Desert Scorpion Care

General basic care information for the a range of desert scorpions. These are general instructions and species specific care should take priority.

TEMPERATURE

24-26 C daytime, Night time drop to 21 C. 30-40% humidity

LIGHTING

Desert scorpions are generally nocturnal creatures that thrive in warm, arid environments. They don’t need intense lighting - ambient room light is usually enough. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent overheating. For display setups, red or blue LED lighting can simulate dusk without disturbing their natural behavior.

HOUSING

Desert scorpions need a secure, well-ventilated enclosure with a dry substrate such as a sand-soil mix to support burrowing. A 40 litre glass tank works well, with at least 4–6 inches of substrate depth (50x 30x30cm). Include flat rocks or bark for hides, and place a shallow water dish for hydration. Heating should come from a side-mounted heat mat to avoid overheating burrows, and lighting should be minimal to mimic their nocturnal lifestyle. Keep humidity low (30–40%) and avoid misting to prevent fungal issues.

FEEDING

Desert scorpions are nocturnal ambush predators that feed primarily on live insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Adults typically eat once a week, while juveniles may require feeding every 3–4 days. Prey should be smaller than the scorpion to ensure safe handling, and uneaten food should be removed within 24 hours to prevent mold or stress. Feeding at night mimics their natural hunting behavior and encourages activity.

BREEDING & SEXING

Sexing desert scorpions involves examining their underside: males typically have longer, more slender bodies and tails, and noticeably larger pectines (comb-like sensory organs with more teeth), compared to females. Breeding begins with a courtship dance where the male grasps the female’s pincers and guides her to a spermatophore he deposits on the substrate. If accepted, she picks it up with her genital operculum. Gestation can last several months, and females give birth to live young, which ride on her back until their first molt. Breeding attempts should be closely monitored, as aggression and cannibalism are common.

GENERAL

Most desert scorpions, possess a unique layer in their exoskeleton called the hyaline layer, which contains fluorescent compounds. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light—like moonlight or a blacklight—they emit a vivid blue-green glow. This isn’t just for show: scientists believe the glow may help scorpions detect shelter, avoid predators, or even communicate. Fascinatingly, this trait is so persistent that scorpion fossils millions of years old can still fluoresce under UV light.