Centruroides gracilis Care Guide

The Florida Bark Scorpion

Revision Date: March 2025

Introduction

Centruroides gracilis, commonly known as the Florida Bark Scorpion, Slender Brown Scorpion, or Caribbean Dusky Scorpion, is a semi-arboreal species native to Florida, Cuba, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. It is a communal species often found living in groups under loose tree bark, in crevices, or inside rotting logs. Unlike many other scorpion species, C. gracilis is highly polymorphic, exhibiting a wide range of colors from reddish brown to black with yellowish legs.

Despite their name, these scorpions are not exclusive to Florida and have been introduced to several other locations, including the Canary Islands, Gabon, and Cameroon, likely due to human activity. Their fast growth, communal nature, and relatively mild venom make them a fascinating species for intermediate keepers.

Quick Species Snapshot

• Scientific Name: Centruroides gracilis

• Common Names: Florida Bark Scorpion, Slender Brown Scorpion, Caribbean Dusky Scorpion, Brown Bark Scorpion, Blue Scorpion

• Type: Semi-arboreal

• Category: New World

• Native Range: Florida, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean

• Size: 3-4.5 inches (7.5-11.5 cm)

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Life Expectancy: Females 3-4 years; Males 2 years

• Venom Potency: Moderate; Neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, causing pain, redness, itching, and swelling. South American populations may have higher venom potency than their North American counterparts.

• Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate

Behavior & Temperament

C. gracilis is fast-moving, skittish, and defensive rather than aggressive. When disturbed, it prefers to retreat and hide rather than stand its ground. However, due to its speed and climbing abilities, it is important to take extra care when handling its enclosure. This species is not recommended for handling, as it can easily escape or sting when startled.

Unlike many other scorpions, C. gracilis thrives in communal setups, provided they are well-fed and have plenty of hiding spaces. They can be housed together as adults, but juveniles should be kept separately to avoid cannibalism, especially during molts. This species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism—males are longer and thinner, while females are stockier and more robust.

Taxonomy, Etymology & Natural Environment

Centruroides gracilis, commonly known as the Slender Brown Scorpion or Florida Bark Scorpion, is a widely distributed species belonging to the Buthidae family, which includes many of the world’s most medically significant scorpions. Originally described in 1840, C. gracilis is one of the most adaptable species in the Centruroides genus, known for its slender build, elongated pincers, and striking coloration that ranges from dark reddish-brown to tan with subtle striping.

The genus name Centruroides is derived from the Greek words "kentron", meaning "sting" or "spike," and "oura", meaning "tail," referring to the prominent and well-developed stinger that defines this genus. The species name gracilis comes from Latin, meaning "slender" or "graceful," a fitting description of its elongated body and delicate appendages.

Native to Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America, Centruroides gracilis has also been introduced to parts of the United States, including Florida, where it thrives in warm, humid environments. It is a highly adaptable species, commonly found in tropical forests, dry woodlands, and urban areas, where it takes refuge under bark, in rock crevices, and within man-made structures. Unlike many other scorpion species that are strictly solitary, C. gracilis has been observed displaying communal tendencies, with multiple individuals coexisting in the same habitat, particularly when resources are abundant.

Its widespread distribution and ability to thrive in various conditions make Centruroides gracilis one of the most resilient and commonly encountered scorpions in the hobby. However, as with all scorpions, their venom potency and defensive nature should be respected when keeping them in captivity.

Housing & Substrate – Semi-Arboreal Setup

Scorplings

• Enclosure Size: Use a small acrylic enclosure (e.g., Sling Crib, 3" Tarantula Cube, Small Slider Crib, Small Cuboid, Terrestrial Sling Crib, Slider Crib Mini, or Cuboid Mini) that is no smaller than three times the scorpion’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill at least 2/3rds of the enclosure with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude.

• Humidity: Maintain a slightly damp substrate (but not swampy) by offering a small water dish or gently dripping water on one corner about once a week.

Juveniles

• Enclosure Size: Use a medium enclosure (e.g., Medium Slider Crib, 6" Tarantula Cube, 8" Tarantula Cube, or Medium Cuboid) that is at least 3–4× the scorpion’s leg span.

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude. This depth allows for effective burrowing and minimizes the risk of injury from falls.

• Humidity: Keep the substrate mostly dry with a full water dish; occasionally overflow one corner to create a slightly damp area.

• Additional Features: Provide a half cork bark round for a secure hide and include vertical branches, cork bark pieces, or small fake plants as web anchors to facilitate natural web tunnel construction.

Adults

• Enclosure Size: Use a large enclosure (e.g., Large Slider Crib, 12" Cube Switch, 12" Cube, 18" Cube, or Terrestrial XL) that is at least 3× the scorpion’s leg span (ideally 4–5× for enhanced natural behavior, while still considering escape risks).

• Substrate: Fill the enclosure 1/3 to 1/2 full with Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude to provide ample depth for burrowing while reducing fall distance.

• Additional Features: Include a secure hide (preferably a half cork bark round), a shallow water dish, and tasteful decorations such as vertical branches or cork bark pieces leaned diagonally. Cube Enclsoures and Arboreal Enclosures work well for this species, but horizontal enclosures will work as well. The important thing is to make sure there are some vertical cork bark or branches the scorpions can climb.

Note: "Semi‑arboreal" is not an official behavioral classification but rather a descriptive term used in the hobby to design enclosures that allow a scorpion to display some climbing without exposing it to dangerous falls.

Affiliate: Please use Tarantula Cribs (affiliate code TTC10) and Terra Aranea by The Bio Dude for substrate.

Feeding Schedule

• Scorplings: 1-2 pinhead crickets or pre-killed roaches per week.

• Juveniles: 1 small cricket or roach 1-2 times per week.

• Adults: 2-3 medium crickets or 1-2 large roaches per week; communal setups require additional feeders.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold and stress.

• Spot clean regularly, especially in humid enclosures.

• Overfeeding can lead to excessive plumpness—adjust feeding frequency accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Centruroides gracilis is an excellent species for intermediate keepers looking to maintain a communal scorpion with striking coloration and fascinating behavior. However, they should not be underestimated—their speed and ability to climb make them an escape risk, and their venom, while not medically significant, is still painful.

Comparison to Other Centruroides Species:

• Centruroides vittatus (Striped Bark Scorpion) is native to the southern U.S. and Mexico, has a more arid habitat, and exhibits defensive behavior more often.

• Centruroides sculpturatus (Arizona Bark Scorpion) has the most potent venom of the three, requiring extra caution, but it is similarly communal and prefers dry desert environments.

• C. gracilis, by contrast, thrives in more humid, tropical environments, has moderate venom potency, and is less defensive.

All three species are semi-arboreal and require vertical climbing space, but C. gracilis is the most adaptable, being found across multiple continents due to human introduction. Its communal nature and rapid breeding make it a fascinating choice, though keepers should be prepared for large broods if housing mixed-sex groups.

For those interested in a larger, visually striking, and communal-friendly species, C. gracilis is a fantastic option. However, due to its speed, climbing ability, and venom, it remains best suited for intermediate keepers.

Additional Recommendations

• Enclosures: Tarantula Cribs (use code TTC10 for 10% off)

• Substrate: The Bio Dude Terra Aranea for optimal humidity and burrowing.

• Captive-bred specimens: Always purchase from reputable breeders such as Spider Shoppe (code TTC10 for 10% off).

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