The Striped Bark Scorpion is an extremely common scorpion found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico; indeed, it is perhaps the most frequently encountered scorpion in the U.S.

A medium-sized scorpion that is rarely longer than 60 mm, it is easily identified by two dark, longitudinal stripes on its carapace, with a dark triangular mark on its head. There are minor variations on this theme, however; specimens that are lighter-colored and lack the characteristic stripes have been described as separate species in the past.

Like many scorpions, the Striped Bark Scorpion is primarily a nocturnal insectivore. They are highly adaptable, and can be found almost anywhere with plenty of crevices in which to hide or hunt; these include forests, rocky areas, and buildings, where they can be a frequent indoor pest. The species does well in captivity.

Noted for their complex courtship behavior, their long breeding season runs from autumn through early summer; after an eight-month gestation, they give live birth to a brood of as many as 50 young.