically seek shelter under stones, bark, or dense plant life. They are most active at night, emerging to hunt for small insects and arthropods. They are not only found in Florida but also in Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands, where they thrive in similar warm climates.

Guiana Striped Scorpion Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Despite their venom being mild, the sting of the Guiana Striped Scorpion should not be underestimated. It causes a sharp, painful sensation upon envenomation, with lingering effects that can last from one to five hours. If you encounter one, it’s best to reach out to a professional scorpion exterminator for quick pest control.

Related Pests