Hadrurus hirsutus

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This is a specific care sheet for Desert Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus hirsutus), for more in this genus see Category:Hadrurus.

The Desert Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus hirsutus), is the largest species of scorpions in the United States. Desert Hairy Scorpions are found in the southern and western parts of the United States, including New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and southern California. There are several “morphs” or subspecies, most are pale to straw-yellow in color with darker back plates and dark spots on their legs and claws. They spend a great deal of time using their strong claws and legs for digging and moving earth in the enclosure. They can live for 20 years or more in captivity and grow to upto 15cm (6 inches).

[edit] Behaviour

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is aggressive and active. They are not social and should be housed individually. The species will sting if given the opportunity and so care should be taken when handling and cleaning the cage. The sting is painful, but usually of little medical importance. Use paintbrushes, deli cups, foam-covered tweezers, and coated rubber gloves to move this scorpion as it can potentially give a painful sting. Scorpions are best considered display animals rather than “hands-on” pets.

[edit] Habitat

The Desert Hairy Scorpion is found in burrows in sandy scrub areas. A desert dweller, they are extremely sensitive to water and humidity, Their environment should not be kept moist. The Desert Hairy Scorpion has adapted to getting it's water from the animals it feeds on. They can be kept individually in a 2 1/2 to 5-gallon terrarium. Provide 3 - 4" (8 - 10 cm) of sand on the bottom. No decorations are really needed, but you can add a log or driftwood for a simple shelter.

[edit] Temperature

Keep the enclosure maintained at between 24-32.5°C (75 - 90°F). A temperature gradient is important to allow your scorpion to regulate their body temperature as needed. The easiest way to provide the gradient is by using a heating mat designed for use under reptile tanks. This should be placed under no more than about 1/3 of the tank, so your pet can move from warmer to cooler temperatures if desired. Always verify that appropriate temperatures are being provided by using accurate thermometers in a few locations within the enclosure.

[edit] Humidity

This species requires a humidity level of between 50 and 55%. It cannot be stressed enough that too much humidity will kill these scorpions.

To successfully maintain the desired humidity conditions for your scorpion you are going to need a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device used to measure relative humidity within the enclosure.

[edit] Feeding

In the wild this scorpion feeds on large insects such as locusts and solifugids and is reportedly a major predator of smaller species of scorpions such as Vejovis spinigerus. In captivity it will feed on crickets and other insects. They will thrive with weekly feedings, requiring little additional water and minimal maintenance. An insect-based diet is sufficient to keep these scorpions nutritionally satisfied. Crickets and the occasional king mealworm are offered every other week during the spring, summer, and fall. On this feeding regimen, your animal will quickly put on weight. During the winter, feeding should be reduced to one per month.

[edit] Breeding

Female Category:Hadrurus are often bulkier and have thinner pincers than the males. However, these differences are usually subtle. The pectines on the underside of scorpions can be inspected to give the you an idea of their scorpion’s gender. Place the scorpion in a clear plastic tub and hold it up to inspect the underside. Typically, males have longer combs on their pectines and females have shorter and often fewer combs on their pectines.

During courtship the male grasps the pincers of the female and begins a shaking action known as “juddering”. Then, after a short shoving match, the male deposits a spermatophore onto the substrate and positions the female over the packet of sperm. The female lowers her abdomen and picks up the spermatophore into her genital opening. The two separate and often beat a hasty retreat in opposite directions. Females will usually give birth to approximately 12 scorplings.

[edit] Ailments

Scorpions are generally quite hardy and adaptable if they are provided with the correct environment. A few signs that may indicate that your pet is not acting or feeling normal are a loss of appetite, acting listless or sluggish, having an overly swollen stomach, and missing or deformed limbs. Another problem can be an infestation of mites.

[edit] Molting

One of the most common reasons for the death in scorpions is the moult. The scorpion has a tough outer covering, a cuticle, that forms a rigid exoskeleton. All scorpions must shed their old exoskeleton and secrete a new one in order to grow, this is called the moult. Scorpions will moult from 6 to 10 times during their lifetime. This moulting process takes a lot of energy and they are very vulnerable for a couple of days after the moult until their new skin hardens. For about 24 hours prior to moulting it is not unusual for a scorpion to get quite sluggish. A difficult moult can result in lost or deformed limbs, or death. This is thought to be related to humidity levels. There can be either too much humidity or too little, depending on the species. In captivity a lot of immature scorpions die during the moulting process.

[edit] Other problems

Though many scorpions can go for long periods of time without eating, overfeeding can cause an overly swollen stomach as well as the loss of appetite, and even death. The stomach can be slightly swollen from regular eating, and this is not a problem. Another problem can be an infestation of Mites. Uneaten food can attract mites, which are very dangerous and stressful to scorpions. Be sure to remove old food.

[edit] Availability

Desert Hairy Scorpions are commonly available from any dealers that offer a good selection of scorpions. The Desert Hairy Scorpion is commonly abundant in certain areas. Due to the enthusiasm of some invertebrate collectors in Arizona and Nevada, captive caught specimens are regularly available. The only downfall to this is that large numbers are being collected by overzealous collectors. Though these scorpions are quite hardy when offered the proper enclosures, many of these specimens are lost to dehydration.