Giant Burrowing Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

A stocky, robust scorpion with large, powerful pincers and a thick tail. The body is glossy and dark, while the legs are a contrasting pale yellow. The cuticle is smooth and shiny.1

Personality what they are like

Nervous and defensive. It readily adopts an aggressive stance when threatened, raising its body and curling its tail over its head. It may stridulate by rubbing its chelicerae together. Its sting is more serious than that of other thick-clawed scorpions, so caution is needed.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very low; it is a fossorial species that spends almost all its time hidden in its burrow. It rarely leaves the burrow except to mate.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Minimal. The enclosure should be kept clean and dry on the surface. Do not disturb the burrow once it has been dug. Use tools rather than hands when working inside the enclosure to avoid stings.1

Home where they are happiest

A large enclosure (minimum 8 gallons) with a deep, hard-packing substrate that allows the scorpion to dig long, stable burrows. Keep the lower substrate slightly damp and the surface dry. No decorations are essential, but rocks or cork bark can be added. The species occurs in arid to semi-arid regions.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Live insects such as crickets, locusts, mealworms, superworms, butter worms, houseflies and cockroaches. It may refuse food while sealed in its burrow.13

Company who they like around

Solitary. It should be housed alone. Its sting is more serious than that of other thick-clawed scorpions, so keepers should use tools and never handle it with bare hands. In some countries it may be illegal to keep without a permit; check local regulations.1

The story where it all began

The giant burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) is a large, fossorial scorpion from southern and eastern Africa. It has been known in the exotic pet trade for many years, along with a few other Opistophthalmus species such as O. wahlbergii and O. boehmi. It is valued for its impressive size and hardy nature, though its nervous temperament and potent sting mean it is recommended for intermediate keepers rather than beginners. In the wild it is an obligate burrower, rarely leaving its tunnel except to mate, which explains why stings are uncommon.41