What Does My Pet Scorpion Need?

What your scorpion will need depends on what type of scorpion you have. Typically, new scorpion owners opt for the Emperor scorpion. This species is large and black, with large pincers that indicate that its venom is not generally dangerous to humans. Another breed kept by collectors includes the Desert Hairy scorpion, which is larger than the Emperor as well as a bit more aggressive. These two species come from two different regions and require different habitats.

  1. Housing

    • Though you will want to replicate the scorpion's natural environment as much as possible, most scorpions require very little in regards to materials for housing. Glass terrariums work well, as most of the scorpions sold as pets cannot climb the walls. In fact, those that can climb up glass are considered more dangerous and not recommended. Purchase a 5- to 10-gallon tank for up to two scorpions, and make sure it has a locking top. Certain species of scorpions can do well in a colony, for example, the Emperor scorpion as opposed to the more cannibalistic Giant Hairy scorpion. The more you have, the bigger the tank should be. If you plan to breed your scorpions, floor space is needed for their elaborate breeding dance.

    Habitat

    • Choose your substrate designed for the needs of your particular species of scorpion, whether forest or desert. For the Emperor scorpion, which comes from the rainforests of Africa, keep the environment warm and humid, using moist soil and/or moss. Purchase a mister to keep them moist and a humidity meter, which you can find at your local pet store. Decorate their habitat with wood or bark, as well as a hiding spot for each of your scorpions, such as a half log. For desert-based scorpions, keep it warm and dry and filled with several inches of sand or a sand substitute because the desert species likes to burrow.

    Food and Water

    • Some species eat whatever they can hold in their pincers provided it is alive. They eat other insects, spiders and even small lizards or snakes. Typically, crickets are the most common recommendation, and a large scorpion can eat up to two or three large crickets per week. Feed your scorpion at night to replicate the conditions of the wild, and keep an eye out for a lot of leftover food, because this can indicate a problem. Though some scorpions can go a while without food or water, it is not good to stress them in this way. Provide a small, shallow water dish for your scorpion in the tank.

    Precautions

    • Emperor scorpions are the go-to species for scorpion wrangling because they are the species most handled by humans. Their venom is typically not dangerous, barring any allergic sensitivity. However, it is not generally recommended for you to handle your scorpion, even the more docile kind. Obtain some long forceps with foam tips for any situation where you would need to move your scorpion so that you don't have to risk handling it without the proper training.