Full name: Striped Bark Scorpion (Uroplectes vittatus)
Classification: MILDLY VENOMOUS
A medium to small scorpion under 6 cm with the tail extended. A light yellow to orange scorpion with a darker back, usually with series of pale-yellow spots down the centre of the back. There is often a V shaped mask from the eyes to the mouth parts.
In South Africa it is found in the North-west, Limpopo and Mpumalanga into northern Swaziland. It occurs into Botswana and Zimbabwe. It is found under rocks and debris usually on hard soils. It is also active on warm nights.
It may be confused with other Lesser Thick-tailed Scorpions, especially Uroplectes triangulifer.
The sting of this species may cause pain but is not medically important.
Map showing distribution of the Striped Bark Scorpion in Southern Africa.
