Waigeo Rainforest Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

Exoskeleton

This scorpion has a very elongated, flattened body and powerful pincers (pedipalps). Its shape is perfectly suited to squeezing into narrow rock crevices and under bark or leaf litter.1

Personality what they are like

Rainforest scorpions are very docile and not aggressive. They are not considered dangerous to humans, though they are mildly venomous. Handling is not recommended.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

These scorpions are nocturnal and hunt at night. They do not need exercise but require a secure enclosure with hiding places. They are good climbers on rough surfaces but cannot climb smooth glass.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very low maintenance. Remove uneaten food after 24 hours. Clean mould or fungi as needed. A full substrate change is only required about once a year. They moult (shed their exoskeleton) periodically and should be left undisturbed during this vulnerable time.2

Home where they are happiest

A plastic or glass terrarium (minimum 20 cm high x 30 cm wide x 20 cm deep) with a moist coco-peat substrate about 3 cm deep. Provide a flat rock or piece of bark as a shelter. Maintain humidity at 60-90% and temperature between 22-28°C. Brief cooling to 10-20°C in winter is acceptable if daytime temperatures reach around 20°C.25

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Feed live or freshly dead insects once or twice a week. Crickets and cockroaches are ideal. Offer prey about one quarter the size of the scorpion. Remove any uneaten food after 24 hours.2

Company who they like around

This species can be cannibalistic, so individuals should be kept alone. Pairing for breeding must be done under close supervision. They are mildly venomous but not aggressive; handling is not recommended.2

The story where it all began

The Waigeo rainforest scorpion was first described in 1844 by French paleontologist and zoologist Paul Gervais. It has been commonly kept in captivity in Australia for many years because it is large, non-burrowing, and relatively easy to maintain. Its docile nature and interesting behaviours, such as the mating 'promenade à deux' and the mother carrying young on her back, make it a popular choice among scorpion enthusiasts.14