Desert Hairy Scorpion Care Sheet

Desert Hairy Scorpion Care Sheet

Hadrurus arizonensis
Category
Invertebrate
Average Size
4 - 6 inches long
Average Lifespan
7 - 10 years for males, 20+ years for females
Diet Type
Insectivore

Diet & Nutrition

Scorpions eat a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, hornworms, and dubia roaches.

Feeding Schedule

Feed your Scorpion appropriately sized food items once every week. Number of prey items will vary depending on each scorpion and number of specimens in the enclosure. Never feed your scorpion during a molt.

Housing & Habitat

Being from a desert environment humidity of 55% is recommended.

Provide a cluttered habitat with plenty of hiding places, leaf litter, rocks, and cork bark.

Enclosure Size

Most adult specimens will require a 10-gallon tank or larger. Small and immature specimens can be kept in smaller enclosures such as Zilla's Micro

Habitats. Tank size will vary depending on the size of the Scorpion as well as number of specimens in the enclosure. Desert Hairy Scorpions are not considered communal, and caution should be taken if housed together. Secure tops are recommended as scorpions can climb silicone and decorations to escape.

Substrate

Sand is the preferred substrate for Desert Hairy Scorpions. Some keepers recommend using a 50/50 blend of sand and coconut fiber. Scorpions can burrow, as a result, make sure substrate depth is at least 4 - 6 inches.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature

Temperatures between 75-80°F are perfect for your Scorpion.

Temperatures below 65°F can be problematic and should be corrected using low wattage lighting or heating pads.

Lighting

Scorpions do best when provided with a natural 12-hour photoperiod.

Fluorescent or LED lighting are excellent options to light the terrarium during the day and for plant growth. Red bulbs or LED blacklight bulbs are great options for nighttime viewing.

Molting - Feeding should be put off for at least a week after a molt as the mandibles and exoskeleton will still be soft and damageable by prey.

CAUTION

All scorpion species are capable of pinching and delivering a potent sting. It is

NOT recommended to handle these species. Use forceps or tongs for general cage maintenance.

Humidity & Watering

Watering

A shallow water dish may be provided. Make sure the water dish is not too large so that the scorpion can drown. A water dish too large may also increase humidity to dangerous levels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do Desert Hairy Scorpions eat?

Scorpions eat a variety of live insects including crickets, mealworms, superworms, waxworms, hornworms, and dubia roaches.

What size enclosure does a Desert Hairy Scorpion need?

Being from a desert environment humidity of 55% is recommended. Provide a cluttered habitat with plenty of hiding places, leaf litter, rocks, and cork bark. Most adult specimens will require a 10-gallon tank or larger. Small and immature specimens can be kept in smaller enclosures such as Zilla's Micro Habitats. Tank size will vary depending on the size of the Scorpion as well as number of specimens in the enclosure. Desert Hairy Scorpions are not considered communal, and caution should be ta...

What temperature and lighting does a Desert Hairy Scorpion need?

Temperatures between 75-80°F are perfect for your Scorpion. Temperatures below 65°F can be problematic and should be corrected using low wattage lighting or heating pads. Scorpions do best when provided with a natural 12-hour photoperiod. Fluorescent or LED lighting are excellent options to light the terrarium during the day and for plant growth. Red bulbs or LED blacklight bulbs are great options for nighttime viewing. Molting - Feeding should be put off for at least a week after a molt as t...