What Do You Feed a Pet Scorpion?

Feeding Your Pet Scorpion: What’s on the Menu?

So, you’ve got a pet scorpion and you’re wondering what to put in front of it. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as you might think! Your scorpion’s diet is pretty straightforward. It mainly consists of live insects. Think of your scorpion as a tiny, efficient predator. In the wild, it would hunt down its own snacks. In your home, you become its personal chef.

Choosing the Right Prey Items

What kind of insects are best? You’ll find that several common feeder insects work well for most scorpion species. The most popular choices are usually crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. These are readily available at most pet stores that cater to exotic animals.

Crickets: A Staple Food

Crickets are a fantastic choice for many scorpions. They are active and provide a good nutritional profile. You can find them in various sizes, which is important because you need to match the cricket size to your scorpion’s size. A good rule of thumb is that the prey should be no bigger than the length of your scorpion’s body. This ensures they can easily catch and consume it without injury.

Mealworms: Easy to Find

Mealworms are another easy-to-find option. They are the larval stage of the darkling beetle and are packed with protein. However, some keepers suggest that mealworms shouldn’t be the *only* food source. They can be a bit fatty. Mixing them with other feeders helps ensure your scorpion gets a well-rounded diet. You can also use superworms for larger scorpions, but these can be a bit feisty.

Roaches: A Top-Tier Choice

Dubia roaches are highly recommended by many experienced scorpion keepers. They are nutritious, relatively easy to keep as a colony, and less likely to escape than crickets. They don’t bite or chirp either, which is a bonus for many pet owners! Like other feeders, you’ll want to select roaches that are appropriately sized for your scorpion.

Other Feeder Insect Considerations

While crickets, mealworms, and roaches are the most common, you might also consider waxworms or even small earthworms for certain species or as occasional treats. Waxworms are high in fat, so they should be offered sparingly. Earthworms can be a good source of moisture.

Prey Size Matters!

This is one of the most critical aspects of feeding your pet scorpion. Feeding prey that is too large can be dangerous for your scorpion. A scorpion might struggle to overpower a much larger insect, potentially leading to injury. The prey should be roughly the same length as your scorpion’s body, or slightly smaller. Always err on the side of caution and choose prey that is a bit too small rather than too big.

What NOT to Feed Your Scorpion

Just as important as knowing what to feed your scorpion is knowing what to avoid. There are a few key things to steer clear of to keep your pet healthy and safe.

Avoid Wild-Caught Insects

It might seem like a good idea to catch bugs from your backyard. However, we strongly advise against this. Wild insects can carry pesticides, herbicides, or parasites that can be deadly to your pet scorpion. Even if they look healthy, they could be carrying unseen dangers. Always use feeder insects purchased from a reputable pet store or breeder.

Do Not Feed Dead Prey

Scorpions are hunters that rely on the movement of their prey to trigger their feeding response. Dead insects won’t move, and your scorpion will likely ignore them. Feeding live prey is essential for stimulating their natural hunting instincts and ensuring they eat.

How Often Should You Feed Your Scorpion?

Feeding frequency depends on a few factors, including the scorpion’s age, species, and size. Younger, growing scorpions will need to eat more often than adult scorpions.

Young Scorpions vs. Adult Scorpions

Baby scorpions, also called scorplings, might eat every other day. Juvenile scorpions can be fed every 3-5 days. Adult scorpions are famously good at conserving energy. They can often go for a week or even longer between meals, sometimes up to two weeks or more. It’s really important to observe your scorpion rather than sticking to a strict schedule.

The “Remove Uneaten Prey” Rule

This is super important. If your scorpion doesn’t eat the offered insect within 24 hours, you must remove it from the enclosure. An uneaten insect can become a problem. It might injure your scorpion, especially if your scorpion is molting, or it can start to die and foul up the enclosure. It’s best to remove any uneaten food promptly.

Water for Your Scorpion

While food is important, don’t forget hydration! Scorpions get some water from their prey, but they still need access to fresh water. A small, shallow water dish is ideal. You can also mist the enclosure lightly occasionally, but ensure it dries out between mistings to prevent mold growth. Some keepers use a small piece of damp sponge or paper towel in a shallow dish, which can help prevent drowning.

Molting: A Time for Caution

Scorpions grow by shedding their exoskeleton, a process called molting. During this time, they are extremely vulnerable. Their new exoskeleton is soft and takes time to harden. It’s generally best to hold off on feeding your scorpion for a few days before and especially after it molts. Feeding a scorpion that is molting or has just molted can be very dangerous for it. Wait until its new exoskeleton has hardened (usually a week or two after molting).

A Quick Feeding Checklist

• Offer live, appropriately sized insects.
• Choose crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches.
• Remove any uneaten prey within 24 hours.
• Provide a shallow water source.
• Avoid wild-caught insects.
• Do not feed during molting periods.