Scorpion care sheet

Scorpions consist of both forest and desert species. The emperor scorpion is a forest variety. A scorpion's sting can vary from mild to severe, depending upon species. The average adult size is between 3 to 8 inches long with the average life span of 2 to 6 years with proper care.

Shopping list for needed supplies:

• Appropriately sized habitat

• Book about scorpions

• Substrate

• Moss

• Water dish

• Hideaway place

• Climbing décor

• Plants

• Under tank heater

• Calcium and vitamin supplement

• Cricket keeper

• Cricket food

A well-balanced scorpion diet consists of:

• Provide a variety of insects, including gut-loaded (recently fed) crickets, small mealworms and waxworms.

Things to remember when feeding your scorpion:

• Fresh, clean, chlorine-free water should be available at all times.

• Feed juveniles daily, adults every other day.

• Dust insects with calcium supplement daily and once ore twice a week with a vitamin/mineral supplement.

• Remove uneaten crickets as they may attack a resting scorpion.

Housing:

• Size: appropriate size and shape habitat to accommodate normal behaviors and exercise, wider than its tail, with a secure lid.

• Habitat: provide hiding areas using non-toxic plants, branches, or logs; keep hiding areas away from the heat source. Maintain 60-80% humidity by misting as needed every day

• Substrate: mulch type such as coconut fiber bedding, reptile bark or dampened sphagnum moss; avoid gravel and artificial turf (too harsh for skin).

• Temperature: temperature gradient (90°F for the warm end and 80°F for the cool end); recommend placing under tank heater or incandescent bulb on warm end.

• Lighting: photoperiod lighting required for 8-12 hours a day; don't leave white light on at all times, use a black or infrared light to view scorpion at night.

• House adult scorpions separately and do not house different invertebrate species together.

Normal Behavior:

• All scorpions are venomous and sting; depending on species, the sting can be mild to severe; although most people are not affected by emperor scorpions some humans may be allergic to scorpion venom.

• Most scorpions are nocturnal (active at night).

Habitat Maintenance:

• Thoroughly clean the habitat at least once a week: place scorpion in a secure habitat using gloves and forceps to gently move the scorpion; scrub the tank and furnishings with a 3% bleach solution; rinse thoroughly with water, removing all traces of bleach smell; dry the tank and furnishings completely and add clean substrate.

Grooming and Hygiene:

• Mist habitat daily to maintain high humidity and change water daily.

Signs of a Healthy Animal:

• Eats regularly

• Body and tail are rounded and full

• Active and alert

• Healthy exoskeleton

Common Health Issues:

• Dehydration: lethargic, poor shedding, shriveled appearance. Consult your exotic animal veterinarian.

Red Flags

• Swollen limbs

• Lethargic

• Bumps, sores, or abrasions

• Weight loss

• Abnormal feces

• Discharge in mouth or eyes

• Dull exoskeleton