Scorpions in Kentucky

Scorpions living in Kentucky

1species, plus 1 with rare records

Southern devil scorpion. Photo: Marshal Hedin from San Diego, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to recognize them

Southern devil scorpionPainful, rarely serious46 records, 10 counties

Southern devil scorpion Vaejovis carolinianus

Small dark brown scorpion
Stout pincers
Hides under logs and rocks in woods

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: 10 counties so far. Blank does not mean absent.

Active months

Open records of scorpions in Kentucky by month; most fall in April, June, August to September.

Rare records

Rare records Striped bark scorpion 1 open record, latest 1978

Questions

How many scorpions are in Kentucky?

1 species live in the state: Southern devil scorpion.

Which scorpions in Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

Most open records fall in April, June, August to September.