Scorpionida - Scorpions

Keeping Exotic Scorpions: How to Choose the Right Species and Their Basic Care

• Massive Claws and a Thin Tail: These scorpions (such as the genera Heterometrus or Pandinus) rely on the mechanical strength of their powerful claws for hunting and defense. Their venom is weak and poses no danger to humans – the effects are comparable to a bee or wasp sting. They are calmer and slower species, making them absolutely ideal for beginners.
• Tiny Claws and a Thick Tail: Maximum caution is required here. These scorpions (often from the Buthidae family) lack strength in their claws and therefore rely entirely on their very potent venom. They tend to be fast, defensive, and belong strictly in the hands of experienced keepers.

• Glowing Under a UV Lamp: The exoskeleton of scorpions contains special substances that glow bright blue-green under ultraviolet light. If you get a UV flashlight, nighttime terrarium observation turns into a unique experience. This property remains even on their shed skin.
• Sensory Combs: On the underside of their belly, scorpions have unique comb-like organs called pectines. They use them as perfect sensors to "feel" the terrain, detect ground vibrations, and find a mate.
• Courtship Dance and Baby Care: Scorpion reproduction is accompanied by an interesting ritual where the male holds the female by the claws and they dance around the enclosure together. Furthermore, females do not lay eggs but give birth to live young. The babies immediately climb onto the mother's back, and she safely carries and protects them until their first molt.

• Size and Substrate: For a single adult large scorpion, an enclosure or plastic box measuring about 30×30 cm with a height of around 20 cm is sufficient. A mixture of coco coir (coco peat), peat, and a bit of sand is ideal as substrate. The layer should be 5–10 cm deep, as scorpions love to dig their own burrows and reshape the terrain.
• Hiding Spots and Humidity: Since scorpions become active at night, they need safe, dark hiding spots during the day. Pieces of cork bark, coconut shells, or flat stones work perfectly. A shallow water dish with clean water must always be present. Keep the substrate moist by regular misting and maintain the temperature between 24–28 °C.

• How Often to Feed: An adult scorpion only needs to be fed once every 1 to 2 weeks. If the animal refuses food for an extended period, it is usually preparing to molt its skin. During this phase, the scorpion does not grow, retreats to its hide, and must not be disturbed.
• Do Not Touch Them Unnecessarily: Although beginner species have weak venom, holding a scorpion in your hand is strongly discouraged. Any contact with a human hand extremely stresses the animal. Furthermore, there is always a risk that the scorpion will sting you in self-defense or painfully pinch you with its claw. A scorpion is a pet meant for observation. For any transfer within the enclosure, always use long tweezers or a plastic container.