This is a specific care sheet for Arizona Devil scorpions (Hoffmannius spinigerus), for more in this genus see Category:Hoffmannius.
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H. spinigerus is most commonly known as either the Arizona Devil scorpion or the Arizona Striped-tail scorpion. This scorpion was previously classed as Vaejovis spinigerus but was reclassified in 2008.
| Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet | |
| Regions Found: | Northern Mexico and U.S.A.(Arizona, California and New Mexico) |
| Class: | Burrower |
| Longevity: | unknown |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 55-65 mm |
| Temperament: | unknown |
| Claws: | strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Mild venom comparitive to a bee sting |
| Hoffmannius spinigerus Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 2 gallon tank with 2-3 inches of substrate with carefully secured arrangement of rocks on the surface |
| Temperature range: | 18-29°C (65-85°F) |
| Humidity range: | 45-65% |
| Special Requirements: | Suitable in small groups |
| Hoffmannius spinigerus Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Birth Size: | unknown |
| Danger to Male: | unknown |
| Hoffmannius spinigerus Diet | |
| A scorpions diet should consist mainly of livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Hoffmannius spinigerus | |
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Enclosure
Temperature
The temperature requirements for Heterometrus javanensis are 18-29°C (65-85°F).
To achieve these conditions, a range of appliances are available. Specially designed heating pads for this purpose are available on the market and help to maintain consistent ambient air temperatures within the enclosure. Temperatures should be closely monitored and inspected at regular intervals, the most efficient way to do this is too have multiple thermometers located around the enclosure at different heights and locations. For example, having one at substrate level and then a further one at the highest point your scorpion has access too.
Humidity
They should be kept in a humidity environment of between 45-65%, and they will drink from a wide, shallow water dish.
To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.
Ailments
Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.
Molting
One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moulting process. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.
Other problems
Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.