Scorpions have long been feared and misunderstood due to their reputation for being dangerous creatures. However, scorpions can make wonderful pets with the right care and attention.
While they may seem intimidating at first, scorpions are actually quite docile once they get used to their environment and handler. With proper scorpion care, you can enjoy having a unique pet that will bring joy into your life while teaching you about nature.
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the basics of scorpion care so that you can better understand what it takes to keep these fascinating animals as pets.
Benefits and drawbacks of scorpion ownership
The Pros of scorpion ownership
Owning a scorpion can be a rewarding experience. Scorpions are relatively low-maintenance animals, requiring only a few supplies and some basic care.
They don’t require much space, as most scorpion species don’t get larger than 8 inches in length. Furthermore, scorpions have no fur or feathers to clean or groom and they are generally hardy creatures that will live for several years with proper scorpion care.
Additionally, scorpions can make fascinating pets due to their unique anatomy and behavior. As solitary animals, scorpions tend to be more independent than other more social pets—though having multiple scorpions together can be done with some extra effort and knowledge about scorpion behavior.
Watching a scorpion explore its environment is one of the most fascinating aspects of scorpion ownership, allowing you to learn from these incredible creatures.
The cons of scorpion ownership
As with any pet choice, there are potential drawbacks when considering keeping a scorpion as a pet. For starters, scorpions are venomous which makes them potentially dangerous if not handled properly or kept away from other younger children and pets in the household. However, venom potency depends on the type of scorpion. While they can pose a danger to children, the majority of the scorpion species do not have enough venom potency to be lethal to adults. For example, a sting from an emperor scorpion is probably going to hurt and potentially swell that will subside in a day or two, but will not cause death unless you have an allergic reaction to their venom.
In addition to their venomous nature, scorpions may produce an unpleasant odor when they feel threatened or stressed which could be challenging to manage in an indoor environment.
Another potential drawback is that many scorpion species require specific environmental conditions in order to thrive–which could prove difficult for many first-time owners without adequate knowledge of how best to set up and maintain their habitat accordingly.
Lastly, some individuals may find it difficult to connect emotionally with a pet like a scorpion because they lack the same kind of presence that other more traditional animals (like cats and dogs) provide which could lead to feelings of detachment or boredom if not managed properly within the home setting.
Despite the disadvantages and risks, scorpions are considered safe pets to handle only if you are prepared and willing to learn before getting one.
So if you think you are still up for it, continue reading!
Types of scorpions to keep as pets
Emperor scorpion
The Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) is one of the largest scorpion species, growing up to 8 inches in length.
This species is native to western Africa and has a shiny black body with yellow-tipped legs, making it an attractive and the most popular pet choice for scorpion enthusiasts.
In their natural environment, Emperor scorpions are primarily nocturnal hunters that feed on a variety of insects and spiders.
As pets, they can be kept in an enclosure with appropriate substrates like potting soil or peat moss—which should be kept moist at all times to provide humidity for the scorpion’s health.
Emperor scorpions should also have access to plenty of hiding spots and perching areas so they can feel safe and secure at all times.
African Flat Rock Scorpion
The Flat Rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) is a unique species native to South Africa that has adapted to living among large rocks. Unlike most scorpions, this species doesn’t burrow into the ground but instead hides beneath rock surfaces during the day and emerges at night to hunt its prey.
Flat Rock scorpions have pale yellow bodies and long legs which give them an appearance similar to spiders. As pets, they require housing with smooth vertical surfaces such as glass aquariums so they can climb around their environment if necessary. Substrates like sand or pebbles should be provided for these scorpions as well as hiding boxes so that they can retreat from light or noise when needed.
What makes the African Flat frock Scorpion suitable as a pet is its mild venom. Their sting can still cause pain but only last for a short while. Their behavior is also rather slow and docile since they are reclusive burrowers, making them one of the easier scorpions to handle.
Asian Forest Scorpion
The Asian Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) is another popular choice among those looking for pet scorpions due to its size—measuring up to 6 inches in length—and easygoing personality once it gets used to handling sessions over time with regularity and gentleness.
This species is found throughout Southeast Asia and has a brownish-black body paired with yellow legs tipped with black claws which gives them a unique look compared to other scorpion species out there today.
Asian Forest Scorpions require appropriate substrate materials such as moist soil or peat moss inside their enclosure so they can comfortably move around without any issues while searching for food sources at night—when these small predators come alive!
Malaysian Black Scorpion
The Malaysian Black Scorpion (Lychas mucronatus) is an attractive scorpion species that can make a great pet for scorpion enthusiasts. Usually found in southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this species has a jet-black body with yellow-tipped claws, making them quite striking visually.
They are relatively small in size, reaching only up to 4 inches in length when fully grown—making them easy to house and care for compared to larger scorpions like the Emperor scorpion or Asian Forest scorpion.
With that in mind, the Malaysian Black Scorpion is NOT considered a beginner-friendly pet due to its aggressive nature. While their venom is mild and not life-threatening, you have to be careful with their claws as they tend to use their claw more often than their tail sting for protection.
Desert Hairy Scorpion
The Desert or aka Giant Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is one of the most popular scorpions kept as pets due to its hardy nature and attractive appearance. This species, which is native to the deserts of North America, has an orange-brown body with yellow-tipped claws and long bristly hairs that give it a unique look compared to other scorpion species out there today.
As pets, they require housing with appropriate substrates like sand so they can move around comfortably while searching for food sources at night—when these small predators come alive! While these scorpions are relatively easy to care for and make interesting pets, potential owners should be aware of some important considerations before bringing one home.
One such consideration is its venom lethality. Though not life-threatening, The Desert Hair Scorpion’s sting can still be very painful as compared to other scorpions listed above. Hence, this is definitely not a beginner-friendly pet to start with.
There are many more beginner-friendly scorpions to choose from. Do take a look at our article on the 8 best scorpions as pets and their cost. Otherwise, let’s move on to the next topic…
Scorpion habitat setup and care requirements
1. Housing Requirements – scorpions should be given a habitat that allows them to feel safe and secure, such as an aquarium with smooth vertical surfaces and hiding boxes or spots to retreat from light and noise. Substrates like sand or pebbles can also be provided for scorpions to move comfortably around their environment.
2. Temperature Requirements – scorpions generally prefer a humid environment where temperatures range from 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with occasional drops down into the mid-50s at night providing some extra variation in temperature from time to time.
3. Feeding Requirements – scorpions are nocturnal predators and require appropriate food sources such as live insects or other invertebrates for them to hunt during the nighttime hours when they are most active.
4. Cleaning Requirements – scorpion habitats should be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water to ensure their living space is free of any dangerous bacteria or parasites that could harm them over time if left unchecked.
5. Handling Requirements – scorpion species can vary in terms of how friendly they are towards humans, but generally speaking it is important to handle these animals with caution since scorpions may become frightened or even aggressive if provoked or mishandled in any way.
Experienced keepers may enjoy handling nonvenomous scorpion species more frequently than less experienced ones, but gloves should always be worn when handling venomous scorpion species regardless of experience level!
Feeding scorpions the right food
Feeding scorpions the right food is essential for their health and well-being. Scorpions are nocturnal predators, so they require appropriate food sources such as live insects or other invertebrates to hunt during the nighttime hours when they are most active. It is important to provide variety in their diet, including small crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms that have been gut-loaded with nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.
While scorpions can be fed a combination of store-bought insect prey items and wild-caught bugs from outside, it’s important to make sure any wild insects you collect haven’t been exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals before offering them up as a food source for your scorpion.
Additionally, scorpion owners should avoid feeding their pets large insect prey items that could potentially injure them if not properly chewed down prior to swallowing. By following these simple guidelines when feeding scorpions the right kind of food sources you can ensure your pet will stay healthy and happy!
Here is a list of safe food options to choose from:
- Live insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and mealworms
- Other invertebrates like waxworms, earthworms, and silkworms
- Insect larvae or baby scorpions
- Vitamin or calcium supplements for scorpions
Conclusion: Is the scorpion the right pet for you?
Scorpions can make fascinating and rewarding pets, but they require specialized care that may not be suitable for everyone. Before you commit to caring for scorpions as a pet, consider whether you are able to meet their housing requirements, temperature preferences, feeding needs, cleaning demands, and handling guidelines. If so, scorpions could prove an interesting addition to your home!
It’s important to remember that scorpion species differ in terms of how friendly they are towards humans; scorpion owners should always handle these animals with caution since scorpions may become frightened or even aggressive if mishandled in any way.
Ultimately though, the decision is yours – do your research and decide if the scorpion is right for you!