How to Own a Scorpion

Scorpions are among the oldest living group of animals on Earth, the arachnids. Unchanged for centuries, scorpions cause us to marvel at their armored bodies, deadly venom and affinity for the harshest of climates. As pets, they can do quite well when fed and housed adequately. These pets are not cuddlers, however. While scorpions are a fraction of our size, the sting of some can be deadly to humans.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Shelter with substrate, or bedding
• Water to drink and for shelter humidity
• Food source
• Heat source, if necessary
• Wood or rocks for cover and burrowing

Choose a Species

1. Learn about scorpions in general so you can decide which species is right for you to own. Check online or with an arachnid owner's manual such as "Scorpions" (see Resources below).
2. Learn everything you can about the species you choose to own.
3. Know about its native habitat and diet. This will influence how you care for it.

Shelter and Care

4. Purchase a plastic box with air holes or a reptile-style aquarium with a SECURE LID.
5. Use a substrate, such as several inches of peat moss for burrowing scorpions. Mist it periodically to maintain the correct humidity for your species.
6. Provide rocks, bark or limbs for cover, depending on the natural habitat of your species of scorpion.
7. Add a heat lamp or pad if you live in a cold area.
8. Consult a source on feeding, such as Petbug.com, and feed your scorpion live insects once a week or so (see Resources below).
9. Observe your pet when it molts, or sheds its exoskeleton. A healthy scorpion will shed completely. Consult a manual or online forum, such as the Amateur Entomologists Society, if you have health issues (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Size can indicate how venomous a scorpion is. Larger is usually mild, smaller is usually highly toxic.
• Always get the Latin, as well as the common name when purchasing a scorpion, so you can stay away from the more dangerous species.
• Scorpion stings are poisonous and range from mild to deadly by species. Beginner hobbyists should own only those that are considered the least harmful.
• Scorpions can also inflict pain with their pincers.
• Handle your scorpion as little as possible. Use foam-tipped forceps if you must handle it.

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