8 of the Best Pet Scorpions (With Pictures)

In this article, Wildlife Informer presents a fascinating list of the 8 best pet scorpions. These creatures are often seen as more exotic than spiders and can make surprisingly docile and intriguing pets. With their unique appearances and long lifespans, owning a pet scorpion requires careful consideration of species selection to ensure it suits both the owner and their lifestyle. From the recognizable Emperor Scorpion to the rare Javanese Jungle Scorpion, this article dives into the world of pet scorpions, providing captivating descriptions and pictures to help readers make an informed choice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper, there’s a scorpion on this list that’s sure to catch your attention.

8 of the Best Pet Scorpions (With Pictures)

Scorpions are fascinating creatures that captivate the imagination. Unlike spiders, scorpions have an exotic allure that many people find intriguing. They are also known for their docile nature, making them popular pets among enthusiasts. If you’re considering getting a pet scorpion, it’s important to choose a species that suits your lifestyle and preferences. In this article, we’ll introduce you to eight of the best pet scorpions, complete with detailed descriptions, information about their behavior, and tips on how to care for and handle them.

1. Emperor Scorpion

Scientific name: Pandinus imperator

The Emperor Scorpion is one of the most recognizable scorpion species in the world. With its all-black appearance, it has an imposing and cool look. This species can grow to be between 6 and 8 inches long, and their stout bodies and meaty claws contribute to their impressive size. Emperor Scorpions are known for their docile temperament and are hesitant to sting. Instead, they are more likely to pinch with their claws when they feel threatened. Their venom is mild and harmless, making them suitable for beginners in scorpion keeping.

Caring for an Emperor Scorpion is relatively easy. They do well in a terrarium with proper substrate and temperature control. Providing hiding spots and a shallow water dish is essential. These scorpions eat a varied diet of insects, including crickets and mealworms.

2. Tanzanian Red-clawed Scorpion

Scientific name: Pandinus cavimanus

The Tanzanian Red-clawed Scorpion is a highly popular choice among pet scorpion enthusiasts. This species, though aggressive, is a favorite among experienced keepers due to its unique appearance. Growing to around 4-5 inches in length, it features a stout, black body with distinctive red claws. Unlike many other scorpions, which are predominantly black, brown, or tan, the Tanzanian Red-clawed Scorpion stands out with its vibrant red claws.

As this species can be aggressive, they are not recommended for beginners. However, for experienced keepers, they can be a wonderful addition to their collection. Proper care involves providing them with a suitable habitat, including appropriate substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. They also require a diet rich in insects, including crickets and roaches.

3. Malaysian Black Scorpion

Scientific name: Heterometrus spinifer

The Malaysian Black Scorpion is a miniature version of the Emperor Scorpion, growing to a maximum length of 5 inches. Despite its smaller size, this species packs a punch when it comes to aggression and defense. They are quick to sting when they feel threatened. However, their venom is mild, making them highly desirable as pets among scorpion enthusiasts.

Malaysian Black Scorpions are relatively rare in pet stores compared to other species, adding to their desirability. Proper care involves creating a suitable habitat with the right substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. It’s important to keep their enclosure secure, as they are skilled escape artists. Providing hiding spots and a varied diet of insects is crucial for their wellbeing.

4. Javanese Jungle Scorpion

Scientific name: Heterometrus javanensis

The Javanese Jungle Scorpion is similar in size to the Emperor Scorpion and serves as a great alternative for those looking for a unique species. Native to the rainforests of Indonesia, these scorpions thrive in a humid and wet environment. While somewhat aggressive, they prefer to pinch rather than sting. Despite their aggression, they are relatively easy to handle and can be a suitable choice for beginners in scorpion keeping.

One interesting trait of Javanese Jungle Scorpions is that they can be housed with other scorpions without significant risk. This makes them a versatile option for scorpion enthusiasts. Creating a proper habitat with the right substrate, temperature, and humidity levels is essential for their wellbeing. Like other scorpions, they require a diet consisting of insects, such as crickets and roaches.

5. Desert Hairy Scorpion

Scientific name: Hadrurus arizonensis

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is the largest scorpion species in North America, reaching lengths of up to 6 inches. These scorpions have sparse covering of bristly hairs, which is uncommon among scorpions. Their pale brown/tan color allows them to blend in with their native desert habitat. While not overly aggressive, their venom is more potent compared to other species on this list, making them less suitable for beginners.

Proper care for Desert Hairy Scorpions involves recreating their desert habitat in a terrarium. Sand or desert-like substrate, temperature control, and access to hiding spots are crucial. It’s also important to provide a varied diet of insects, including crickets and mealworms.

6. Large-clawed Scorpion

Scientific name: Scorpio maurus

The Large-clawed Scorpion is a small species, measuring just 3 inches in length. They are native to North Africa and the Middle East, where they spend their days hidden in burrows or under rocks. At night, they emerge to hunt for insects. As their name suggests, these scorpions have oversized claws in comparison to their body. They are naturally wary but rarely exhibit aggression and prefer to use their claws for defense rather than their sting. Their venom is mild, causing minimal harm if they do sting.

Creating a suitable habitat for Large-clawed Scorpions involves providing a secure enclosure with appropriate substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. Providing hiding spots and a varied diet of insects is essential for their overall well-being.

7. Dictator Scorpion

Scientific name: Pandinus dictator

The Dictator Scorpion holds the title of being the largest scorpion in the world, often growing to lengths of 8 inches or more. Closely related to the Emperor Scorpion, this species is typically even more timid around people. Many keepers report that Dictators prefer to push hands away with their claws rather than resorting to pinching or stinging. What sets them apart from other scorpions is their ability to coexist with multiple individuals in the same tank, a rarity among scorpions.

Due to concerns about overexploitation in the wild pet trade, it’s best to purchase Dictator Scorpions from reputable breeders. Proper care involves providing a suitable habitat with the right substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. As with other scorpions, their diet should consist of insects.

8. Asian Forest Scorpion

Scientific name: Heterometrus longimanus

The Asian Forest Scorpion closely resembles the Emperor Scorpion in appearance, with the main difference being their size. Growing to approximately 6 inches, they share similar behaviors with their larger counterpart. Asian Forest Scorpions are not aggressive and will only attack if provoked. Their docile nature, ease of handling, and availability in pet stores make them a popular choice for beginners in scorpion keeping.

Caring for an Asian Forest Scorpion involves providing a suitable habitat with the right substrate, temperature, and humidity levels. They are hardy creatures and are known to breed easily in captivity. A diet of insects, such as crickets and roaches, is necessary for their overall health.

In conclusion, scorpions can make unique and fascinating pets for those willing to embark on the journey of scorpion keeping. While it’s essential to choose a species that suits your experience level and preferences, all of the scorpions mentioned in this article offer their own distinctive characteristics and appeal. By providing them with a suitable habitat and proper care, you can enjoy the beauty and intrigue of these ancient arachnids in the comfort of your own home.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a veterinarian or experienced scorpion keeper for specific care requirements for each species.

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