One of the first things to consider before purchasing an Asian forest scorpion is how to care for such a non-traditional pet. What type of habitat does an Asian forest scorpion need? And, what is the ideal enclosure? How can you best take care of your pet scorpion?
How do you care for Asian forest scorpions?
Asian forest scorpions are easy to care for. One of the most important things to know about caring for Asian scorpions is not to handle them. In other words, it’s not a pet that will interact with you. And you shouldn’t expect to hold your Asian forest scorpion pet.
Asian forest scorpions have different needs than desert scorpions.
What is the ideal habitat for an Asian forest scorpion?
The ideal habitat for an Asian Scorpion imitates a jungle environment. Some of the most basic elements of their habitat should include a hiding area and a shallow water dish.
Although Asian forest scorpions occasionally burrow, they are primarily on the surface under logs and rocks.
The habitat of an Asian forest scorpion should include the following:
- Install a shallow water dish -keep it full of water- at the edge of the aquarium.
- A few inches of a substrate at the bottom of the aquarium.
- It would be best if you misted the substrate, at least once a day, with a spray bottle until moist.
- Add a ceramic or stone structure as a hiding place.
- Install a heat mat -designed for reptiles- on the side of the aquarium.
Does the Asian scorpion’s habitat require a hiding place?
The habitat of an Asian forest scorpion requires a hiding place.
Ideal scorpion hiding places are:
- Bark
- Rocks
- Cork
- Logs
- Leaves
You can also add moss for floor cover to create an authentic jungle scorpion habitat.
What is the best enclosure for Asian forest scorpions?
Some of the best Asian forest scorpion enclosures are also the simplest ones too. An aquarium or terrarium would be the ideal enclosure for your pet scorpion.
A ten-gallon enclosure would work fine for your Asian forest scorpion. Ensure the enclosure has a lid. Even though scorpions aren’t climbers, a lid is still necessary for safety reasons. Keep in mind that a lid keeps your scorpion in the enclosure, but it also keeps other creatures out like pets.
The scorpion enclosure should be lined with a two to a four-inch deep substrate. Because scorpions may burrow, choose a type of substrate that allows your pet to burrow. Organic potting soil mixed with orchid bark, peat moss or coconut husk would make for an excellent Asian forest scorpion terrarium substrate.
The enclosure should include a hiding place. It helps your scorpion feel safe in the enclosure. You can make or purchase a hiding place. But keep in mind that the hiding place should have enough weight so that your scorpion can’t accidentally dislodge or displace it.
An Asian forest scorpion enclosure should include a sturdy water dish. The role of the water dish is twofold; one is to maintain proper humidity levels; the other is to hydrate your pet. The dish should be heavy enough so your scorpion can’t tip it over.
What is the best substrate for Asian forest scorpions?
A deep layer of peat-free compost or Eco-earth is the best substrate for Asian forest scorpions. A three-inch (6-7cm) layer would be sufficient. You can cover the substrate with orchid bark chippings, peat moss, or coconut husk.
Because Asian forest scorpions require warm and humid conditions, the top of the substrate should be sprayed with water once a day. Make sure that you don’t soak the substrate because it could create fungus or mold.
What is the ideal temperature for Asian forest scorpions?
The ideal temperature for Asian forest scorpions is between 75 and 85 Fahrenheit. Depending on the aquarium or terrarium location, you may need to install an under-tank heat pad. Make sure you set the heat mat’s thermostat to maintain the ambient temperature above 70 degrees.
It’s best to install the heat mat on one side of the enclosure. That way, the scorpion can move between the warmer and cooler side as needed.
What kind of food do Asian forest scorpions eat?
Asian forest scorpions eat insects. They feed on crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, and locusts.
How much food does an Asian forest scorpion needs?
Asian forest scorpions need very little food. You can drop a mealworm, cricket, locust, or cockroach into the enclosure once a week.
One large cricket for an adult scorpion is more than enough per week. But for young scorpions, you should feed smaller crickets.
So, don’t feed your scorpion more than one live feed at a time. Overstocking could result in dead crickets in the enclosure. And the dead insects could result in mold growth on the carcass.
Ultimately, how much food a scorpion needs depends on the individual scorpion. After a while, you’ll understand how much food your scorpion needs.
If you feed your scorpion too much food, you’ll notice your pet won’t eat anymore. But that’s normal. Your Asian forest scorpion may only need to eat once a month while another will eat once a week. It depends on individual temperament.
But, if your scorpion won’t anymore, you could change up the diet. Switch from crickets to cockroaches, hornworms, or locusts, for example.
How much water does an Asian forest scorpion need?
Your Asian forest scorpion needs a small water dish. The water dish should be shallow. It could be a drowning hazard for your pet if it’s a deep dish.
Change the water dish every day. And make sure the water is clean.
Do Asian forest scorpions need lighting?
Asian forest scorpions don’t require special lighting. Scorpions don’t require light because they are nocturnal animals. If the terrarium has plants, you could install an LED light to aid in plant growth.
How often do you feed Asian forest scorpions?
Once a week is enough to feed an Asian forest scorpion. If you notice that your scorpion doesn’t eat, you should either change their diet or feed them less frequently.
What are common health issues of Asian forest scorpions?
If you own an Asian forest scorpion, you should be aware of some of the potential health issues.
Scorpions are highly sensitive to ambient temperature. So, if temperatures drop too low (below 70 degrees Fahrenheit), they may lose their appetite.
Cleanliness is very important. You should keep the enclosure clean to avoid mite infestations.
If the humidity is too low, your pet scorpion may become dehydrated, resulting in lethargy and loss of body condition.
Conclusion
Caring for Asian forest scorpions isn’t particularly complicated. Asian forest scorpions are fascinating pets and can live up to ten years if properly cared for.
Warning, these pets are for observation only. You should never handle an Asian forest scorpion. It can give a painful sting.