AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Centruroides margaritatus
Central American Bark Scorpion
(Gervais, 1841)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium to large scorpion characterized by a heavily granulated exoskeleton, long slender tail, and distinct pedipalps (pincers). Coloration ranges from yellowish-brown to dark reddish-brown or blackish.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Arachnida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Scorpiones
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Buthidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Centruroides
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Gervais, 1841)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Carnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Prefers dry and semi-arid environments but adapts well to humid areas. Commonly found under loose tree bark, in rock crevices, logs, and frequently inside human dwellings.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strictly nocturnal. They hide during the day and come out at night to actively hunt or ambush prey. They use their pincers to grasp prey and their stinger to inject venom to subdue it.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, though in highly favorable habitats, multiple individuals may be found hiding under the same log or tree bark without exhibiting aggression towards each other.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nocturnal ambush predator/insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Diet consists of insects (roaches, crickets, spiders). Preyed upon by owls, bats, tarantulas, centipedes, and larger mammals.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Mating involves a complex 'promenade à deux' dance where the male grasps the female's pincers and guides her over a deposited spermatophore.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 10.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 50
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
12 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
90 - 180
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males generally have significantly longer and more slender tail segments (metasoma) compared to females. They appear overall more sleek.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a bulkier and wider body (mesosoma), especially noticeable when gravid, and their tail segments are shorter and thicker.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Has a relatively flat body structure that allows it to easily squeeze into very narrow crevices and under bark for protection.
Their exoskeleton contains proteins that fluoresce under ultraviolet light, appearing a vibrant cyan-green in the dark.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Frequently exterminated by humans out of fear, as their sting is intensely painful, though rarely fatal to healthy adults.
Habitat destruction and widespread use of broad-spectrum domestic pesticides.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They do not lay eggs; instead, they are viviparous. The mother gives birth to live young that immediately climb onto her back, where she protects them until their first molt.