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Are there scorpions in Mississippi?

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. The answer
  2. Which ones
  3. Official advice
  4. Sources

Yes.

Southern devil (unstriped) scorpion, mostly in the northeast; striped bark scorpion, rare and possibly brought in accidentally.

Mississippi State University Extension Service: “Scorpions in Mississippi? They are not that common, but they are here. Actually, there are two species, southern devil scorpions and striped bark scorpions.” Source

How we answer questions

Mississippi

Think you have seen one in Mississippi? Keep your distance and contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), including the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (MMNS).

The 2 on Mississippi's list

Southern Devil Scorpion (Southern Unstriped Scorpion)
Photo: Leila Dasher · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Southern Devil Scorpion (Southern Unstriped Scorpion)

Vaejovis carolinianus

Venomous per Mississippi State University Extension Service

Danger to people
“Both species can and will sting, and, although the sting is painful, it is very rarely deadly …” Mississippi State University Extension Service
Where in Mississippi
Although they occur in other areas of the state, southern devil scorpions, also known as southern unstriped scorpions, are most often found in the Northeast corner of … Mississippi State University Extension Service
What the sources say

Venom: “As with bee or wasp stings, there may be individuals who are hypersensitive to the venom.” (Mississippi State University Extension Service)

Range: Although they occur in other areas of the state, southern devil scorpions, also known as southern unstriped scorpions, are most often found in the Northeast corner of the state, roughly from Columbus to Corinth, and a row or two of counties to the west.

Habitat: Unlike western species, the southern devil scorpion favors moist, humid environments. (Mississippi State University Extension Service)

Striped Bark Scorpion
Photo: Meghan Cassidy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized

Striped Bark Scorpion

Centruroides vittatus

Mildly venomous per Missouri Department of Conservation

Danger to people
“Both species can and will sting, and, although the sting is painful, it is very rarely deadly.” Mississippi State University Extension Service
Size
Usually about 2.5 inches. Sources range from 1 to 1.5 inches on average (Missouri Department of Conservation) to up to 3.5 inches (Oklahoma State).
How to recognize it
  • Slender pincers and a long, slender tail. The tail is longer on males than females.
  • Tail ends in a stinger, usually carried up and over the body.
  • Glows under ultraviolet light.
Where in Mississippi
Striped bark scorpions can appear anywhere in the state, and many of these sightings may be due to accidental transport. Mississippi State University Extension Service
What the sources say

Venom: “The sting of this species is quite painful, but the venom is a comparatively mild neurotoxin.” (Missouri Department of Conservation)

Full Striped Bark Scorpion guide

All scorpions in the state: Mississippi scorpions.

What official sources advise

Other questions about Mississippi

Sources

  1. Southern Devil Scorpion, Bug's Eye View Vol. 4, No. 30. Mississippi State University Extension Service. 2018; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “Scorpions in Mississippi? They are not that common, but they are here. Actually, there are two species, southern devil scorpions and striped bark scorpions.”
    “As with bee or wasp stings, there may be individuals who are hypersensitive to the venom.”
  2. Control Household Insect Pests (Publication 2443). Mississippi State University Extension Service. Publication 2443; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (3)
    “Both species can and will sting, and, although the sting is painful, it is very rarely deadly. Many folks who have been stung report only short-lived local pain with localized swelling, much like that caused by a wasp sting. Some have reported systemic effects, such as headaches, neck aches, and other symptoms.”
    “Both species can and will sting, and, although the sting is painful, it is very rarely deadly.”
    “Scorpions are active at night, when they leave their refuges to search for insects and spiders to eat.”
  3. Striped Bark Scorpion (Field Guide). Missouri Department of Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The sting of this species is quite painful, but the venom is a comparatively mild neurotoxin.”