Scorpions in Illinois

Scorpions living in Illinois

1species

Striped bark scorpion. Photo: Charles & Clint, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to recognize them

Striped bark scorpionPainful, rarely serious36 records, 5 counties

Striped bark scorpion Centruroides vittatus

Yellowish tan with two dark stripes down the back
Dark triangle on the head
Thin pincers and a long thin tail

We list the scorpions people ask about most. The Southwest has more small species that we do not cover yet. In the US only the Arizona bark scorpion has a sting considered medically significant.

Counties with records

None recorded
1 species
2
3 to 4
5 or more

Scorpions with open GBIF records, by county: 5 counties so far. Blank does not mean absent.

Active months

Open records of scorpions in Illinois by month; most fall in May to June.

Questions

How many scorpions are in Illinois?

1 species live in the state: Striped bark scorpion.

Which scorpions in Illinois are dangerous?

None of them is considered medically significant for most people. Stings and bites hurt, and allergic reactions are possible.

When are scorpions most active in Illinois?

Most open records fall in May to June.