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Florida Hentz Striped Scorpion for Sale – Centruroides hentzi

Scientific Name: Centruroides hentzi
Common Names: Florida Hentz Scorpion, Hentz Striped Scorpion, Florida Striped Bark Scorpion
Origin: Southeastern United States, including Florida
Care Level: Intermediate
Adult Size: Approximately 2–3 inches
Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 years, potentially longer with proper care
Temperament: Fast-moving, defensive, and easily startled
Activity: Nocturnal
Venomous: Yes

Florida Hentz Scorpions for Sale at Exotics Source

Discover one of Florida's fascinating native arachnids! The Florida Hentz Scorpion (Centruroides hentzi) is a small, fast-moving species known for its slender body, distinctive coloration, and impressive nocturnal hunting abilities.

Native to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States, this remarkable scorpion can be found sheltering beneath loose bark, inside fallen logs, under debris, and within other protected environments.

Florida Hentz Scorpions typically display shades of tan, brown, and yellow, often with darker markings along the body. Their slender pincers, elongated tail, and agile movements give them the classic appearance associated with bark scorpions.

Despite their relatively small size, these scorpions are efficient predators capable of capturing a variety of insects using their pincers and venomous stinger.

Their compact size, fascinating behavior, and relatively straightforward enclosure requirements make them an interesting species for experienced invertebrate enthusiasts.

Important: Florida Hentz Scorpions are venomous and should never be handled directly. Although their stings are generally not considered medically significant to healthy adults, reactions can vary, and serious allergic reactions are possible.

Complete Florida Hentz Scorpion Care Guide

Enclosure Size & Habitat Requirements

Florida Hentz Scorpions are primarily terrestrial but readily climb bark, wood, and other textured surfaces.

In their natural environment, they frequently seek shelter beneath loose tree bark and inside narrow crevices.

A secure enclosure with both ground space and vertical climbing structures is essential.

Recommended Enclosure Sizes:

• Juveniles: Small, secure enclosures appropriate to their size.

• Single Adult: Minimum 8" × 8" × 8" enclosure.

• Larger Adult Setup: 12" × 12" × 12" or larger.

Essential Habitat Features:

• Secure, escape-proof enclosure

• Tight-fitting locking lid

• Cork bark slabs and tubes

• Multiple hiding locations

• Moisture-retaining substrate

• Shallow water dish

• Proper ventilation

• Naturalistic climbing surfaces

Because these scorpions are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, enclosure security is extremely important.

Important: Individual housing is recommended. Keeping multiple scorpions together increases the risk of cannibalism, aggression, and competition for food and hiding spaces.

Temperature Requirements

Florida Hentz Scorpions naturally inhabit warm subtropical environments and generally thrive under moderate to warm captive conditions.

Recommended Temperatures:

• Daytime: 75–82°F

• Warm Area: Approximately 82–85°F

• Nighttime: 70–75°F

• Avoid prolonged temperatures above 88°F

Normal household temperatures may be sufficient if the room remains consistently warm.

If supplemental heating is necessary, use a thermostat-controlled heat source positioned along the side of the enclosure to establish a gentle temperature gradient.

Avoid placing heating pads directly beneath the substrate.

Always monitor enclosure temperatures with a reliable digital thermometer.

Humidity Requirements

Unlike desert scorpions, Florida Hentz Scorpions naturally occur in environments that experience moderate to high humidity.

However, they still require adequate ventilation and areas where they can retreat from excessive moisture.

Recommended Relative Humidity: Approximately 60–75%

Maintaining Proper Humidity:

• Lightly mist one side of the enclosure as needed.

• Keep a portion of the substrate slightly moist.

• Allow other areas to remain comparatively dry.

• Provide a shallow water dish.

• Use cork bark to create sheltered microclimates.

• Maintain consistent airflow.

• Monitor humidity with a digital hygrometer.

Avoid soaking the entire enclosure or allowing water to accumulate in the substrate.

Providing both moist and drier areas allows the scorpion to select its preferred microclimate.

Substrate Requirements

Florida Hentz Scorpions benefit from naturalistic substrate that resembles the forest floors and sheltered environments they inhabit in the wild.

Recommended Substrates:

• Organic topsoil without fertilizers or pesticides

• Coconut fiber

• Cypress mulch

• Natural leaf litter

• Tropical forest substrate blends

• A mixture of soil and sand for improved structure

A substrate depth of approximately 2–3 inches is generally sufficient.

Although this species is not a dedicated burrowing scorpion, it may excavate shallow depressions or shelter beneath bark and debris.

Add pieces of cork bark, small logs, and other securely positioned decorations to create hiding areas.

Avoid chemically treated wood, cedar shavings, pine shavings, and excessively dusty substrates.

Lighting Requirements

Florida Hentz Scorpions are primarily nocturnal and spend much of the day concealed.

They do not require UVB lighting or specialized basking lamps.

Recommended Lighting:

• Natural 10–12-hour day/night cycle

• Low-intensity ambient lighting

• Dark hiding areas

• No bright nighttime lighting

Indirect room lighting is generally sufficient.

Avoid exposing the enclosure to direct sunlight, as temperatures can rise rapidly and become dangerous.

Diet & Feeding Requirements

Florida Hentz Scorpions are carnivorous predators that primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.

In captivity, they readily accept appropriately sized live feeder insects.

Recommended Foods:

• Small crickets

• Small Dubia roaches

• Red runner roaches

• Small mealworms

• Other appropriately sized captive-raised insects

Feeding Schedule:

• Young Juveniles: Every 2–3 days.

• Older Juveniles: Approximately twice per week.

• Adults: Approximately once every 5–7 days, adjusted according to appetite and body condition.

Offer prey no larger than the scorpion can safely overpower.

Scorpions have relatively slow metabolisms and may occasionally refuse food, particularly before molting.

Important Feeding Tips:

• Remove uneaten insects within 24 hours.

• Never leave aggressive feeder insects with a molting scorpion.

• Avoid wild-caught insects that may contain pesticides or parasites.

• Do not force-feed healthy animals.

• Adjust feeding frequency according to body condition.

Water & Hydration

Fresh water should always be available.

Provide a small, shallow water dish that allows the scorpion to drink safely.

Hydration Recommendations:

• Maintain a shallow water dish.

• Lightly mist a portion of the enclosure when necessary.

• Prevent the substrate from becoming waterlogged.

• Replace water regularly.

• Monitor the animal for signs of dehydration.

Even though Florida Hentz Scorpions can tolerate some fluctuations in humidity, prolonged dehydration can negatively affect their health and molting success.

Molting & Growth

Like other scorpions, Florida Hentz Scorpions must periodically shed their exoskeleton as they grow.

Molting is an especially vulnerable stage of development.

Signs of an Upcoming Molt:

• Reduced appetite

• Increased hiding

• Decreased activity

• Swollen or enlarged body appearance

• Refusal of feeder insects

During Molting:

• Do not disturb the scorpion.

• Remove all live feeder insects.

• Maintain appropriate humidity.

• Avoid handling or relocating the animal.

• Allow the new exoskeleton to harden before feeding.

Freshly molted scorpions may appear pale, soft, or unusually delicate.

This is normal during the hardening process.

Adult scorpions generally stop molting once they reach sexual maturity.

Venom & Safety Information

Florida Hentz Scorpions are venomous and should be treated with caution.

They possess a functional venomous stinger used to subdue prey and defend themselves.

Although their venom is generally considered less medically significant than that of some other Centruroides species, stings can still cause pain, swelling, burning sensations, and other symptoms.

Individual reactions vary, and allergic responses can potentially be severe.

Safety Recommendations:

• Never handle these scorpions directly.

• Use long feeding tongs when necessary.

• Use a secure catch cup for transfers.

• Keep enclosures locked and escape-proof.

• Keep away from children and household pets.

• Avoid placing hands into hides or beneath bark without checking the animal's location.

• Seek medical guidance following a sting, particularly if symptoms are severe or systemic.

This species is best suited for responsible keepers who understand the risks associated with venomous arachnids.

Handling & Temperament

Florida Hentz Scorpions are fast-moving and may become defensive when disturbed.

They are not suitable for routine handling.

When threatened, they may raise their tail, extend their pincers, or attempt to escape.

Recommended Handling Practices:

• Avoid direct physical contact.

• Use soft-tipped tongs only for moving enclosure decorations, never for gripping the scorpion.

• Relocate the animal using a secure container.

• Minimize unnecessary disturbances.

• Always ensure the enclosure is closed securely after maintenance.

Their speed and small size make escape prevention especially important.

Behavior & Activity

Florida Hentz Scorpions are primarily active after dark.

During the day, they typically remain concealed beneath bark, logs, or other sheltered areas.

At night, they emerge to explore and hunt.

Common Behaviors Include:

• Climbing vertical cork bark

• Hiding in narrow crevices

• Ambushing live prey

• Remaining motionless for extended periods

• Raising the tail when threatened

• Exploring the enclosure after dark

Like other scorpions, they fluoresce under ultraviolet blacklight.

A brief exposure to a low-powered UV flashlight can make them glow a striking blue-green color, although prolonged or frequent exposure should be avoided.

Lifespan & Long-Term Care

Florida Hentz Scorpions may live approximately 3–5 years in captivity, with longevity varying according to sex, environmental conditions, and individual health.

Providing a secure enclosure, stable temperatures, appropriate humidity, and a varied diet can support long-term health.

Common Care Mistakes to Avoid

• Keeping the enclosure excessively wet

• Allowing the habitat to become completely dry for extended periods

• Providing inadequate ventilation

• Using an enclosure with unsecured openings

• Overfeeding

• Leaving live prey inside during molting

• Handling the scorpion directly

• Using excessive heat

• Housing multiple individuals together without appropriate experience

• Using pesticides or chemical cleaners near the enclosure

Shipping Information – Exotics Source

We ship Florida Hentz Scorpions via UPS Overnight Shipping to minimize transit time and help ensure your new scorpion arrives safely.

We strongly recommend Hold for Pickup at an eligible UPS location.

Holding your shipment for pickup helps reduce exposure to extreme temperatures, delivery delays, and unnecessary time inside delivery vehicles.

Live animal shipments are scheduled according to weather conditions, carrier availability, and animal safety.

Orders may be held until suitable shipping conditions are available.

Please be prepared to receive or promptly pick up your shipment on its scheduled delivery day.

Customers are responsible for verifying that possession of this species is permitted under applicable state and local laws.

Why Buy Your Florida Hentz Scorpion From Exotics Source?

At Exotics Source, we specialize in fascinating reptiles, arachnids, and exotic invertebrates for dedicated hobbyists and collectors.

The Florida Hentz Scorpion is an excellent example of the incredible diversity found among North America's native arachnids.

Its distinctive appearance, fascinating nocturnal behaviors, and natural climbing abilities make it a rewarding species for keepers interested in observing venomous invertebrates.

Whether you're expanding your scorpion collection or creating a naturalistic Florida-inspired terrarium, Centruroides hentzi offers a unique opportunity to appreciate one of the southeastern United States' remarkable native predators.

Order your Florida Hentz Scorpion from Exotics Source today!