Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 6893113

Southern Devil Scorpion

Vaejovis carolinianus

Also known as Southern Unstriped Scorpion, Carolina Scorpion

Southern devil scorpions are small, secretive arachnids native to the southeastern United States, commonly seeking shelter under damp logs, stones, and loose bark. They actively hunt small invertebrates at night, using their pincers to grasp prey before delivering a immobilizing sting. During cool winter months, individuals frequently aggregate in sheltered overwintering sites beneath rock crevices or within crawlspaces.

NocturnalVenomousArachnid
Southern Devil Scorpion reference1 / 7
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—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Spiders
  • Crickets
  • Beetles
Predators
  • Owls
  • Toads
  • Shrews
ThreatsHabitat clearance, broad-spectrum pesticides, human persecution
HabitatsDeciduous forests, rocky slopes, woodpiles, damp basements
Life span3–7 years
Classification
  1. OrderScorpiones
  2. FamilyVaejovidae
  3. GenusVaejovis
  4. SpeciesVaejovis carolinianus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskVery high
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is very high
Stings cause localized pain similar to a bee sting; observe from a distance and avoid handling.
Why it is dangerous
Delivers a venomous sting that induces immediate localized pain, mild swelling, and redness.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a compact, dark reddish-brown body without stripes and moderately thick pincers.
What to do
Never handle wild scorpions directly with bare hands; use a container to relocate individuals found indoors.
Responsible observation
  • UV Detection: Use a blacklight flashlight at night to spot their fluorescing exoskeletons in leaf litter.
  • Safe Viewing: Avoid reaching under fallen logs or firewood piles without checking the undersides first.
Related species
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