Cuban blue scorpion (Rhopalurus junceus)

Short answers

Cuban blue scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?

25×25×30 cm with vertical cork bark (a bark and tree dweller).

Cuban blue scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Cuban blue scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Cuban blue scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–7 years.

Cuban blue scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

50–60 % (substrate slightly damp, not wet)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

25×25×30 cm with vertical cork bark (a bark and tree dweller)

Substrate

A coco and peat mix, slightly damp, vertical cork bark

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week, fed in the evening or at night

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 6–9 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 5–7 years

Origin

Cuba (endemic)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keep them singly – territorial and aggressive towards its own kind (cannibalism). The reason is not fighting but feeding: these animals take anything that fits in the mouth, and a second animal in the enclosure counts.

Notes

Taxonomically placed today as Heteroctenus junceus (ex Rhopalurus junceus). Hardy and robust, but a buthid with painful venom – no hand contact. The venom is used in Cuban cancer research (Vidatox/Escozul).

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Cuban blue scorpion (Rhopalurus junceus) in the marketplace →

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 Cuban blue scorpion (Rhopalurus junceus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×25×30 cm with vertical cork bark (a bark and tree dweller)), substrate (A coco and peat mix, slightly damp, vertical cork bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.