Centruroides limbatus is a species of bark scorpion from Central America. Its specific name "limbatus," is from the Latin meaning "black-edged," and refers to the darkly colored markings of this species.
Centruroides limbatus is a relatively large scorpion and grows up to 110 mm in length. It is a polymorphic species that comes in a wide range of colors. Typically they have yellowish bodies with a contrasting blackish color on chelicera, the fingers of the pedipalps, the fifth segment of the tail, and the cephalothorax. Some individuals are paler over all, and some other individuals are darker overall and display a bluish-black color. Numerous chromatic variations can be found between these two extremes.
This species can be found in Costa Rica, but can also be found in Nicaragua and Panama. Websites indicate Honduras but no apparent published reports. In at least one case, this species is responsible for an emergency room visit in the United States (see below), but it is not indicated if the scorpion in question was a member of an introduced population or came from an isolated release (e.g. a lone individual introduced accidentally or a pet kept in captivity).
Within its range, C. limbatus is a common predator in the vegetation of the forest understory, where it can be found among the vegetation. It is also known to frequent houses and other building where shelter and food are abundant. C. limbatus is a diurnal species that spends night hiding in cracks and crevices. It has been recorded from sea level to 1400 meters.
A researcher associated with the Smithsonian Institution assures that "this species is not considered dangerous to humans" but warns that nonetheless that they "are venomous and being stung by one is no picnic." According to another researcher's firsthand account of being stung while trying to capture a subadult specimen near Tortuguero, Costa Rica:
In an unusual case reported by the Loma Linda University School of Medicine, a 67-year-old woman presented to a community emergency department in Orange County, California after being envenomed by a scorpion identified as a member of this species. Her reaction seems more serious than that implied in the above assessments and may be due to anaphylactic shock. According to a report:
The report also notes "Scorpions have been reported to be accidentally transported to areas where they are not indigenous, and patients may present anywhere with envenomation by dangerous scorpion species."A case of scorpion sting to the palm of the hand of a scuba diver occurred while trying on a wetsuit on the Osa Peninsula. Symptoms reported include localized pain for several hours with severity decreasing after the first hour. Localized tingling sensation was reported as well. Treatment several hours after envenomation with Therapik, a toxin-denaturing device utilizing heat, resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. (Feb 19,2016)
