What is the lesser striped scorpion?

The lesser striped scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus, formerly Vaejovis spinigerus) is a small to medium scorpion (4–6 cm) in the family Vaejovidae, found throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico. It is tan to yellowish-brown with two darker longitudinal stripes running along the dorsal surface of the abdomen — the feature that gives it its common name. It is one of the most common scorpion species in Arizona and is frequently encountered in rocky desert terrain, suburban yards, and occasionally inside homes.

Is the lesser striped scorpion dangerous?

The lesser striped scorpion is not considered medically significant — its venom is much less potent than the Arizona bark scorpion. Stings cause localized pain, redness, and swelling that typically resolve within a few hours. No systemic effects are expected in healthy adults. It is important to correctly identify the species, however — the lesser striped scorpion is sometimes confused with the bark scorpion, which is medically significant.

How do I tell a lesser striped scorpion from a bark scorpion?

Key identification differences: (1) Stripes — lesser striped scorpions have two distinct dark stripes on the abdomen; bark scorpions are uniformly tan without stripes. (2) Tail thickness — bark scorpions have a notably thin, slender metasoma (tail); lesser striped scorpions have a more robust tail. (3) Resting position — bark scorpions often rest with their tail curled to the side; lesser striped scorpions hold their tail in a more typical upright curl. (4) Climbing — bark scorpions are exceptional climbers found on walls and ceilings; lesser striped scorpions are primarily ground-dwelling.

Where does the lesser striped scorpion live in Arizona?

Lesser striped scorpions are found throughout Arizona in rocky desert scrub, grassland, and suburban areas. They prefer rocky terrain — under rocks, in rock crevices, under bark, and in debris piles. They are nocturnal and hunt insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. They occasionally enter homes through gaps in foundations and around doors, but are less likely to be found inside than bark scorpions.

How do I control lesser striped scorpions?

Control measures are the same as for other scorpion species: (1) Remove harborage sites — rock piles, wood piles, and debris near the foundation. (2) Seal gaps in foundations, walls, and around utility penetrations. (3) Install door sweeps. (4) Professional perimeter treatment with residual insecticides. (5) UV blacklight inspection at night to locate and monitor scorpion activity.

Scorpion Control

Lesser Striped Scorpions in Arizona — Identification, Habitat and Sting Risk

Back to Blog9 min readThroughout Arizona

Not Medically Significant

The lesser striped scorpion is NOT as dangerous as the Arizona bark scorpion — but correct species identification matters. Always confirm before assuming low risk.

The lesser striped scorpion is one of Arizona's most common but least recognized scorpion species — often confused with the bark scorpion. Here's how to tell them apart and what to do if stung.

Lesser Striped Scorpion — Quick ID

Size

4–6 cm

Species

Paravaejovis spinigerus

Danger

Low risk

ID Feature

Dorsal stripes

Identification & Biology

The lesser striped scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus, formerly Vaejovis spinigerus) belongs to the family Vaejovidae — the largest scorpion family in North America. It is one of the most common scorpion species in Arizona, found throughout the state in rocky desert scrub, grassland, and suburban yards. Adults measure 4–6 cm in total length and are tan to yellowish-brown with two distinct dark longitudinal stripes running along the dorsal surface of the abdomen — the defining feature that gives this species its common name.

Unlike the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), the lesser striped scorpion is primarily a ground-dwelling species. It shelters under rocks, in rock crevices, under bark, and in debris piles rather than climbing walls and ceilings. Its metasoma (tail) is noticeably more robust than the bark scorpion's characteristically thin, slender tail — a key field identification feature. When at rest, the lesser striped scorpion holds its tail in a more typical upright curl, while bark scorpions frequently rest with their tail curled to the side.

The lesser striped scorpion is nocturnal and hunts insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. It detects prey through substrate vibration using slit sensilla on its legs and pedipalps. Like all scorpions, it can survive for months without food — its metabolic rate is extremely low, allowing it to persist through periods of prey scarcity. It occasionally enters homes through gaps in foundations and around doors, but is less likely to be found inside than bark scorpions due to its preference for rocky outdoor habitats.

Lesser Striped vs. Bark Scorpion — 5 Key Differences

Two dark dorsal stripes on abdomen vs. uniform tan coloration (bark scorpion)

Robust, thicker tail vs. notably thin, slender metasoma (bark scorpion)

Upright tail curl at rest vs. tail curled to the side (bark scorpion)

Ground-dwelling under rocks vs. exceptional climber on walls and ceilings (bark scorpion)

Low medical risk vs. medically significant venom (bark scorpion)

Sting Symptoms & What to Do

Lesser striped scorpion stings cause localized pain, redness, and swelling at the sting site — comparable to a bee sting. Symptoms typically resolve within a few hours without medical treatment. No systemic effects (numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing) are expected in healthy adults. However, any scorpion sting in a young child (under 6), elderly person, or immunocompromised individual warrants medical evaluation regardless of the species involved. If you cannot positively identify the scorpion species, treat any sting as potentially significant and contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical care.