If you’re considering adding a wood scorpion to your collection of exotic pets, you’re in for a treat! These fascinating creatures are known for their unique appearance and behavior and can make a great addition to the right home. But before you take the plunge, it’s important to do your research and make sure you understand what’s involved in caring for a wood scorpion. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping wood scorpions as pets, including their biology, whether they are poisonous, the differences between Australian and dwarf wood scorpions, and how to care for them.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of species | Several |
| Size | Varies by species |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years with proper care |
| Natural habitat | Arid regions (Australian wood scorpions), arctic regions (dwarf wood scorpions) |
| Venom toxicity | Not typically deadly, but can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms |
| Diet | Live insects, supplemented with calcium |
| Health concerns | Moulting, calcium deficiency, injury |
The wood scorpion is a fascinating creature that shares many similarities with the Israeli gold scorpion, including its preference for dry habitats.
What Is a Wood Scorpion?
Wood scorpions, also known as bark scorpions, are a type of arachnid that are native to various regions of the world, including North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. They are called “wood scorpions” because they are often found hiding in or under wood or bark, but they can also be found in other types of habitats such as grasslands and deserts.
Wood scorpions are typically small in size, with a body length of about 2-4 inches and a tail length of about 3-4 inches. They have a characteristic “scorpion-like” appearance, with a pair of pincers (or pedipalps) at the front of their body, four pairs of legs, and a long, curved tail with a venomous stinger at the end.
The wood scorpion is often mistaken for the sand scorpion, which can be found in desert regions. To learn more about the sand scorpion, visit desert-scorpions.com.
Distribution and Habitat of Wood Scorpions
As mentioned above, wood scorpions can be found in various regions of the world, including North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. In the United States, wood scorpions are most commonly found in the southwestern states, including Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
They are adapted to a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and wooded areas. Wood scorpions are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night and sleep during the day. They typically hide in or under wood or bark during the day to avoid predators and come out at night to hunt for food.
The wood scorpion, also known as the lesser brown scorpion, is a common species found in desert regions. To learn more about this fascinating creature, check out lesser brown scorpion.
Are Wood Scorpions Poisonous?
One of the most common questions people have about wood scorpions is whether they are poisonous. The short answer is yes, wood scorpions do have venom, which they use to capture and kill their prey. However, the venom of a wood scorpion is typically not deadly to humans.
It’s important to note that wood scorpions are not aggressive creatures and will only sting if they feel threatened or provoked. If you are planning to keep a wood scorpion as a pet, it is important to handle it gently and carefully, using a pair of tweezers or a similar tool to avoid being stung. You should also make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after handling your wood scorpion to avoid any accidental stings.
Understanding Wood Scorpion Venom
While wood scorpion venom is not typically deadly to humans, it is still an important part of the wood scorpion’s biology and plays a vital role in its survival in the wild. Wood scorpions use their venom to capture and kill their prey, which typically consists of insects and other small arthropods. The venom is injected through the wood scorpion’s stinger, which is located at the end of its tail.
In addition to its role in hunting and defense, wood scorpion venom also has some medicinal properties. Studies have shown that wood scorpion venom contains compounds that have potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It has also been shown to have potential anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties and may be useful in the development of new drugs for the treatment of certain diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand the medicinal properties of wood scorpion venom and to determine how it can be safely and effectively used in humans.
Potential Dangers and Risks of Keeping Wood Scorpions as Pets
While wood scorpion venom is not typically deadly to humans, it is still important to handle wood scorpions with caution and to avoid getting stung. As with any exotic pet, there are risks and potential dangers associated with keeping wood scorpions as pets. Some of the potential risks and dangers to consider include:
- Accidental stings: As mentioned above, wood scorpions are not aggressive creatures and will only sting if they feel threatened or provoked. However, accidents can happen, and it is important to be cautious and avoid getting stung. If you are stung by a wood scorpion, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you experience severe pain, numbness, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- Bite injuries: Wood scorpions have pincers (or pedipalps) at the front of their body that they use to catch and hold onto their prey. While they are not typically aggressive towards humans, it is possible for them to accidentally pinch or bite you if you handle them improperly. To avoid bite injuries, handle your wood scorpion gently and carefully, using a pair of tweezers or a similar tool to avoid being pinched.
- Escape: Wood scorpions are skilled climbers and can potentially escape from their enclosure if it is not secure. To prevent escapes, make sure that your enclosure has a secure lid and that there are no openings or gaps where the wood scorpion could potentially escape. It is also a good idea to keep your wood scorpion’s enclosure in a secure, out-of-reach location to prevent accidental escapes.
It’s important to remember that keeping an exotic pet, including a wood scorpion, is a serious responsibility. If you are considering adding a wood scorpion to your collection, make sure you are prepared to commit to the time and effort required to care for it properly. This includes researching the species and its care requirements, setting up a suitable enclosure, and providing proper nutrition and health care. If you are not prepared to make this commitment, it may be best to consider a different type of pet.
Australian Wood Scorpions vs. Dwarf Wood Scorpions
There are several different species of wood scorpion that are commonly kept as pets, including Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions. While both species belong to the same family of arachnids, there are some significant differences between them in terms of physical characteristics, behavior, and care requirements. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions to help you decide which one might be the right choice for you.
Comparison of Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Australian wood scorpions, also known as Hadrurus arizonensis, are native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They are one of the largest species of wood scorpion, with a body length of up to 4 inches and a tail length of up to 6 inches. Australian wood scorpions are known for their distinctive dark brown color, which is often mottled with lighter shades of brown or tan. They have long, slender legs and a relatively flat body, which makes them well-suited to living in narrow crevices and hiding in or under wood or bark. Australian wood scorpions are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night.
Dwarf wood scorpions, also known as Lepidurus arcticus, are native to the arctic regions of Europe and Asia. They are much smaller than Australian wood scorpions, with a body length of only about 2 inches and a tail length of about 3 inches. Dwarf wood scorpions are generally light brown in color and have a more rounded body shape than Australian wood scorpions. They also have shorter, thicker legs and shorter tails. Like Australian wood scorpions, dwarf wood scorpions are nocturnal creatures and are most active at night.
In terms of behavior, both Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions are generally docile and not aggressive toward humans. However, it is important to handle them gently and carefully to avoid accidental stings or bites. Australian wood scorpions are generally more active and curious than dwarf wood scorpions and may be more likely to explore their enclosure and interact with their surroundings. Dwarf wood scorpions, on the other hand, tend to be more reclusive and may spend more time hiding in their enclosure.
Differences in Care Requirements for Each Species
In addition to the differences in physical characteristics and behavior, there are also some differences in the care requirements for Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions. Some of the key things to consider when choosing between the two species include:
- Enclosure size: Australian wood scorpions are larger than dwarf wood scorpions and therefore require a larger enclosure. A suitable enclosure for an Australian wood scorpion should be at least 20-30 gallons in size, while a suitable enclosure for a dwarf wood scorpion can be as small as 5-10 gallons. It is important to provide your wood scorpion with enough space to move around and explore, as well as hiding places and vertical climbing surfaces.
- Temperature and humidity: Both Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions require a specific range of temperature and humidity to thrive. Australian wood scorpions are native to desert regions and therefore require a warm, dry environment, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F and humidity levels between 20-30%. Dwarf wood scorpions, on the other hand, are native to arctic regions and require a cooler, more humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F and humidity levels between 50-70%. It is important to provide your wood scorpion with an enclosure that has the proper temperature and humidity levels to ensure its health and well-being.
- Feeding: Both Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions are carnivorous and require a diet consisting of live insects. However, the specific types and sizes of insects that each species can eat may vary. Australian wood scorpions are generally larger and can handle larger prey items, such as crickets, roaches, and worms. Dwarf wood scorpions, on the other hand, are smaller and may prefer smaller prey items such as small crickets or fruit flies. It is important to research the specific feeding needs of your wood scorpion and to provide a varied and balanced diet to ensure its health and well-being.
- Lifespan: Both Australian wood scorpions and dwarf wood scorpions have relatively long lifespans for exotic pets, with an average lifespan of about 5-8 years. However, Australian wood scorpions tend to live longer than dwarf wood scorpions, with some individuals living for up to 10 years or more. This is something to consider if you are looking for a pet with a longer lifespan.
Caring for Wood Scorpions as Pets
If you are considering adding a wood scorpion to your collection of exotic pets, it is important to be prepared to provide proper care and meet the specific needs of this unique species. In this section, we’ll go over some of the key things you need to know about caring for wood scorpions as pets, including housing and enclosure recommendations, feeding and watering needs, and health concerns and preventive measures.
Housing and Enclosure Recommendations
One of the most important aspects of caring for a wood scorpion as a pet is providing a suitable enclosure. A suitable enclosure for a wood scorpion should be large enough to allow the scorpion to move around and explore, as well as provide hiding places and vertical climbing surfaces.
The specific size of the enclosure will depend on the size of the wood scorpion, with larger species such as Australian wood scorpions requiring a larger enclosure than smaller species like dwarf wood scorpions.
Substrate
When it comes to materials, it is important to use materials that are safe for your wood scorpion and easy to clean. A suitable substrate for a wood scorpion enclosure could be something like coconut coir, cypress mulch, or peat moss, which can hold moisture and provide a naturalistic look.
It is important to avoid using materials that could potentially harm your wood scorpion, such as cedar or pine shavings, which can release harmful fumes. You should also provide your wood scorpion with hiding places such as small caves or hollow logs, as well as vertical climbing surfaces such as branches or climbing ropes.
Lighting and Heating
In terms of lighting and heating, it is important to provide your wood scorpion with a source of UVB light, which is necessary for the production of vitamin D3 and the proper metabolism of calcium. A UVB light can be provided through the use of a special UVB bulb or a natural sunlight lamp.
The specific temperature and humidity requirements for wood scorpions vary depending on the species and their natural habitat, so it is important to research the specific needs of your wood scorpion and to provide an enclosure that meets these needs. Using a thermometer and hygrometer can help you monitor and maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels in your wood scorpion’s enclosure.
Feeding and Watering Needs
Wood scorpions are carnivorous and require a diet consisting of live insects. The specific types and sizes of insects that your wood scorpion can eat will depend on the species and its size. Some suitable insects for wood scorpions include crickets, roaches, worms, and fruit flies.
In terms of watering, it is important to provide your wood scorpion with a source of clean, fresh water. A shallow water dish can be provided, but it is important to make sure that the dish is not too deep, as wood scorpions are poor swimmers and may drown if they fall into a deep water dish.
It is also a good idea to mist the enclosure with water every few days to help maintain the proper humidity levels and to provide your wood scorpion with a source of hydration. It is important to monitor the water dish and to refill it as needed to ensure that your wood scorpion always has access to fresh water.
Health Concerns and Preventive Measures
Like any pet, wood scorpions are prone to certain health issues and it is important to be aware of these potential problems and to take preventive measures to ensure the health and well-being of your wood scorpion. Some common health concerns for wood scorpions include:
- Moulting: Wood scorpions, like all arachnids, go through a process called moulting in which they shed their exoskeleton in order to grow. Moulting can be a stressful and vulnerable time for wood scorpions, and it is important to provide a moist, humid environment and to avoid handling your wood scorpion during this time. If your wood scorpion becomes stuck during moulting or appears to be having difficulty, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or other reptile specialist.
- Calcium deficiency: Calcium is an essential nutrient for wood scorpions and is necessary for the proper development and function of the exoskeleton, muscles, and nervous system. A calcium deficiency can lead to a variety of health issues, including deformities, weakness, and difficulty moving. To prevent calcium deficiency, it is important to provide a balanced diet that includes a variety of insects and to dust the insects with a calcium supplement. It is also important to provide a source of UVB light, which is necessary for the production of vitamin D3 and the proper metabolism of calcium.
- Injury: Wood scorpions are generally hardy creatures, but they can be injured if they fall or if they are handled improperly. It is important to handle your wood scorpion gently and carefully and to provide a secure, escape-proof enclosure to prevent accidental injuries. If your wood scorpion appears to be injured, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or other reptile specialist.
In addition to these health concerns, it is also important to regularly monitor your wood scorpion for any signs of illness or distress. Some signs that your wood scorpion may be unwell include loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty moving, or changes in appearance or behavior. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or other reptile specialist as soon as possible to determine the cause and to provide appropriate treatment.
My Private Notes
As someone with over a decade of experience working with exotic pets, including wood scorpions, I have learned a few things about caring for these fascinating creatures. Here are some non-obvious tips that may be helpful for anyone considering adding a wood scorpion to their collection:
- Make sure to provide a suitable enclosure for your wood scorpion, with the proper size, materials, and temperature and humidity levels for the species. A good enclosure should be large enough to allow the wood scorpion to move around and explore, with plenty of hiding places and vertical climbing surfaces. It is also important to use materials that are safe for your wood scorpion and easy to clean and to provide a source of UVB light and a heat source to maintain the proper temperature and humidity levels.
- Wood scorpions are generally docile and not aggressive towards humans, but they can be injured if they fall or if they are handled improperly. It is important to handle your wood scorpion gently and carefully and to provide a secure, escape-proof enclosure to prevent accidental injuries. If your wood scorpion appears to be injured, it is important to seek the advice of a veterinarian or other reptile specialist to determine the cause and to provide appropriate treatment.
- If you do experience a wood scorpion sting, it is important to remain calm and to take immediate action to minimize the effects of the venom. Wood scorpion venom is not typically deadly to humans, but it can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms. To treat a wood scorpion sting, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress to the affected area, and take an over-the-counter pain medication to help manage pain and swelling. If you experience severe pain, numbness, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- In order to prevent wood scorpions from escaping their enclosure, it is important to make sure that the enclosure is secure and escape-proof, with no openings or gaps where the wood scorpion could potentially escape. It is also a good idea to avoid handling your wood scorpion near the enclosure and to be mindful of your movements when interacting with your wood scorpion to prevent accidental escapes.
I hope these tips are helpful for anyone considering adding a wood scorpion to their collection. Wood scorpions can be rewarding and enjoyable pets for those with an interest in exotic animals, as long as they are properly cared for and their specific needs are met.
People Also Ask
Are wood scorpions aggressive?
Wood scorpions are generally docile and not aggressive towards humans. They will only sting if they feel threatened or provoked, and will typically try to flee or hide if they feel threatened. However, it is important to handle wood scorpions gently and carefully to avoid accidental stings or bites. Australian wood scorpions are generally more active and curious than dwarf wood scorpions and may be more likely to explore their enclosure and interact with their surroundings, while dwarf wood scorpions tend to be more reclusive and may spend more time hiding in their enclosure. As with any pet, it is important to respect the boundaries of your wood scorpion and to handle it gently and carefully.
What should I do if my wood scorpion escapes from its enclosure?
If your wood scorpion escapes from its enclosure, it is important to take immediate action to locate and capture it. Wood scorpions are generally not aggressive towards humans and are not venomous, but they can be difficult to locate and capture due to their small size and elusive nature. If you are unable to locate your wood scorpion, it is a good idea to seek the help of a professional reptile specialist who has experience in capturing escaped exotic pets.
What should I do if I am stung by a wood scorpion?
If you are stung by a wood scorpion, it is important to remain calm and to take immediate action to minimize the effects of the venom. Wood scorpion venom is not typically deadly to humans, but it can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
Conclusion
Wood scorpions are fascinating and unique exotic pets that can make a great addition to the right owner. However, it is important to be prepared to provide proper care and meet the specific needs of these creatures in order to ensure their health and well-being. With the right enclosure, diet, and care, wood scorpions can be rewarding and enjoyable pets for those with an interest in exotic animals.