Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons)
Invertebrates · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) (origin: Southern Africa). Adult size around 9–12 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×20×30 cm.
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 20–23 °C.
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not required.
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 40–55 %
- UVB
- Not required
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×20×30 cm
- Substrate
- Very deep, firm sand-loam (15–25 cm) for burrowing
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 9–12 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa
- Protection status
- Mildly venomous – a painful sting, rarely dangerous
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Kept strictly singly. Solitary and cannibalistic: two animals in one enclosure regularly end up as one, even between similarly sized, well-fed individuals. For breeding, the male is introduced under observation and separated again immediately.
Notes
A powerful burrowing scorpion that builds deep, stable tunnels – the ground has to be compactable, or the tunnels collapse. It defends itself with the pincers rather than the sting.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) 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
What you need to start
To keep Yellow-legged burrowing scorpion (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×20×30 cm), substrate (Very deep, firm sand-loam (15–25 cm) for burrowing), a heat source with a thermostat, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opistophthalmus_glabrifrons, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opistophthalmus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).