Bark-scorpion
Guides
Centruroides
bark scorpion, bark scorpions
Centruroides is a highly speciose genus of buthid scorpions comprising at least 100 species distributed throughout the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Antilles, and northern South America. Commonly known as bark scorpions, members of this genus are notable for their strong fluorescence under ultraviolet light—except immediately after moulting—and several species possess venom potent enough to cause human fatalities. The genus includes species adapted to diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to arid regions, with some showing marked intra-domiciliary tendencies in urban environments.
Centruroides gracilis
Slender Brown Scorpion, Florida Bark Scorpion, Brown Bark Scorpion, Red Bark Scorpion, Slender Red Scorpion, Alacran Prieto, Alacran Azul
Centruroides gracilis is a medium to large scorpion in the family Buthidae, notable for its wide color variation and extensive introduced range. Females reach up to 10 cm, while males can exceed 15 cm. The species exhibits remarkable phenotypic plasticity, with individuals in single populations or even litters showing colors ranging from reddish to dark brown with contrasting leg and chelae coloration. It is native to northern Central America but has been introduced to numerous regions including Florida, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and the Canary Islands, often occurring in synanthropic habitats.