Emperor Scorpions, Leeds

This page has been moved to : Emperor Scorpion Caresheet

Caring for your Emperor Scorpion

Emperor Scorpions are one of the largest scorpions in the world and can grow up to 8 inches long though usually reach about 6 inches. Although their size is intimidating, they are a relatively placid species of scorpion and their sting is often compared to a bee sting meaning it’s painful, but not dangerous unless you are allergic.

Essentials
18 inch Vivarium or larger
Orchid Bark
Hide
Shallow, Heavy Dishes
Rocks/Logs/Branches/Artificial Plants
Crickets/Locusts (mealworms occasionally)
Calcium and multivitamin supplements
Heat Mat + Thermostat

Housing
One adult requires at least an 18 inch vivarium, though groups can be kept together if enough space is provided. A 24 inch vivarium for example would be the bare minimum size to house a trio of one male and 2 females as long as there are absolutely no signs of aggression, but a 36” vivarium would be much better.

Providing more space will reduce the chance of any becoming aggressive. Emperor scorpions rarely have problems being kept in groups as long as enough space is provided, though some individuals may be more aggressive than others, and males will always be territorial, so if you do intend to keep them as a group, keep a close eye on them to make sure there is no aggression. If one or more emperor scorpions show signs of being aggressive towards one another then they will need to be kept separately.

Provide several hiding places throughout the cage so your Emperor Scorpion will feel secure. They will be shy during the day, but at night a quite active so provide plenty rocks and logs for them to explore.

The tank should be sprayed daily so that the humidity is maintained between 70% and 80%. Water must always be available in a heavy shallow dish. The temperature during the day should be maintained between 85F on the hot side (which is easily achieved using a heat mat) and 77F at the cool end. Locate the tank out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating.

We recommend using orchid bark as the substrate as it holds humidity well and creates a more natural look and feel to the vivarium. Sphagnum Moss can also be used in combination with or instead of Orchid Bark.

Emperor Scorpions are keen burrowers and so provide several inches of substrate. They will often dig their burrows under rocks and logs.

NB With all heating equipment, please be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Diet
Your Emperor Scorpion should thrive on a diet of insects, mainly crickets or locusts (of appropriate size) though you can occasionally feed them mealworms for variety. You will need to dust the crickets with a mineral supplement to make sure your Emperor Scorpion gets all the nutrition they need.

Cleaning
Wash out the water and food dishes daily. Place the Emperor Scorpion in an escape proof container while cleaning the tank. Both the tank and any washable floor coverings should be washed weekly in hot water and mild detergent. Use a Reptile Safe disinfectant to sterilise the tank such as BEA Reptile Disinfectant. Rinse well with hot water and dry thoroughly.

Extra Info
Emperor Scorpions, like all invertebrates, and an external skeleton called an exoskeleton which they will need to shed occasionally as they grow. For a few weeks approaching a shed, they will often go off their food.

During a shed, and for a few days afterwards, your emperor scorpion is going to be very venerable since the exoskeleton hasn’t had a chance to harden. Make sure there is no livefood in the vivarium with your scorpion during this time, since even the humble locust can be a threat to a defenceless scorpion.

After about a week you will see the “stinger” turn from a light blue to a deep red/brown. This will indicate the exoskeleton has hardened and you can start offering livefood again.