Not furry either, still lovely.
Black Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus spadix
Also called Black-back Scorpion, Blacktop Hairy Scorpion
From Southern deserts of North America, including Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Approximately 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm) in total length.
Looks how to spot one
Exoskeleton
This scorpion has a dark, almost black body with a completely black prosoma (the front part of the body). Its legs are pale, translucent yellow, and the pedipalp fingers are reddish. The body is covered in fine hairs, giving it a hairy appearance.13
Personality what they are like
This scorpion is quite nervous and can be aggressive. It will sting if provoked, so it is not suitable for handling. It is best observed from a distance.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low activity needs. It is a burrowing species that spends much of its time digging and enlarging its burrow. It does not require exercise beyond its natural behaviours.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Minimal grooming. The main care involves maintaining proper humidity and temperature, and providing a deep, packed sand substrate for burrowing. No water dish is needed; humidity should be kept low (around 30%) to prevent fungal infections.12
Home where they are happiest
A vivarium with a deep substrate of at least 6 to 8 inches of sand (packed and dried) to allow burrowing. Provide a rock or piece of bark for the scorpion to dig under. Daytime temperature should be 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), dropping to around 20°C (68°F) at night. Humidity should be low, around 30%. No water dish is required.12
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Insectivorous. Feed small insects such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Adults can take larger prey like superworms and large crickets. Prey is located through vibrations.12
Company who they like around
Solitary. This species should be housed alone as it is not communal and may show aggression towards others. It is not a pet for handling due to its defensive nature.23
The story where it all began
The Black Hairy Scorpion was first described by Stahnke in 1940. It is native to the southern deserts of North America and has been kept in captivity by invertebrate enthusiasts for many years. It is less common in the pet trade than its cousin, the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis), but is appreciated for its striking colouration and burrowing behaviour.14
Recognised by the official bits
- ITIS
- Valid species, Taxonomic Serial No. 12090884
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Hairy Scorpion. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Humidity checkevery 2 days
- Water dishevery 2 days
- FeedingDepends on species, size and moult stagevaries
- Spot cleanRemove leftover foodevery week
- Moult noteLeave them in peace while moulting and note it in the diaryvaries
- Substrate changeevery 6 months
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Black Hairy Scorpion?
Feeding frequency depends on the scorpion's size and moult stage. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests adjusting based on these factors. For specific guidance, consult your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder.12 Furry Diary plan
What does a Black Hairy Scorpion eat, and what should it never eat?
This scorpion eats small insects like crickets, roaches, and mealworms; adults can take larger prey. What it should never eat varies, so ask your exotic-pet vet for a safe feeding list.12
How much space does a Black Hairy Scorpion need?
Provide a vivarium with a deep substrate of at least 6 to 8 inches of sand for burrowing. The exact floor space depends on the scorpion's size; a good breeder can recommend the right enclosure dimensions.12
What temperature, light or water does a Black Hairy Scorpion need?
Daytime temperature should be 30 to 35°C, dropping to around 20°C at night. Humidity should be low, around 30%, and no water dish is needed. No special lighting is required.12
How often should I clean a Black Hairy Scorpion's home?
Spot clean leftover food weekly, and do a full substrate change every six months. This keeps the habitat fresh and healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Black Hairy Scorpion live with others?
No, this scorpion is solitary and should be housed alone. It may show aggression towards others, so keep it by itself.23
How long does a Black Hairy Scorpion live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care. For accurate information, ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle a Black Hairy Scorpion?
Handling is not recommended as this scorpion is nervous and will sting if provoked. It is best observed from a distance.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Hadrurus spadix en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, history, fun fact
- scorpions.isaac-online.com: h spadixbasic scorpions.isaac-online.comused for origin, length cm, best traits, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, fun fact
- bugsincyberspace.com: black hairy scorpion hadrurus spadix bugsincyberspace.comused for coat or body, colours, temperament, social needs
- itis.gov: SingleRpt itis.govused for history
- inaturalist.org: 123069 Hadrurus spadix inaturalist.org
- bugguide.net: bgref bugguide.net
- digitallibrary.amnh.org: content digitallibrary.amnh.orgused for fun fact
- everything.explained.today: Hadrurus spadix everything.explained.today
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.