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Texas has over 20 species of scorpions, and every single one can sting. But here is what most people do not realize: only one species in the entire state is medically significant. The other 19+ species produce venom comparable to a wasp sting — painful, but not dangerous to healthy adults. The problem is that most people cannot tell the difference, so every sting causes panic. This guide will fix that.
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Texas Scorpion Species: A Quick Field Guide
| Species | Appearance | Range | Sting Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) | Pale yellow-brown with two dark longitudinal stripes down the back. 1.5-2.5 inches. This is the most common scorpion in Texas — 90%+ of encounters. | Statewide — every county | Mild — local pain, swelling, redness. Resolves in hours. No systemic symptoms. |
| Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) | Slender, straw-colored, 2-3 inches. Long slender pincers and a thin tail segment immediately before the stinger. Glows bright green under UV light. The only medically significant species. | Trans-Pecos only (El Paso, Big Bend, Davis Mountains) | Potentially severe — neurotoxic. Can cause numbness, respiratory difficulty, muscle spasms. Children and elderly at highest risk. |
| Texas Cave Scorpion (Pseudouroctonus reddelli) | Dark reddish-brown to nearly black. Robust pincers. 1.5-2 inches. Found in caves and under rocks. | Edwards Plateau (Austin, San Antonio, Hill Country) | Mild — similar to a bee sting |
| Giant Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) | The largest scorpion in North America — up to 5.5 inches. Dark body with yellow appendages. Dense brown hairs on body. | West Texas deserts | Mild — large size is intimidating but venom is weak |
What a Scorpion Sting Feels Like (by Species)
Striped bark scorpion: Immediate sharp burning pain at the sting site — like a hot needle. Pain peaks at 30-60 minutes and gradually fades over 4-6 hours. The site may be red, slightly swollen, and tender for 24 hours. Some people report tingling or numbness localized to the sting site. No systemic symptoms.
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Arizona bark scorpion: Immediate intense pain, followed by numbness and tingling that spreads FROM the sting site outward — up the limb, sometimes to the face and tongue. This spreading numbness is the hallmark of a medically significant sting. Severe cases may include: difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, muscle twitching, and respiratory distress. Children under 10 are at highest risk for severe reactions. If a child is stung by an unknown scorpion in West Texas, go to the ER. Do not wait for symptoms.
Sting Treatment: What to Do
- Wash the site with soap and water. Scorpion venom is not absorbed through skin, so washing removes any residual venom on the surface.
- Apply ice (not heat). Ice pack wrapped in cloth, 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. This reduces pain and slows venom absorption locally.
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. Antihistamines (Benadryl) are not effective — this is not an allergic reaction. Do not take opioids or sedatives — they can potentiate neurotoxic venom effects.
- Monitor for 2 hours. If pain remains localized and there are no systemic symptoms — you are fine. The sting will resolve on its own.
- Go to the ER if: numbness spreads beyond the sting site; you have difficulty swallowing or breathing; vision changes; muscle spasms or twitching; the victim is a child under 10 or elderly; you are in West Texas and cannot identify the scorpion species.
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension; iNaturalist Research Grade observations. This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult a licensed professional for wildlife, pest, or medical concerns.