Paravaejovis spinigerus

Paravaejovis
spinigerus

commonly known as the striped tail scorpion or devil scorpion, is a medium-sized scorpion native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Recognizable by the distinct dark stripes running along its tail segments, this species prefers dry, rocky habitats and is often found hiding under stones, wood, or plant debris.

HABITAT

🌍 Geographic Range:

Paravaejovis spinigerus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its distribution includes:

United States: Primarily Arizona, with populations also in parts of California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Mexico: Extends into Sonora and parts of northwestern Mexico.

It is one of the most commonly encountered scorpions in Arizona, frequently found in suburban and natural desert environments.

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🏡 Microhabitat Preferences:

This species thrives in arid and semi-arid desert ecosystems.

Key habitat features include:

Sonoran and Mojave deserts, where it is often found under rocks, logs, or surface debris.
Sandy soils and rocky slopes, which provide good cover and burrowing opportunities.
Scrubland and desert grassland areas, where vegetation offers shade and protection.
Around human habitation (yards, gardens, woodpiles) due to suitable shelter opportunities.

It is nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt insects and small invertebrates, while spending the day concealed under cover to avoid desiccation and heat.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

📏Size:

Paravaejovis spinigerus is a moderate-sized desert scorpion, with adults typically measuring 5–7 cm (2–2.75 inches) in length. It has a relatively slender build compared to bulkier scorpions, with a relatively thick metasoma (tail) and proportionally smaller pincers, similar to that of buthidae scorpions.

Despite its modest size, it is one of the more frequently encountered scorpions in the southwestern U.S. deserts.

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🎨Coloration:

Its coloration is highly adapted for camouflage in desert habitats. The base color is usually light tan to yellowish-brown, blending with sandy soils. Along the metasoma, it has distinct dark longitudinal stripes, which give rise to its common name, the stripe-tailed scorpion.

The carapace and tergites often show subtle mottling or shading, while the pincers are typically a shade darker than the body. .

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CAPTIVE CARE

📏Enclosure Size:

A single adult Paravaejovis spinigerus can be kept comfortably in a 2–5 gallon enclosure.
They are small, active desert scorpions, and benefit from some open floor space.

The enclosure should include:

2–3 inches of compactable, mostly dry substrate for shallow burrowing
Hides such as flat rocks, cork bark, or desert wood
Good top or cross-ventilation to prevent humidity buildup

Avoid deep, wet substrates, this species prefers dry or only lightly dampened soil.

Not communal. House individually.

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🌡️Temperature:

Maintain warm, desert-appropriate temperatures:

Day: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
Night: 20–23 °C (68–73 °F)

A side-mounted heat mat or warm room temperature works well.
Do not use an under-tank heater, as burrowing scorpions can become trapped in overheated soil.

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💧Humidity:

Paravaejovis spinigerus needs low to moderate humidity, typical of the Sonoran Desert.

Maintain 30–40% most of the time
Keep substrate dry, with only a slightly dampened corner if desired
Avoid sustained humidity above 50%, as it promotes stress and fungal issues

Light misting of one area once every 2 weeks is sufficient.

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🌱Substrate:

Use a dry, firm substrate that supports shallow burrows. A reliable mix includes:

Play sand
Organic topsoil or excavator clay
(Optional) A small amount of fine gravel for realism and structure

Typical blend: 70% sand + 30% soil/clay.

Keep the entire substrate dry, with maybe a slightly cooler, lightly dampened corner if desired (especially for juveniles), but avoid moist environments overall.

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⏰Feeding schedule:

Feed adults every 7–14 days.

Suitable prey:

Crickets
Roach nymphs (e.g., red runners, dubia nymphs)
Occasional mealworms or waxworms (treat only as they are high in fat and not much else)

Juveniles should be fed at least once a week.

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🥣Water Source:

Provide a shallow water dish with fresh water. This species can drink sometimes due to it's habitat.

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🍃Ventilation

Good ventilation is important. Coss-ventilation works best. This species works beast in less humid environments so be sure to have a lot of ventilation.

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🙈Hides:

Provide multiple hiding options, including:

Shallow burrowable substrate
Flat stones or slate
Cork bark pieces
Small artificial caves

This species is not communal, house singly. Multiple hides reduce stress and allow the scorpion to choose its preferred microclimate.

VENOM

💉 The venom of Paravaejovis spinigerus is mild and generally not dangerous to healthy humans. A sting typically feels similar to that of a bee or wasp, causing short-lived pain, slight swelling, or redness that usually fades within a few hours. The scorpion uses its venom primarily to subdue small prey rather than for defense. It is not considered medically significant, though individuals with allergies or weakened immune systems should still exercise caution. This species is not aggressive and will usually sting only if it feels threatened or is handled roughly.

STATS

LATIN NAME:

• Paravaejovis spinigerus

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COMMON NAME:

• Stripe Tailed scorpion

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TEMPERATURE

• 24°- 28°

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TEMPERAMENT:

• Fast

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HUMIDITY:

• 40%

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COMMUNAL:

• No

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SIZE:

• Up to 7cm

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ECOLOGY:

• Terrestrial

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SUBSTRATE:

• Sandy Soil

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ORIGIN:

• Arizona, US

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