Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions, also known as Opistophthalmus glabrifrons, are a popular choice for exotic pet enthusiasts due to their small size and unique appearance. These scorpions are native to Southern and Eastern Africa and are known for their bright yellow leg joints and reddish-brown bodies. However, caring for any exotic pet requires extensive knowledge and dedication, and yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are no exception. In this care guide, we will cover all the essential information you need to know about keeping these fascinating creatures as pets.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Opistophthalmus glabrifrons |
| Common Names | Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion |
| Native Range | Southern and Eastern Africa |
| Size | 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) in length |
| Lifespan | 5-8 years in captivity |
| Diet | Crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other small insects |
| Housing | 10-20 gallon enclosure with a substrate for burrowing |
| Temperature and Humidity | 70-85°F (21-29°C) with 50-70% humidity |
The yellow legged burrowing scorpion is a fascinating creature that shares some similarities with the transvaal fat tailed scorpion.
Introduction to Yellow-Legged Burrowing Scorpions
Description and Characteristics
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are small, reaching an adult size of only 3-4 inches in length. They have a distinctive appearance, with reddish-brown bodies and bright yellow leg joints. Their pincers, or chelicerae, are also yellow, and they have a slender, elongated tail that is equipped with a venomous stinger. Scorpions are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day.
Native Habitat and Distribution
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are native to Southern and Eastern Africa and are found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are burrowing animals and prefer to make their homes in underground tunnels or crevices. In the wild, they feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
While the yellow-legged burrowing scorpion is a fascinating creature, those interested in learning more about scorpions may also want to check out the Tanzanian red clawed scorpion at desert-scorpions.com.
Housing and Habitat
Size and Type of Enclosure
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are small animals and do not require a particularly large enclosure. A 10-gallon tank or terrarium is sufficient for a single adult scorpion. If you are keeping multiple scorpions together, you will need a larger enclosure to provide enough space for all of them.
In addition to the substrate, you should also provide hiding spots for your scorpion such as small logs or PVC pipes. Scorpions are timid animals and appreciate having a place to retreat to if they feel threatened. It is also a good idea to include a small water dish, which should be filled with fresh, clean water and replaced every few days. Scorpions can drown, so the dish should be shallow enough for them to easily climb in and out of.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are native to a tropical climate and require a consistent temperature of 75-85°F and a humidity level of 70-80%. It is important to maintain these conditions to keep your scorpion healthy and prevent any respiratory issues.
A heating pad or ceramic heater can be used to maintain the desired temperature, and a humidity hide or misting the substrate with water can help to increase the humidity. It is also important to provide proper ventilation to prevent stagnant air and promote air circulation.
The yellow legged burrowing scorpion is a fascinating creature that shares many similarities with the Vietnam forest scorpion.
Diet and Nutrition
Appropriate Food Items
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are opportunistic predators and will feed on a variety of insects and invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of crickets, roaches, mealworms, and other small, appropriately-sized insects. It is important to dust the insects with a calcium supplement every few feedings to ensure that your scorpion is getting enough of this essential nutrient.
Scorpions do not need to be fed every day and can go several days between feedings. A good rule of thumb is to offer food once or twice a week and observe your scorpion’s appetite and weight to determine if they need more or less.
Supplementation and Feeding Schedule
In addition to calcium, yellow-legged burrowing scorpions may also benefit from other supplements such as a multivitamin and amino acids. These can be dusted on the insects or added to the water dish. It is important to follow the recommended dosage on the supplement packaging and not over-supplement, as this can lead to health problems. As mentioned earlier, scorpions do not need to be fed every day and can go several days between feedings. Observing your scorpion’s appetite and weight can help you determine the appropriate feeding schedule for your individual pet.
Handling and Interaction
Safety Precautions
As with any exotic pet, it is important to handle yellow-legged burrowing scorpions with caution and respect their boundaries. Scorpions have venomous stingers and can deliver a painful sting if they feel threatened. To minimize the risk of being stung, it is important to wash your hands before and after handling your scorpion and to always be aware of its location and body language. If your scorpion is visibly agitated or attempts to sting, it is best to leave them alone and give them some space.
Handling Techniques
When handling your scorpion, it is best to use a pair of tongs or a small, shallow container to support its body. Avoid picking them up by their tail or pincers, as this can cause injury. When your scorpion is out of their enclosure, it is important to keep a close eye on them and not leave them unattended.
Despite their reputation as being aggressive and dangerous, yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are actually quite docile and can make fascinating and enjoyable pets. With proper care and handling, they can become quite tame and may even allow gentle handling. It is important to remember, however, that they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect.
Health and Maintenance
Common Health Issues
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are generally hardy animals and can live for several years with proper care. However, like all animals, they can be prone to certain health issues. Some common health problems in scorpions include respiratory infections, mites, and calcium deficiency.
Mites can be a problem for scorpions and can be treated with a mite spray or by thoroughly cleaning the enclosure. Calcium deficiency can be prevented by dusting insects with a calcium supplement and providing a cuttlebone or other calcium source in the enclosure. It is important to monitor your scorpion’s health and consult a veterinarian if you notice any changes in its behavior or appearance.
Preventive Care and Treatments
Preventive care is key to keeping your yellow-legged burrowing scorpion healthy and happy. In addition to providing proper housing, diet, and handling, it is also important to regularly clean their enclosure and remove any waste or uneaten food.
A weekly or biweekly substrate change can also help to keep the enclosure clean and prevent any build-up of bacteria. It is also a good idea to quarantine any new scorpions before introducing them to your existing pets to ensure that they are healthy and do not pose a risk of transmitting any diseases.
Breeding and Lifespan
Reproductive Behavior and Offspring Care
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are solitary animals and do not form social bonds like some other species of scorpions. In the wild, they will only come together to mate and then go their separate ways. In captivity, it is possible to breed yellow-legged burrowing scorpions, but it requires proper knowledge and experience. The female will typically lay a small clutch of eggs, which she will carry around with her until they hatch.
If you are planning to breed yellow-legged burrowing scorpions, it is important to have a separate enclosure for the mother and offspring and to provide proper care and nutrition for both. The scorplings will need to be fed more frequently and may require a different diet than the adults. It is also important to monitor the size of the group and make sure that there is enough space and resources for everyone. Scorpions can sometimes be aggressive towards each other, so it is important to keep a close eye on their behavior and intervene if necessary.
Average Lifespan in Captivity
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions have an average lifespan of 5-8 years in captivity, although some individuals have been known to live longer. Proper care and nutrition are key to ensuring that your scorpion lives a long and healthy life. It is also important to regularly monitor their health and consult a veterinarian if you notice any changes in their behavior or appearance.
My Private Notes
As an exotic pet enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I have had the pleasure of keeping a number of yellow-legged burrowing scorpions as pets over the years. Here are a few non-obvious tips that I have learned from my personal experience with these fascinating creatures:
- Scorpions are sensitive to vibrations: Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are highly sensitive to vibrations and can pick up on even the slightest movements. When handling your scorpion, try to move slowly and steadily to avoid startling them. They may also become agitated if their enclosure is located in an area with a lot of foot traffic or other sources of vibration.
- Scorpions can climb: Despite their burrowing nature, yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are actually quite good climbers. Be sure to secure the lid of their enclosure properly to prevent them from escaping. It is also a good idea to avoid placing their enclosure in a high-traffic area where they could be accidentally knocked over.
- Scorpions are nocturnal: Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are nocturnal animals and will be more active at night. If you notice that your scorpion is not very active during the day, this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Just be sure to provide them with a suitable hiding place where they can retreat to during the day.
I hope these tips will be helpful for anyone considering a yellow-legged burrowing scorpion as a pet. These creatures can be rewarding and enjoyable pets with the proper knowledge and care. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared to commit to their care before bringing one home.
People Also Ask
Are yellow-legged burrowing scorpions dangerous?
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions are venomous and can deliver a painful sting if they feel threatened. However, they are generally docile animals and are not considered to be aggressive towards humans. With proper handling and respect for their boundaries, the risk of being stung can be minimized. It is important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be treated with caution.
How do I clean my yellow-legged burrowing scorpion's enclosure?
Cleaning your yellow-legged burrowing scorpion's enclosure is an important part of their care. To clean the enclosure, simply remove any waste or uneaten food and replace the substrate every week or biweekly. It is also a good idea to thoroughly disinfect the enclosure with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Be sure to remove your scorpion from the enclosure before cleaning and provide them with a temporary shelter while the enclosure is being cleaned.
Can I handle my yellow-legged burrowing scorpion after they have eaten?
It is generally safe to handle your yellow-legged burrowing scorpion after they have eaten. Scorpions do not have the same digestive process as mammals and do not produce digestive juices that can harm their handlers. However, it is still important to wash your hands before and after handling your scorpion and to be aware of their body language. If your scorpion is visibly agitated or attempting to sting, it is best to leave them alone and give them some space.
Conclusion
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpions can make fascinating and enjoyable exotic pets with proper care and attention. They are small, docile animals that are easy to care for and do not require a lot of space. However, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals and need to be treated with respect. By providing a suitable enclosure, a balanced diet, and regular preventive care, you can help your scorpion thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life in captivity. If you are considering a yellow-legged burrowing scorpion as a pet, it is important to do your research and make sure that you are prepared to commit to their care.