Black Rock Scorpion Care Sheet

Black Rock Scorpions  (Urodacus manicatus)

Black Rock Scorpions are a southern species of scorpion that generally live under rocks with a short burrow at one end. It is one of three species of scorpions that can be found in the greater Melbourne region. It is a widespread species and can be found in other parts of Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT and Queensland. A relative small species that only grows to around 50mm. 

HOUSING

Black rock scorpions are a very easy scorpion to house. 

Black Rock Scorpions scorpions are best housed in a terrarium or fish tank.  Our reptile terrariums and Exo Terra range of terrariums are an ideal enclosure as they have fully ventilated lids which allows for good air circulation.  They do not need to be very high but should be 30cm to 60cm minimum in length.

They require a moist substrate and we recommend Kritters Crumble as this is a coco like fibre that allows moisture to be held in it easily.  Your substrate should be around 100mm thick and will need to be sprayed with water regularly to ensure it does not dry out.  Another good way to keep the substrate moist is to place a piece of 20mm PVC pipe upright in the back of your cage.  This should be cut to a length to enable it to go from the bottom of your tank and high enough so your scorpions cannot fall in. 

Keeping water in this pipe, diffusion will follow the negative water gradient upwards into the drier substrate, mimicking that which occurs in the natural environment.   As water evaporates away from ground level, more water will be drawn up into the substrate creating the necessary varying humidity levels this species needs. There is always a risk when housing Black Rock Scorpions scorpions together and there is no guarantee that they will not kill and eat each other but are generally fine when several are housed together. The best way to avoid this from happening is to place lots of different hiding places for them with a suitable size enclosure. 

HEATING

As they are a Southern scorpion no heat is required for this species. In the really cold states through the winter months you can use a heat pad covering no more than 1/3 the size of the base if you would like to keep them more active. Around 20 Celsius is what you should keep them at if using a heat source.

FEEDING

One to two crickets should be left roaming the base of the enclosure for your scorpions to eat at all times.  Do not put too many crickets in at the same time as they can annoy your scorpion, especially when shedding.

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