Scorpions are fascinating creatures that are sometimes kept as pets by enthusiasts.
While not as common as other pets, they can be intriguing to observe and care for. Owning a pet scorpion can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Many types of scorpions are available to choose from, each with its personality and behavior.
This blog post will provide an overview of scorpions to keep as pets, including information on their size, temperament, and care requirements.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle giant or an arachnid with attitude, this guide will help you find the suitable types of scorpions for pets.
1. Emperor Scorpion
One of the most popular types of scorpions for pets is the Emperor Scorpion.
Native to Africa, these scorpions are relatively docile and can grow up to 8 inches long. They are also known for their black exoskeleton and large pinchers.
If you’re considering an Emperor Scorpion as a pet, it’s important to note that they have a nasty sting, which is not usually fatal to humans.
They are also nocturnal creatures and prefer to hide during the day.
To create a suitable environment for an Emperor Scorpion, you will need a large terrarium with plenty of hiding places and a heat source to keep the temperature between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Their diet consists of crickets, mealworms, and other insects.
Overall, the Emperor Scorpion is an excellent choice for a pet scorpion due to their calm demeanor and relatively easy care requirements.
Just be sure to research and understand the risks before bringing one home.
2. Malaysian Forest Scorpion
The Malaysian Forest Scorpion, also known as the Heterometrus spinifer, is a widespread species of Scorpion that many people choose to keep as a pet.
These scorpions are giant and intimidating, with their size ranging from 4 to 6 inches.
They have shiny black bodies, and their legs are equipped with sharp, curved claws that they use to capture prey.
Like other types of scorpions for pets, the Malaysian Forest Scorpion requires proper care and attention to ensure its health and well-being.
They are native to the forests of Southeast Asia and need a humid environment to thrive.
Owners should provide them with a spacious terrarium with a temperature range of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
In terms of their diet, Malaysian Forest Scorpions feed on insects, small rodents, and other small creatures.
They have a lifespan of up to 5 years and can be great pets for those interested in scorpions. It is essential to note that scorpions can be dangerous if improperly handled.
Malaysian Forest Scorpions have venomous stings that can be painful and potentially dangerous, especially to those who may be allergic.
As such, owners should always exercise caution and be well-informed on handling and caring for their scorpion pet.
3. Thai Zebra Scorpion
Another type of Scorpion that makes for an exciting pet is the Thai Zebra Scorpion.
Known for their striking black and white striped appearance, these scorpions are native to Thailand and are typically easy to care for.
Like many other pet scorpions, the Thai Zebra Scorpion requires a terrarium or enclosure with a secure lid to prevent escape.
They also need a warm, humid environment with a substrate that can hold moisture, such as coconut fiber or peat moss.
Feeding a Thai Zebra Scorpion is relatively simple, as they will eat a variety of insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms.
It’s essential to provide them with a shallow water dish for drinking and maintain proper humidity levels in their enclosure.
One thing to remember about the Thai Zebra Scorpion is its venom. While not as dangerous as some other types of scorpions, their sting can still cause discomfort and even allergic reactions in some people.
As with any pet scorpion, handling them cautiously and respecting their natural behaviors is essential.
The Thai Zebra Scorpion is a unique and fascinating addition to any collection of exotic pets.
As with any pet, it’s essential to research and ensure you’re prepared to provide them with the proper care they need.
4. Vietnamese Blue Scorpion
One of the most striking types of scorpions for pets is the Vietnamese Blue Scorpion.
As their name suggests, these scorpions have a bright blue coloration that sets them apart from other species.
While they are relatively rare in the pet trade, Vietnamese Blue Scorpions are known for their hardiness and make excellent pets for experienced keepers.
One of the most exciting things about Vietnamese Blue Scorpions is their venom.
Unlike many other scorpion species, their venom is relatively mild and is not considered dangerous to humans.
However, this venom has shown promise in the medical field and is being researched for its potential use in cancer treatment.
Like other types of scorpions for pets, Vietnamese Blue Scorpions require specific care to ensure their health and well-being.
They should be kept in a terrarium with proper temperature and humidity levels and fed a diet of crickets or other appropriate prey.
Handling should be limited to experienced keepers, as even the mild venom of these scorpions can cause a reaction in some individuals.
The Vietnamese Blue Scorpion is a fascinating and beautiful addition to any scorpion enthusiast’s collection.
While they may be more challenging to find than some other species, their striking appearance and unique venom make them a worthwhile addition to any collection of types of scorpions for pets.
5. Deathstalker Scorpion
The Deathstalker Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) is a highly venomous scorpion species in North Africa and the Middle East.
Despite their dangerous reputation, some people choose to keep them as pets due to their fascinating appearance and unique behaviors.
This species of Scorpion can grow up to 3 inches in length and has a distinct yellowish-green coloration with black stripes.
They are active hunters who seek out prey, using their venomous stinger to paralyze and kill their game. They are also known to be highly territorial and aggressive towards other scorpions.
As with any scorpion, the Deathstalker Scorpion requires careful handling and a secure enclosure to prevent escape.
Their venom is potent and can be fatal to small animals and humans, so it is essential to take precautions when caring for them.
It is recommended that only experienced pet owners or professionals should consider keeping them as pets.
In addition to their striking appearance and unique behavior, the Deathstalker Scorpion has been studied for its medicinal properties.
Their venom contains a protein that has anti-cancer properties and is being researched for potential use in cancer treatments.
The Deathstalker Scorpion is a fascinating species that can be an exciting pet for experienced owners. However, due to their highly vicious nature, they require high caution and care.
6. Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion
The Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion is another popular species of Scorpion kept as a pet.
This species can be found in the southwestern regions of the United States, and they are known for their large size and intimidating appearance.
They are also commonly called the Arizona Desert Scorpion or the Giant Hairy Scorpion.
One of the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion’s most unique features is the fur-like hair covering their bodies.
These hairs give them a distinctive appearance and serve as a sensory tool that helps them detect their prey and predators.
In addition to their appearance, these types of scorpions for pets are also known for their docile nature, which makes them a popular choice among scorpion enthusiasts.
Like most types of scorpions for pets, the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion requires a suitable habitat to thrive.
A terrarium that mimics their natural environment is essential, including substrates similar to the sandy soil found in their natural habitat.
It is also necessary to provide hiding places, such as rocks or logs, for them to seek shelter during the day.
Like all scorpions, the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion requires a diet of live insects, such as crickets and mealworms. They also need a source of water, which can be provided in a shallow dish.
7. Arizona Bark Scorpion
The Arizona Bark Scorpion, or Centruroides exilicauda, is a small but deadly scorpion found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico.
While not typically recommended as a pet due to their evil nature, some experienced scorpion keepers keep them in captivity.
These scorpions are generally light brown or tan, with long slender tails and pincers.
They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night and are commonly found hiding in cracks and crevices in rocks or trees.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Arizona Bark Scorpion is its venom, which can be highly potent and even lethal to humans, particularly young children, and older people.
Despite this, some people still choose to keep them as pets, though it is essential to do so responsibly and with proper safety precautions.
When keeping an Arizona Bark Scorpion as a pet, providing it is essential to provide suitable habitat, including hiding places, a water source, and an appropriate substrate; it is essentially carnivorous and should be fed a diet of live insects such as crickets or mealworms.
The Arizona Bark Scorpion is not recommended for inexperienced keepers due to their evil nature.
However, those knowledgeable and experienced in keeping scorpions can make for an exciting and unique addition to a collection.
8. Emperor Scorpions
Emperor Scorpions are famous as scorpion pets because of their docile nature.
These scorpions are native to Africa and are known for their dark black bodies and thick claws. They are also relatively large, with adults growing up to 8 inches in length.
Emperor Scorpions are also popular because they have a long lifespan, often up to 8 years in captivity.
They are inactive during the day and prefer to burrow in the substrate or hide in a cave or crevice.
When caring for an Emperor Scorpion, providing a warm and humid environment with a temperature range of 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of around 70% is necessary.
A heat source like an under-tank heater can be used to maintain the temperature. Coconut coir or vermiculite substrate can create a comfortable environment for the Scorpion.
Emperor Scorpions are carnivorous and primarily eat insects like crickets, mealworms, and roaches.
They can be fed every 2-3 days and should be given water in a shallow dish.
While Emperor Scorpions have a relatively mild venom that is not harmful to humans, they should still be handled cautiously and never picked up by the tail.
Instead, gently coax them into a container or scoop them up from underneath.
Emperor Scorpions make great pets for those looking for a docile and long-lived scorpion species.
They can make fascinating additions to exotic pet collections with proper care and handling.
9. Fat-Tailed Scorpion
Fat-Tailed Scorpion is one of the most fascinating types of scorpions for pets.
This species is known for its distinctive, chunky tail and is commonly found in North Africa and the Middle East.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Fat-Tailed Scorpion is relatively docile and can make an excellent pet for experienced owners.
Like many other scorpions, they require a warm, dry environment and a steady food supply.
While the venom of a Fat-Tailed Scorpion can be dangerous, they are generally not considered a significant threat to humans as long as proper care and handling procedures are followed.
However, it is essential to note that some individuals may have severe allergic reactions to scorpion venom, so it is always best to exercise caution and seek medical attention if you are stung.
Overall, the Fat-Tailed Scorpion is a fascinating and unique pet for those interested in these intriguing creatures.
As with any exotic pet, it is essential to do your research and consult an experienced veterinarian to ensure that you provide the best possible care for your Scorpion.
10. Florida Screamer Scorpion
The Florida Screamer Scorpion is another fascinating type of scorpion for pets that you might want to consider if you’re looking for a unique addition to your household.
As the name suggests, these scorpions are native to Florida but can also be found in other parts of the southeastern United States.
What sets the Florida Screamer Scorpion apart from other scorpions is its ability to make a loud hissing or screaming sound when it feels threatened.
This can be pretty alarming initially, but it’s a defense mechanism that the Scorpion uses to scare off potential predators.
In terms of appearance, the Florida Screamer Scorpion has a yellowish-brown body with black legs and pincers.
They can grow up to three inches long, making them a relatively large species of Scorpion.
As with other types of scorpions for pets, handling them carefully is essential, as their sting can be painful and potentially dangerous.
While the Florida Screamer Scorpion can make for an exciting pet, it’s worth noting that they’re not as commonly kept as other types of scorpions.
They can be more challenging to find for sale and require specific care requirements to thrive.
However, the Florida Screamer Scorpion could be a great choice if you’re up for the challenge and want to add a unique and intriguing pet to your collection.
11. Dictator Scorpion
The Dictator Scorpion is a rare and unique scorpion species not commonly found in the pet trade.
They are known for their black and brown striped bodies, which make them easy to spot in the wild.
This Scorpion is native to East Africa and is considered one of the largest species of scorpions in the world.
Adult specimens can grow to 8 inches long, making them fascinating and intimidating pets.
One interesting fact about Dictator Scorpions is that they are known to be cannibalistic, so they should be controlled individually to prevent any harm.
They also require a large terrarium with plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and logs, to make them feel secure and comfortable.
These scorpions prefer warm temperatures, ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and require a moist substrate to prevent dehydration.
They feed on a diet of crickets, mealworms, and other insects, which can be supplemented with pinkie mice for more prominent individuals.
While the Dictator Scorpion may not be the ideal pet for everyone, it can make a fascinating addition to any exotic pet collection.
As with any scorpion species, it’s essential to research and ensures you are prepared to provide the proper care and environment for these unique creatures.
Conclusion
The world of scorpions offers a diverse range of species that can be kept as pets by enthusiasts.
Each scorpion species has unique characteristics, care requirements, and challenges.
Holding a scorpion as a pet should not be taken lightly, as responsible ownership demands a deep understanding of their needs and behaviors.
Scorpions such as the Emperor Scorpion, Asian Forest Scorpion, and Flat Rock Scorpion are famous for beginners due to their manageable size and relatively docile nature.
These species can allow individuals to learn about and appreciate these fascinating arachnids.
For more experienced keepers, species like the Arizona Bark Scorpion, Deathstalker Scorpion, and Giant Forest Scorpion present a more significant challenge.
These types of scorpions for pets may have specific environmental requirements or possess venom that necessitates caution and expertise.
Their care demands a higher level of knowledge and experience to ensure the safety of the keeper and the Scorpion.
Regardless of the species chosen, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of the Scorpion by providing suitable housing, temperature, humidity, and diet.
