About Vaejovis carolinianus (Beauvois, 1805)
Vaejovis carolinianus is a small, dark scorpion native to the southeastern United States. It is common in suitable habitat and can be locally abundant. When both its claws and tail are fully extended, it is generally less than 2 inches in total length. Its legs and claws are typically dark reddish or brownish, while its carapace and abdomen are a dull, nearly black color. This species is found primarily in the southern Appalachians, with most observations coming from the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Scattered observations have also been recorded in Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Within its range, Vaejovis carolinianus prefers mesic mixed woodland, and it is commonly found under logs, stones, or the bark of standing dead trees. It will readily enter homes and other human structures, and can fit through very fine crevices and gaps. Like all scorpions, it can be easily located with blacklights because its exoskeleton fluoresces under ultraviolet light. Vaejovis carolinianus is a predator of smaller arthropods, and feeds on a wide range of prey species. In captivity, it accepts termites, mealworms, and crickets, and will even take prey that is nearly as large or larger than itself. When soft-bodied prey is available, the species prefers it. It may be cannibalistic toward smaller conspecific specimens, and early instar young will cannibalize each other when confined. Like all scorpions, this species gives birth to live young, and can produce up to 26 offspring per birth.
