How to look after a Scorpion Care Guide | Kellyville Pets

  

This comprehensive care guide will show you how to look after a Scorpion in 3 easy steps

Fast Facts:

How long will my Scorpion live? They can live from 6-10 years depending on species

How big will my Scorpion grow? They will grow 5-10cm depending on species

What size of tank is recommended for my Scorpion? They require a small to medium sized terrarium

What does a Scorpion eat? - Crickets, wood roaches and silkworms

Origin

Scorpions are close relatives to the spiders. Like spiders, they are notorious for being biters, venomous and dangerous. Although this is true for some, the Australian Scorpions are not in that league. 

Scorpion Housing

Australian Scorpions are shy, small, and only mildly venomous and they are a very easy pet to look after.

Scorpions are found right across Australia and different species inhabit different areas. The Black Rock Scorpion, the Rainforest Scorpion, and the Desert Scorpion are three species which are for sale at Kellyville Pets. All three species inhabit both under and above the ground.

A small to medium sized terrarium will comfortably house a pair or trio of Scorpions. Substrates for your enclosure will vary depending on the species, with sand being optimum for Desert and Black Rocks, while a 50:50 sand-soil mix is ideal for Rainforests. Planting Cactus and desert plants in sandy soil and Madonna Lillie’s in the 50:50 mix will help improve the look of the enclosure whilst also aiding in maintaining humidity.

Scorpion Care

Scorpions are ectothermic (cold-blooded), so they require heat from an external source such as a heat mat, hot rock or heat lamp. The desired temperature is a gentle 25°C, with temperatures not exceeding 30°C. This is needed 24 hours a day, all year round.

Humidity is also required so that Scorpions don’t dry out. This can be achieved by having a wet sponge as a permanent fixture in the enclosure. This will sustain a good humidity, whilst not creating excess condensation.

Scorpions are very clean animals, and will require minimum maintenance. Collection of prey carcasses and wiping down of the sides of the enclosure weekly will ensure good hygiene for your scorpions.

Never use detergents or insecticides when cleaning.

Scorpions will periodically shed their exoskeleton throughout the year and during this period they will generally remain hidden.

Feeding should be stopped, as it will cause stress to the animal. UV lights should remain on as they are used to harden the exoskeleton.

Scorpion Feeding

Scorpions are night time ambush hunters. When prey are present they strike with their pedipalps (pincers), trapping the prey. To kill their prey they will either crush them with their claws or use their stinger to inject venom into their prey. Once dead, the scorpion will suck out the body juices with their “chelicerae” (or fangs).

In the wild, scorpions will prey upon small insects, spiders or even other scorpions. In captivity they can be offered a range of invertebrate prey, such as crickets, wood roaches or silk worms.

 

Warning!

Scorpions are an observation pet only, and handling should be avoided.
Australian Scorpions can give a painful sting but are not considered dangerous. First aid for a sting is to apply a cold pack and to seek medical aid if pain persists.  

Recommended for ages 18+

We have created a Shopping list to show what you need to look after a Scorpion:

• Enclosure; 25 x 25 x 25cm minimum
• Substrate
• Cave hide
• Artificial plants
• Water sprayer
• Heat mat
• Feeding tongs
• Crickets

Common health issues in Scorpions

Dehydration: Lethargy/loss of body condition due to humidity being too low.

Mites: If the enclosure is not kept clean mite infestations may occur.

Loss of Appetite: Most species require heating, particularly in winter. If temperatures drop too low they may lose their appetite and become ill.

Red flags

Is your Scorpion showing any of the signs of disease or illness? If yes, please consult your reptile vet.

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Active during the day
   

  

At Kellyville Pets, we encourage responsible pet ownership.

CARE GUIDE © Copyright 2016 Kellyville Pets - All information found in this care guide is based upon our own experience. The information provided is not the only information available. In any medical situations,  you should always consult your vet, including questions regarding your pet's diet.