Stripe-tailed Scorpion

Stripe-Tailed Scorpion Care Guide

Basic Information

Paravaejovis Hoffmannius spinigerus, or the stripe-tailed scorpion (also commonly referred to as the devil scorpion), can be found throughout Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. These scorpions are a prevalent species in the area and are frequently kept as pets. This scorpion species is more skittish and likely to sting compared to other, more docile species, so stripe-tailed scorpions are only recommended for more experienced handlers. They can live on average 5-10 years in captivity. 

Health

It is not recommended to handle stripe-tailed scorpions. They are mildly venomous and much more likely to sting because of their skittish nature. Their sting is usually equivalent to a nasty wasp sting, but can pose a bigger threat to those who are allergic, which most people won't find out until they are stung.

Handling also poses dangers for scorpions. Like tarantulas, scorpions are very fragile. If they are dropped from a high enough distance, they can rupture their organs or damage their exoskeleton, which may result in death. If you need to handle them, use soft tongs or tweezers to maneuver them. Avoid handling during and after a molt until their exoskeleton hardens. 

All scorpions undergo a period of molting, during which they shed their exoskeletons. They do this only a couple of times a year. During this period, it is normal for them to hide more often and not eat at all. Do not feed or handle them until their new exoskeleton has hardened. 

Dehydration is possible in scorpions, which can be caused by low humidity and lack of moisture. This can look like a bad molt phase or a more shriveled appearance of the scorpion. When this happens, check humidity levels and adjust, usually by misting the enclosure and putting in a water dish if one is not already included. 

Enclosures

Babies can be kept in 2-oz deli cups and moved to bigger cups until they are ready for their permanent enclosure. Any acrylic enclosure commonly used for other insects, like tarantulas, can easily be used for adult scorpions. Depending on whether you are housing multiple, they do not need much space, only a 2-5 gallon container. Be sure to ensure that all sides of the enclosure are escape-proof. Along with the substrate lining the bottom, provide an array of hiding spots. Cork bark is an excellent choice as it can be broken up and placed around the enclosure or leaning against a wall for a hideaway. Other options include coconut hides, leaf litter, and caves. 

Heating/Lighting

Stripe-tailed scorpions do not need any additional lighting as they prefer the dark. As for heating, they do well at room temperature, which is around 72-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If a heat source is necessary, you can supply a small heat mat to the underside of the enclosure. Use a thermometer for monitoring. 

Substrate

A mix is usually the best choice for substrate options. Peat moss, sand, coconut fiber, and other potting soil mixtures work well with this scorpion species. When choosing which substrate to use, include an option with some moisture retention to aid in the necessary humidity levels for the enclosure. The substrate should be 2-3 inches deep.

Humidity

This scorpion species needs a humidity level of around 55-65%. The combination of moisture-retaining moss and the water dish should help maintain the required humidity in the enclosure. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. 

Water

Provide a small, shallow dish with fresh water and clean it regularly. Alternatively, the enclosure can be misted twice a week to provide humidity, keeping moisture for the scorpion. This will eliminate the risk of drowning, which can happen. 

Food

A scorpion's staple diet is a variety of insects. These include dubia roaches, crickets, pinhead crickets, mealworms, and occasionally waxworms. Smaller or baby scorpions can be fed fruit flies or pinhead crickets. Alternatively, cutting up a cricket or mealworm can work as well. It’s also recommended that they dust their food with a calcium and multivitamin supplement every so often to meet their nutritional needs. Feed at night when they are most active. 

**Take care not to overfeed. The amount of food needed changes with size, and they can become obese if overfed. A good rule of thumb is to feed no bigger than the size of their abdomen. 

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