Emperor Scorpion Care

Species Info: Hailing from Western Africa, emperor scorpions are one of the largest, and thus are extremely popular in the invertebrate pet trade. Like all arachnids, scorpions have 4 pairs of walking legs, their claws are actually enlarged mouthparts (pedipalps). Emperor scorpions are usually more likely to defend themselves with their large claws rather than sting, which is comparable to a bee sting. Their sting is not considered medically significant to humans, barring allergic reactions.

Level of Care/Handling: Easy/Medium. Emperor scorpions are very easy to care for as far as invertebrates go, but their small size and body type make them much more delicate than vertebrates, even those of similar size. Handling should be done so infrequently (once or twice a week maximum) with care, and with the expectation of being stung or pinched. Emperor scorpions are considered more docile than most scorpions, but they are still a scorpion and should be treated as such. 

Length/Lifespan: Adults generally reach lengths of 6-8 in., with females being the larger sex. With proper care, your emperor scorpion can live up to 8 years, sometimes longer.

Temperature/Lighting/Space Requirements: Daytime temperatures should stay near the mid 80’s and can drop a few degrees at night. This is best done with a heat pad under the enclosure, as heat lamps can quickly dry out substrate. Supplemental lighting is not necessary. Adults can be housed in a 10-20 gallon enclosure, but babies will need something smaller to be able to catch their food.

Humidity/Water Requirements: Humidity should stay around 70%, which can be done by misting the enclosure daily. A shallow bowl of water should be supplied and changed often.

Tank Flooring: Eco Earth and cypress mulch are both good options, as they hold humidity well. Substrate should be a few in. deep to allow your scorpion to burrow should it desire to.

Tank Decoration: Your scorpion’s enclosure should have plenty of hiding spaces to make it feel more secure. Cork bark and reptile hides are both suitable to this end.

Diet: Scorpions are insectivores and do fine with a variety of feeder insects. Gut-loaded crickets and dubia roaches make good staples, with meal and waxworms being occasional treats. Scorpions don’t require any dietary supplements as long as feeders are fed well.

Feeding Frequency: Your scorpion can be fed 3-4 appropriately sized insects a week. Periods of fasting after large meals can happen and are not necessarily cause for concern.

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