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Scorpions

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Hadrurus arizonensis pallidus who gave birth here with the arrival of the summer storms. You may click on this photo or any other to view a close up.

Babycurus jacksoni Red Bark Scorpion

This African species is extremely colorful. Their orange body often has reddish highlights and the claws appear to have been dipped in chocolate. This communal species will do quite well when kept similar to most communal and 'arboreal' scorpions, given slightly moist soil and a place upon which to climb and within which to hide.

Uroctonus mordax

The species is an example of a North American forest scorpion though they can at times be found in nearby desert under moist conditions. They usually do quite well with semimoist soil. Mordax is one of the largest US members of the genus. These scorpions have very rounded 'palms', making them appear much like miniature Emperor Pandinus imperator scorpions. Interestingly they tend to do well kept under similar conditions.

Vaejovis paysonensis

Some scorpions can be kept in groups. This species is one of them. Vaejovis paysonensis live amidst plant debris in the northern reaches of Arizona. Though a small species, they are fast, fast, fast. Given half of a peat pot (the type used for starting seedlings) you'll usually find an entire captive group on the underside of it for ready viewing. They prefer semimoist soil such as one might find under plant debris but giving such scorpions something to climb upon allows them to select the microhabitat humidity levels that suit them best.

Superstitionia donensis

S. donensis is a small but complexly colored scorpion found throughout many of the Southwestern states. Its habits are extremely reclusive and it is rarely collected and brought to market. Reaching a top size of one inch and having a relatively ineffectual venom that it is usually reluctant to use, this scorpion often 'plays dead' when disturbed, taking a few moments to minutes to regain composure and resume normal activity. This species is very hardy kept in semimoist conditions on potting soil.

Diplocentrus spitzeri

This is a nice scorpion from the mountain of southern Arizona known for its high gloss and gorgeous dark coloration. Interestingly, younger specimens are much lighter in coloration, darkening as they mature. We find that this species molts and breeds very well in captivity. We think these look similar to a small Pandinus imperator (emperor) scorpion though spitzeri are smaller at a top size of about two inches. Diplocentrus in general tend to have relatively large claws and a 'beefy' body. This species is not commonly caught or on the market due to reclusive habitats.

Diplocentrus peloncillensis

This scorpion lives in mountains in remote southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. We find that this species molts and breeds very well in captivity. We think these look similar to a small Heterometrus spinifer (forest) scorpion though peloncillensis are smaller at a top size of about two inches. Diplocentrus in general tend to have relatively large claws and a 'beefy' body. This species is not commonly caught or on the market due to reclusive habitats.

Diplocentrus lindo

D. lindo lives in the Big Bend area of Texas. Similar to other US members of the genus it is hardy, stocky, and fairly easy to reproduce in captivity. Top sizes is also about two inches. This species is not commonly caught or on the market due to reclusive habitats and the fact that much of its range can only be collected with federal permits.

Smeringurus mesaensis Dune Scorpion

Smeringurus mesaensis is a species of scorpion that lives in sand dunes in Arizona. Despite what one might think, sand dunes are often difficult to find in Arizona. This species sometimes lives in the same areas as the slightly larger Hadrurus arizonensis, or desert hairy scorpion. S. mesaensis attain nearly the same size with many of them reaching up to 5 inches. The coloration, or perhaps more likely the lack thereof is especially striking. The lack of color gives them an ethereal beauty we have not seen in any other scorpion. Variations of the same species found in California tend to be of a yellowish hue which is also attractive, but the ethereal quality is lost.

Smeringus vachoni

Apparently known primarily from preserved specimens collected in the 1960's, we have collected some of these giants recently as breeding stock. This species is nearly the size of Hadrurus arizonensis but they have a slender tail. They also have an attractive patterning on their claws that to us looks downright purple.

Mesobuthus martensii Chinese armor-tail Scorpion

This species is from China. We kept them somewhat moist, on sandy soil or peat. These scorpions are some of those that do quite well in a communal setting. As with any communal scorpions there may be minor casualties in the beginning and they should be well fed. One way to minimize initial casualties is to place just one or two into the new enclosure at a time. This avoids mass panic that might otherwise lead to fatal stings from sheer confusion. Once acclimated and given proper food these scorpions thrive in quite large groups. A large stone or branch will be climbed upon and used by them to in part regulate their humidity levels. It will also give additional interior space to minimize stress.

Lychas mucronatus Chinese swimming Scorpion

Chinese swimming Scorpions can also be kept in communal groups. We find that they do best in dry sandy soils. A water dish is not only important, it is said that these scorpions are good swimmers. As with the armor-tails, these will also benefit highly from a stone or branch upon which to climb.

Vaejovis spinigeris Devil scorpion, Lined scorpion

   The adult size of devil scorpions is typically slightly less than two inches. Though they are not one of the larger species, they have a much more 'chunky' appearance than many species of similar length such as some of the Centruroides species. These are rather nippy little scorpions with relatively mild venom. Care is similar to that of the giant desert hairy scorpion. We have noted these scorpions cohabitating with the local Arizona native geckos on very many occasions. It was noted that they were sharing shelters. Whether they were sharing the actual burrows as well remains unknown. This would perhaps be an interesting idea for further study.

Hadrurus arizonensis pallidus, Desert Hairy Scorpion, variety pallid

   This scorpion is one of our favorites. This scorpion stings more readily than the Emperor but not as readily as some. Though we do not recommend handling, the scorpion in this picture allowed itself to be handled without flexing a telson. A mixture of sand and soil is preferable. One difficulty with this species is getting it to initiate a molt. Some evidence suggests a cold period, or even time in the refrigerator is helpful, and it may even be that the sandy substrate in nature wears at the exoskeleton, allowing for easier molt. These desert scorpions like heat but unlike popular belief, they can easily get too hot, at which point they begin to run around in a very agitated fashion. Even a brief exposure to the smallest ray of sunlight while in a container can prove fatal with these and other scorpions. Care must be taken to ensure that the seasonal variation of the position of the sun does not present this danger to scorpions kept in captivity. We keep ours at 75-90 degrees in normal circumstances. A diet of crickets or cockroach nymphs is sufficient. Local Arizona native geckos present a posture and profile almost identical to that of Hadrurus scorpions when crossing a road and likely other times. So much so that the resemblance is striking. Darrin has been stung by this species and found the result to be fairly mild. What was interesting was that when the site of the sting was squeezed, what felt like electrical voltage would travel down his arm. He found this endlessly fascinating and squeezed the stung finger repeatedly for the rest of the day.

Centruroides gracilis

This denizen of Florida and South America is a type of bark scorpion. As such it likes to live under the bark of trees, logs, or in palm debris in relatively moist conditions. These benefit greatly from a moist substrate and pieces of wood to use as a hide. We find that young can be raised much more successfully through their difficult molting periods if a piece of paper is placed between the container and lid to maintain humidity and particularly if the young are fed termites, no doubt a ready meal in their chosen homes. Also pictured is a brood of young. Note the reddish tips of the pedipalps, a disappearing trait we believe may have led to false rumors of a red tipped variety of this species. If you are aware of adults with this characteristic, please let us know. As a bark scorpion, this species likely consumes a large amount of termites. We obtained a few terrestrial termite queens and established a colony in the type of container that we use to raise baby scorpions. We then placed our baby gracilis in this container with the termites. We believe that termites are the ideal food for baby scorpions though by no means necessary.

Centruroides exilicauda Arizona Bark Scorpion

This is an Arizona desert species. It is also considered to be a bark scorpion. We frequently find these under the same rocks as termite colonies. The scorpion remains stationed nearby slowly picking off any termites that should wander into their path. exilicauda living in such a setup are often, as might be expected, especially robust. These scorpions benefit from a higher humidity level than most desert scorpions as well as a piece of bark or cork for a hide. There appear to be different color morphs of the species with some having almost C. vittatus-like striping and some being a bright yellowish to almost orange.

Centruroides exilicauda gertschi

Centruroides exilicauda gertschi is currently considered to be a color variety of Centruroides exilicauda. Many color varieties would be more accurate. Color patterns vary from horizontal bars to vertical bars, dark splotches, and even an intraocular (eye) triangle such as may be found in Centruroides vittatus. We've made field observations of this species throughout the state of Arizona and have noted that particular color variations are often specific to particular geographic areas or types of habitat. We currently have a number of color variations housed as separate breeding groups.

Pandinus imperator Emperor Scorpion

   The Emperor scorpion is truly the king of scorpions, at least as far as size goes. They can reach a length of six to eight inches and are the largest scorpion in the world. They glow fluorescent green under black light and a trace of this green glow can be seen on the central female in the picture above left. Adults are typically quite disinclined to sting and though handling is not recommended, it is often done. Young Emperors are reported to sting much more readily. These scorpions are reported to live inside the giant six foot termite mounds that are found in their African homeland. As such, they require high temperatures and high humidity. We keep ours at 80-95 degrees. Moist potting soil or peat makes a very satisfactory substrate, particularly when well packed and at a depth that allows for burrowing. A mixture of the two may be best as pure peat will often be very damp then quite suddenly, bone dry. They are quite easily maintained on a diet of crickets but will take many foods such as cockroach nymphs and sometimes pinky mice. Pictured above is one of our females about two days after giving birth. The young will ride on her back, with her guarding them ferociously, until after the first molt. At this time the young will climb down and begin to forage. The female often kills prey and leaves it for the young. The female typically eats just a few of the young, but we lost several of these to her tank mates when she became too exhausted to fight them off. The young will darken with each subsequent molt. High humidity aids molting and lowers the resultant mortality rate. We expect the native African populations to become exhausted in the near future unfortunately.

Heterometrus spinifer Asian Forest Scorpion

Asian Forest Scorpions are somewhat similar to Emperor scorpions expect that they tend to be a bit more lean and mean. Though there are many differences between these two types, the claws of the Asian Forest and much smoother and not nearly as fat. The scorpion itself, though often of equal length, is also usually of lesser girth. They are the 'racecars' to the Emperor 'family sedan' if you will. We keep Asian Forest scorpions on moist soil with a water dish, or should we say a pool. We say a pool because this species will often submerge itself entirely for a great many minutes, often beyond the point at which we've been sure they were dead. Every one has emerged by itself completely unscathed and apparently having received some benefit from the swim. For some reason new acquisitions tend to be more active swimmers. This may have to do with thirst or may possibly just be a part of the exploration of their environment. Since these scorpions have been reportedly seen hunting pools near waterfalls, a pool of their own is most appropriate.

Mastigoproctus giganteus Giant Vinegaroon

Here is an example of one of our favorites, the vinegaroon. Don't think by its inclusion here that it is a scorpion. The tail you see in the upper right is not for stinging, it is for spraying. The substance sprayed is much like vinegar. Don't get it in your eyes and it is completely harmless. Vinegaroons tame down very quickly and make some of the most fascinating of arthropod pets. They have good appetites and can put away a lot of food but surprisingly ours seem to stay quite plump even if not fed for extended periods of time. When fed frequently, they look about to burst! Vinegaroons are a must-have, when you can find them.

Solifugids

Solifugids are extremely active invertebrates native primarily to the Southwest though some species are found in other parts of the world such as the sister deserts of the Middle East. They are listed here because though they are not scorpions or spiders they are often called 'sun' or 'wind' 'scorpions' or 'spiders'. Solifugids, in addition to being very quick, also have hearty appetites. They can consume their own weight in insects in a day, though this rate of feeding is by no means required. Most solifugid species of the Southwestern US (of which there are many) average one to two inches at maturity. Typically they are 'some color of tan'. The black and the green solifugids shown above are most unusual. We keep them on potting soil with a water dish, feeding prey about one half their size. Two of the three solifugids depicted are full of eggs. Click on the images to see a full size image and see whether you can spot them.