Common Name:
Scorpion
Latin Name:
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Distribution:
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Natural Habitat:
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Adult Size:
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Diet:
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Carnivore
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Life Span:
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Species
Scorpions make fantastic pets but take care as they are venomous. They are fascinating,
take up minimal space and are extremely economic to keep. Most common species to
be kept as a pet is the Emperor Scorpion Pandinus imperator.
Housing
Keep your scorpion in a well-ventilated glass or plastic tank with a secure lid.
Install a heat mat and a thermostat at the back of the tank to keep the temperature
at 25-29°c (77-82°F) Daytime or 23-26°c (74- 80°F) at night. Place the thermostat
sensor over the heat source. Fit a thermometer to check the temperature. The floor
should be covered with a thick layer of substrate such as cocoa fibre which should
be kept moist. The tank should measure about 30 centimetres by 20 by 10. There should
be plenty of obstacles such as bark and rocks for your scorpion to climb, burrow
and hide in. Use silica gel or soak cotton wool in bottled water and place it in
a small dish for the scorpion to drink from. Humidity should be 60-70% which can
be checked with a hydrometer. Scorpions don't like bright lights so keep the tank
out of direct sunlight and away from radiators and draughts. If more than one kept
be aware, as there is a risk that the weakest may be eaten.
Scorpions don't make much mess, but food remains should be removed. Change the substrate
and clean and disinfect the tank every 3 or 4 months using an arachnid friendly
disinfectant.
Handling
It is not advisable to handle your scorpion as it can sting and pincer and you may
be allergic to the venom. When it needs to be moved, coax it into a ventilated container
that can be closed afterwards, or use tongs to gently pick it up just below the
sting.
Diet
Feed your scorpion live insects such as crickets and locusts. The insects themselves
should be fed beforehand with a nutrient rich mixture available from pet shops.
Use tongs and feed your scorpion one insect at a time. It may eat 2 or 3 at a time,
or refuse altogether. Scorpions don't eat every day and sometimes fast for a week
or more. Do not overfeed. Adult scorpions moult once or twice a year and will refuse
food before and after moulting. They drink a lot of water so make sure it is available
every day.
Health
Your scorpion should have few health problems if kept in the right conditions. If
it is overheated it will become very active, may appear to sting itself and roll
over on it's back. It will not eat if it is too cold. It is important not to keep
live insects in the tank if they are not being eaten as your scorpion may be bitten
by its prey.
Created By:
Mark Amey