Tropical Scorpion Care

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

TEMPERATURE

26-30C daytime, Night time drop to 24 C. 70-80% humidity

LIGHTING

Tropical scorpions like Pandinus imperator and Heterometrus spp. are nocturnal and prefer dim environments, so they don’t require special lighting for daily care. Ambient room light is usually sufficient, but for nighttime viewing, a low-wattage red or blue bulb can be used without disturbing their natural behavior. While they fluoresce under UV light, prolonged exposure to blacklight can cause stress, so it should be used sparingly and only for brief observation.

HOUSING

A secure, escape-proof enclosure with high humidity and warmth. A glass or plastic terrarium around 40–60 litres works well (50x30x30cm), with a lockable mesh lid for ventilation. Use a deep layer (6–10 cm) of moisture-retaining substrate such as coconut coir or peat moss, and add cork bark, ceramic hides, or leaf litter for shelter. Maintain a temperature gradient using a side-mounted heat mat, and mist the enclosure lightly once or twice daily to keep humidity between 70–80%. A shallow water dish and regular monitoring with a thermometer and hygrometer help ensure stable conditions.

FEEDING

Tropical scorpions are insectivores with relatively simple feeding needs. Juveniles should be fed every 2–3 days to support growth, while adults typically eat once or twice a week. Suitable prey includes crickets, roaches, mealworms, and occasional waxworms. Feed at night to match their natural hunting rhythm, and remove uneaten prey within 24 hours to prevent mold or harm. Gut-loading insects beforehand boosts nutritional value, and a shallow water dish should always be available for hydration.

BREEDING & SEXING

Male tropical scorpions usually have longer, slimmer bodies and larger pectines with more teeth than females. Breeding begins with a courtship dance where the male deposits a spermatophore and guides the female to pick it up. After several months, females give birth to live young that ride on her back until their first molt. Pairs must be separated quickly after mating to avoid aggression.

GENERAL

Tropical scorpions like Pandinus imperator and Heterometrus spp. possess a fascinating trait: they glow vividly under ultraviolet light due to fluorescent compounds in their exoskeleton. This eerie blue-green glow isn’t just for show, it’s thought to help them detect shelter, avoid predators, or even communicate with other scorpions. Remarkably, this glow is so persistent that even fossilized scorpions millions of years old can still fluoresce under UV light.