Yellow-legged Creeping Scorpion

Looks how to spot one

exoskeleton

A sturdy, thick-set scorpion with large, bulbous pincers and a relatively thick tail that curves upward. The body is glossy and robust, built for digging. Males have longer, thicker tails and more elongated pincer hands than females.26

Personality what they are like

Nervous and easily startled. It reacts quickly to vibration, noise or sudden movement and will assume a defensive posture if threatened. It is quick to sting and has powerful pincers that can give a painful pinch. Best suited to experienced keepers who avoid handling it directly.426

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal and largely sedentary. It spends most of the day hidden in its burrow and becomes active at night. It does not need exercise but requires deep substrate to dig and a quiet enclosure placed away from vibrations.42

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. The enclosure should have good airflow and a dry surface with only the lower substrate slightly damp. Do not disturb the burrow once dug. Use tools rather than hands for any maintenance inside the enclosure to avoid stings.4

Home where they are happiest

A dry, arid to semi-arid setup with deep substrate (at least 10-15 cm) that holds its shape for burrowing. Provide a hide and a shallow water dish. Temperature can vary but avoid extremes of frost or excessive heat. Keep one per enclosure as scorpions may fight. This species is mildly venomous: its sting is painful and can cause systemic effects in some cases, so it should not be handled directly. It is legal to keep in many countries but check local regulations.423

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Live insects such as crickets. It may refuse food while sealed in its burrow. Feed once or twice a week depending on size and appetite.4

Company who they like around

Solitary. Scorpions can fight even with their own kind, so they are always housed one per enclosure. No social interaction with humans is needed; it is a display animal best observed rather than handled.4

The story where it all began

Opistophthalmus glabrifrons was first described by Wilhelm Peters in 1861. It has been known to science for over 160 years and is native to dry regions of southern and eastern Africa. In the pet trade it has gained popularity among invertebrate enthusiasts for its large size, striking yellow legs and impressive burrowing behaviour. Captive breeding has been reported but is not common, and most specimens in captivity are wild-caught. Its nervous temperament and relatively potent sting mean it is recommended for intermediate to experienced keepers rather than beginners.124

Recognised by the official bits

iNaturalist

Listed as Shiny Burrow Scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons)7