Scorpion Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

Males: 6-8 years depending on species

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

5-8 inches depending on species

CAGE TEMPS

Basking spot: 85-90°F

CAGE HUMIDITY

60-80% humidity levels

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Most Scorpions are nocturnal. All Scorpions have some type of venom, although most pet Scorpions stings are mildly irritating. Always handle with caution as handling may cause stress to the animal. Adult scorpions should be housed separately from one another.

MOLTING

Scorpions need good humidity in their habitats in order to molt properly. If the humidity is not adequate, your pet may not be able to molt completely, which can be deadly. A Scorpion usually takes about 12 hours to complete a molt. Once finished the Scorpion’s shell will be white and soft. Do not disturb or attempt to handle a Scorpion after a molt until its shell has hardened. 

FEEDING

Carnivorous, live food protein sources such as gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, roaches, superworms and wax worms. Adults should be fed about 3-6 large crickets per week (or other prey equaling about this amount).

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than adult food. 

WATER

All water given to Scorpions for drinking, as well as water used for misting, must be 100% free of chlorine and heavy metals.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

The enclosure should be a solid glass or plastic sided enclosure. Scorpions are more comfortable in a space that is cozy and secure, but not too small; they need to be able to move around. A larger plastic “critter keeper” or tank between 5-10 gallons is an ideal cage for an adult in most cases. However, scorplings can be kept successfully in smaller containers until they reach adult sizes.

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a loose coconut fiber substrate.

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All Scorpions must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Scorpions need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every 1-3 months.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 5 Gal (or larger) tank with secure mesh top
• Appropriately sized dome & heat light or under tank heating pad (heat source)
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Coconut fiber substrate
• Live or artificial plants for hide spots (reptile-safe)
• Water bowl
• Live food
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.