Arachnid · GBIF taxon 6893113
Southern Devil Scorpion
Vaejovis carolinianusAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
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
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderScorpiones
- FamilyVaejovidae
- GenusVaejovis
- SpeciesVaejovis carolinianus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Regional Co-Occurrent A. Knoblich / Public domain · cc0
Image unavailableClose Relative
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain Pro
Desert Sands
Southern Devil Scorpion is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.