Centruroides vittatus , the striped scorpion is the only scorpion species found in Missouri. Scorpions are solitary creatures, interacting only to mate or to prey upon one another. Unlike most other invertebrates, scorpions give birth to live young. The young scorpions, miniature versions of their parents, climb onto their mother's back and remain there for one to two weeks. Scorpions generally live three to seven years, although some survive 25 years or more.
Scorpions are entirely carnivorous.
They prefer soft-bodied pre such as spiders, cockroaches, ants, crickets, beetles, and butterflies. A hungry scorpion may even tackle small mice and lizards. Missouri's only native scorpion has a sting no worse than a wasp or bee. A sting usually results in a sharp pain and a red welt that shorly disappears with no after effects. An ice pack and antiseptic should be sufficient treatment.