Scorpions as Pets: Complete Care Guide for Beginners
Scorpions may not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking about pets, but for exotic pet enthusiasts, these fascinating arachnids make for unique and rewarding companions. With their prehistoric appearance, nocturnal habits, and relatively simple care requirements, scorpions have gained popularity among those who enjoy observing unusual creatures. However, like all pets, they require proper knowledge and responsible care.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping scorpions as pets — from species selection to housing, feeding, and handling.
Why Choose a Scorpion as a Pet?
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Low Maintenance: Scorpions don’t require daily walks or grooming.
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Unique Appeal: Their glowing exoskeletons under UV light and hunting behaviors are mesmerizing to watch.
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Educational Value: Keeping scorpions can be an excellent way to learn more about arachnids and natural ecosystems.
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Quiet & Odor-Free: Unlike many pets, scorpions are silent and produce no strong odors.
However, they are not ideal pets for children since most species have venomous stings. While many are mild, some can be medically significant, so choosing the right species is essential.
Best Scorpion Species for Beginners
Not all scorpions are suitable as pets. Beginners should choose docile, hardy species with mild venom.
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Emperor Scorpion (Pandinus imperator)
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One of the most popular pet scorpions.
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Large (up to 8 inches) and impressive in size.
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Docile temperament and relatively mild venom.
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Asian Forest Scorpion (Heterometrus spp.)
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Similar in appearance to Emperor Scorpions.
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Slightly more defensive but still manageable for experienced keepers.
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Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis)
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Native to North America.
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Active and hardy, but slightly more venomous than emperors.
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⚠️ Avoid highly venomous species like Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus) or Fat-tailed Scorpions (Androctonus spp.) — these are dangerous and should only be kept by advanced experts.
Housing Requirements for Pet Scorpions
Creating the right enclosure is crucial for your scorpion’s health.
Tank Size & Setup
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Tank Size: A 10–20 gallon terrarium is suitable for most species.
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Substrate:
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Desert species → sand mixed with eco-earth.
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Forest species → coconut fiber, peat moss, or soil (2–4 inches deep for burrowing).
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Hiding Spots: Provide cork bark, logs, or caves for security.
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Humidity & Temperature:
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Desert species → low humidity (30–50%) and temps of 75–85°F.
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Tropical species → higher humidity (70–80%) and temps of 75–90°F.
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Lighting: No special lighting required. Avoid direct sunlight.
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Lid: A secure lid is a must — scorpions are excellent climbers and escape artists.
Special Note: UV Light Glow
Scorpions fluoresce under UV light, making them glow a bright blue-green. While this is fun to observe occasionally, avoid prolonged UV exposure as it may stress them.
Feeding Your Pet Scorpion
Scorpions are carnivorous hunters that feed on live prey.
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Diet: Crickets, mealworms, roaches, and other small insects.
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Feeding Frequency:
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Juveniles → every 2–3 days.
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Adults → once or twice a week.
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Water: Provide a shallow water dish, cleaned regularly.
💡 Tip: Do not leave uneaten prey in the enclosure for long, as it can stress or harm your scorpion.
Handling & Temperament
Scorpions are best appreciated as look-but-don’t-touch pets.
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Handling Risks: Even species with mild venom can deliver a painful sting. Some may also pinch with their strong claws.
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Safe Interaction: Use long tweezers or tongs to move objects in the enclosure. If necessary, coax the scorpion gently into a container for cleaning.
Health & Lifespan
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Lifespan: Most pet scorpions live 5–8 years in captivity with proper care.
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Molting: Young scorpions molt several times before adulthood. During this time, they are vulnerable, so avoid handling or feeding until their new exoskeleton hardens.
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Signs of Stress or Illness: Loss of appetite, lethargy, or difficulty molting may indicate issues with temperature, humidity, or diet.
Pros & Cons of Keeping Scorpions
✅ Pros
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Unique, fascinating pets.
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Low maintenance compared to traditional pets.
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Quiet and clean.
❌ Cons
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Limited interaction (not handle-friendly).
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Risk of venomous stings.
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Specialized habitat requirements.
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Not suitable for young children.
Final Thoughts
Scorpions are captivating creatures that can thrive in captivity when provided with the right care. While they are not affectionate pets, they are ideal for those who enjoy observing exotic wildlife up close. With the proper setup, responsible handling, and commitment to their needs, a scorpion can be a rewarding addition to your exotic pet collection.
Before bringing one home, make sure you check your local laws and regulations, as some regions restrict the ownership of exotic arachnids.
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