Deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

Short answers

Deathstalker scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?

45×45×45 cm (kept singly – strictly solitary).

Deathstalker scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Deathstalker scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: No UVB needed (nocturnal).

Deathstalker scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 4–6 years.

Deathstalker scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

—

Humidity

40–50 % (arid, dry)

UVB

No UVB needed (nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size

45×45×45 cm (kept singly – strictly solitary)

Substrate

Desert sand or sand-loam 5–10 cm, flat stones and cork bark as hides

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

adults 1×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 8–11 cm

Life expectancy

approx. 4–6 years

Origin

North Africa, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping singly. The species is an ambush predator that also eats other scorpions; conspecifics count as prey. Never males together, pairs only briefly for mating and under supervision.

Notes

VERY VENOMOUS – one of the world's most venomous scorpions (the deathstalker), with life-threatening venom; it is also very quick to sting and fast. Only for experts, with absolutely escape-proof handling and no hand contact. A dry, hot desert climate.

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 Deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×45 cm (kept singly – strictly solitary)), substrate (Desert sand or sand-loam 5–10 cm, flat stones and cork 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.