Vaejovis carolinianus

(Beauvois, 1805)

southern unstriped scorpion, southern devil scorpion

Vaejovis carolinianus is a small, dark native to the southeastern United States and the only scorpion native to Tennessee. are generally less than 2 inches in length with claws and tail extended. The species exhibits defensive including stinging and chelae pinches, with risk assessment capabilities that allow it to modify responses based on environmental features such as availability. It is a of smaller arthropods and has been observed to be cannibalistic.

Vaejovis carolinianus by (c) Alan Rockefeller, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Rockefeller. Used under a CC-BY license.

Vaejovis carolinianus 3493426 by John P. Friel Ph.D.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Vaejovis carolinianus 4010480 by Evan M. Raskin. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Vaejovis carolinianus: /vaɪˈdʒoʊvɪs ˌkæroʊlɪˈniænəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Dark, unstriped coloration distinguishes Vaejovis carolinianus from striped . Small size (under 2 inches) and dull black and with reddish-brown legs and claws are key field marks. fluoresces under ultraviolet light, a trait shared with all scorpions. Tennessee's only native scorpion species, making identification straightforward within that state.

Images

Habitat

Prefers mesic mixed woodland . Readily found under logs, stones, or bark of standing dead trees. Occupies rocky habitats including roadcuts and mountainous areas where cover objects provide retreat sites. Readily enters homes and human structures, capable of fitting through fine crevices.

Distribution

Southeastern United States. Core range in southern Appalachians: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Scattered observations in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Tennessee's only native . Study documented on France Mountain in Overton County and near Edgar Evins State Park in Tennessee's Upper Cumberland Region.

Seasonality

activity pattern. Activity timing not seasonally restricted in available sources, though field studies conducted during August and September.

Diet

of smaller arthropods. In captivity accepts , , and crickets including prey nearly as large or larger than itself. Favors soft-bodied when available. Cannibalistic on smaller conspecifics; early instar young will cannibalize if confined.

Life Cycle

Live birth (), as with all scorpions. Females may produce up to 26 young. Young carried on female's back for first 5-15 days of life. emerges during early ontogenesis. lifespan approximately 2-3 years; sexual maturity reached at nearly one year of age.

Behavior

. Hides under cover objects during daylight. Exhibits risk assessment and modifies defensive strategies based on environmental features. Defensive include stinging, venom use, chelae pinches, and fleeing. Stinging becomes more as threat persists. Perceives prods to the prosoma as more threatening than prods to other body locations. Females prefer to be sole occupants of retreat sites under large cover objects rather than forming , though aggregation occurrence increases at 67-73% relative humidity. Retreat site selection biased toward larger cover objects, potentially for , avoidance, or accessing higher soil moisture. Soil moisture preferences show variation and time-in-captivity effects.

Ecological Role

of ground-dwelling arthropods. May contribute to decomposition through feeding activities. Potential prey for various predators though specific predators not documented.

Human Relevance

Readily enters homes and human structures. Sting poses no more threat to humans than ordinary bees and according to general assessments. Popular in pet trade; captive care involves feeding crickets and roaches. Used in behavioral and ecological research as a model organism for studying risk assessment, defensive , and selection.

Similar Taxa

Centruroides vittatusStriped with contrasting light and dark markings; V. carolinianus is unstriped with uniform dark coloration
Other Vaejovis speciesV. carolinianus distinguished by geographic range (southeastern US) and unstriped dark appearance; western Vaejovis typically occur in different ecoregions

More Details

Fluorescence

fluoresces under ultraviolet light, a trait common to all scorpions due to compounds in the hyaline layer of the . This property allows easy location of specimens at night using blacklights.

Research Significance

Serves as model organism for behavioral studies due to being Tennessee's only native and its accessibility in field settings. Multiple studies have examined retreat site selection, , defensive behavior, and risk assessment using this .

Captivity Effects

Research indicates that time in captivity can alter behavioral preferences, particularly soil moisture preferences, suggesting behavioral plasticity that should be considered in laboratory studies.