African bark scorpion (Hottentotta hottentotta)

Short answers

African bark scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?

25×25×25 cm (kept singly).

African bark scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–35 °C, at night 20 °C.

African bark scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

African bark scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 3–5 years.

African bark scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–35 °C

Night temperature

20 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–50 % (arid, dry)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

25×25×25 cm (kept singly)

Substrate

A sand and soil mix about 5 cm deep, pieces of bark as hides

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 7–9 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 3–5 years

Origin

West and Central Africa

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep singly – group housing is problematic due to cannibalism risk. Because of parthenogenesis, females reproduce even without males, which is why groups are occasionally kept anyway, though not without risk.

Notes

The venom is painful, with a risk of cardiac and central nervous symptoms, and is usually not life-threatening to humans – but no hand contact all the same. A buthid, and not one for beginners. Parthenogenesis: reproduction is often unintended.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Asian giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus longimanus) – Beginner
• Asian black scorpion (Heterometrus petersii) – Beginner
• Asian forest scorpion (Heterometrus spinifer) – Intermediate
• Brazilian yellow scorpion (Tityus serrulatus) – Expert
• Dictator scorpion (Pandinus dictator) – Intermediate
• Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) – Beginner
• Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep African bark scorpion (Hottentotta hottentotta) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×25 cm (kept singly)), substrate (A sand and soil mix about 5 cm deep, pieces of bark as hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.