Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus)

Short answers

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

25×20×20 cm.

Italian scorpion: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 14–18 °C.

Italian scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not required.

Italian scorpion: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–6 years.

Italian scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

14–18 °C

Basking spot

No basking spot

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

Not required

Enclosure

Minimum size

25×20×20 cm

Substrate

Forest soil with leaf litter, flat stones, pieces of bark

Feeding

Food

Small house crickets, firebrats, flies

Feeding interval

every 7–10 days

Key facts

Adult size

3,5–5 cm

Life expectancy

4–6 years

Origin

Italy, the Balkans, the southern Alps

Protection status

Very weak venom – the sting is less harmful than a bee sting

Brumation

A cooler spell of 8–12 weeks at 8–14 °C

Cohabitation

Single keeping. The species is described as solitary, and conflict between two females is documented; there is no documented group keeping. Anyone who tries it anyway needs a large enclosure with one hide per animal and plenty of food, and must expect animals to injure or eat each other. For breeding, bring animals together only briefly and under supervision.

Notes

A small European scorpion, to be kept cool and humid – not a desert species. Very peaceable and harmless to children's hands, but light-shy and usually hidden. It needs a genuine winter rest.

Do you keep this species?

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

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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
• Flat rock scorpion (Hadogenes troglodytes) – Intermediate
• Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Italian scorpion (Euscorpius italicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (25×20×20 cm), substrate (Forest soil with leaf litter, flat stones, pieces of bark), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.