How to Care for a Florida Bark Scorpion

Florida bark scorpions (Centruroides gracilis) inhabit forested areas of the Americas, including warmer parts of the United States. In captivity, they need a habitat that mimics some aspects of their natural environment, especially with regards to temperature and humidity. Otherwise, this species is not especially demanding. It is not exceptionally dangerous, and the main thing it needs in terms of care is a supply of suitable insects. All scorpions can give you a nasty nip, and they are not suitable pets for children. Arachnid enthusiasts, however, should have few problems.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon or larger tank with secure lid
  • Reptile heat mat
  • Substrate
  • Clay pots, rocks and pieces of bark
  • Thermometer
  • Hygrometer
  • Plant mister
  • Work gloves
  • Plastic tub
  • Cardboard
  • Live food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set a reptile heat mat below one end of the tank.

    • 2

      Lay 3 to 4 inches of an appropriate substrate, such as chemical-free potting compost or coconut husk fibre, in the tank. Place clay plant pots, rocks and pieces of cork bark on top as hiding places for the scorpions. Piling up the bark to create a tower suits this species because it likes climbing.

    • 3

      Monitor the temperature and adjust the thermostat on the heat mat as necessary to achieve a temperature of 75 to 80 F in the warmest part of the tank.

    • 4

      Mist the tank with spring water to raise the humidity. Florida bark scorpions do best with a medium humidity of about 75 percent.

    • 5

      Put on work gloves before moving the scorpion into the tank. The sting of Florida bark scorpions is not usually deadly, but it is very painful. Move the scorpion with the aid of a plastic tub and piece of cardboard rather than handling it directly.

    • 6

      Feed the scorpion large insects such as crickets. Suitable live foods are widely available from reptile supply stores, or you can raise your own supply in another tank. Feed the scorpion about three times a week, judging how much to feed by how much it consumes.

    • 7

      Remove uneaten insects, molted skins and any feces as soon as you notice them. Clean the tank completely 3 or 4 times a year. Scorpions do not produce much waste and more frequent tank cleanings can stress them.