Scorpions

Choosing a Scorpion as a Pet

There are over 1500 species of Scorpions, Emperor Scorpion is the most common species to be kept as a pet. They are not great for handling, but they are quiet, clean and easy to care for.

Petmania Yellow Scorpion

Company for Scorpions

Scorpions can be kept in colonies, but cannibalism is common if insufficient food is available.

Lifespan

The average lifespan for a Scorpion is 6-8 years.

Where Scorpions Like to Live

Scorpions are very capable of squeezing through small openings; they are agile enough to climb over objects; and strong enough to lift tops. Therefore, a secure vivarium with lockable access is recommended.
A medium sized tank is ideal for one or two scorpions; but if you are keeping a colony, a larger tank will be needed. In addition, multiple hides and a water bowl are also essential; along with a heat mat; but scorpions require no special lighting.

Handling

Scorpions are venomous creatures with sharp pincers and should not be handled. They also move quickly and can be easily hurt if dropped; so it is safer for both you and your scorpion if they are not handled.

Dangers

Although scorpion venom may not cause a severe reaction, its strength varies by species. Those with allergies to bee stings and insect bites may have a very adverse reaction to scorpion venom. Medical attention should be sought immediately if severe symptoms such as; numbness, trouble swallowing, blurred vision, trouble breathing, thick tongue, salivation, or seizures begin to develop following a scorpion bite.


Diet & Nutrition

Scorpions are carnivorous and a diet of crickets and mealworms is ideal. You should feed your scorpion every few days; and if you have a communal tank make sure you provide enough prey for everyone to eat. If everyone is happy and well-fed the chances of fighting or cannibalism are reduced.

A shallow, sturdy water dish should contain fresh water and be provided daily. If you have a communal colony it is a good idea to provide more than one water dish. The dish should be no more than half an inch deep.

Health & Hygiene

Scorpions are relatively clean pets, so their habitat will only need a deep clean every 4-6 months; when it should be completely cleaned using a mild disinfectant.

Moulting

As your scorpion grows, its hard exoskeleton will become too small for its body, so they must grow a new one. It will go through this process about six times as it grows; and once it reaches adulthood, will no longer moult. It’s new outer skeleton will form beneath the current one; and when ready the old one will fall away, leaving an exact replica of itself; which will be translucent in colour. This is a stressful process for your scorpion; requiring a lot of energy and can take up to 12 hours to complete.
Your newly moulted scorpion will be white in colour; and its body will be soft and tender leaving it vulnerable to injury.


Take Me Home Checklist

Before you take your scorpion home, it is important that you have a habitat set up for them to move straight into. This list will help you identify what you need, and if you have any questions, our Pet Care Advisors in-store will be only to happy to assist.

• Suitable vivarium with locking function
• Heat mat
• Suitable substrate

• Shallow water dish
• Suitable decor including hide
• Suitable diet