Hadrurus spadix
This is a specific care sheet for Black Hairy Scorpions (Hadrurus spadix), for more in this genus see Category:Hadrurus.
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H. spadix is most commonly known as the Black Hairy Scorpion, this species is very similar to the their close relatives H.arizonensis and H.hirsutusall of them being amongst the largest species of scorpions in the United States. Black Hairy Scorpions are found in the southern and western parts of the United States, including New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and southern California but is also found farther north into Oregoon and Idaho. 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 six inches.
Scorpion Information (for a more detailed Scorpion care review see Scorpion Care Sheet  | |
| Regions Found: | United States - New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and southern California |
| Class: | Desert-dwelling burrower |
| Longevity: | 20+ years in captivity and 7- 10 years in the wild. |
| Adult Scorpion Size: | 12 - 16 cm |
| Temperament: | Aggressive and defensive |
| Claws: | Strong pedipalps |
| Sting Potency: | Not lethal to humans - mild stinging sensation |
| Hadrurus spadix Housing Requirements | |
| Scorpion Housing: | Minimum 3 gallon glass tank with 3 inches of sand |
| Temperature range: | 75 - 90F |
| Humidity range: | 55% |
| Special Requirements: | There are no special requirements. |
| Hadrurus spadix Breeding | |
| Breeding Difficulty: | Easy |
| Birth Size: | Average of 12 |
| Danger to Male: | Minimal |
| Hadrurus spadix Diet | |
| A scorpions diet should consist mainly of livefood insects such as crickets, locust, butter worms, meal worms, superworms, houseflies and cockroaches. | |
| Recommended Pet Supplies for Hadrurus spadix | |
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[edit] Description
Defining charachteristics are a yellow metasoma and legs and a dark grey body and chela tips.
[edit] Behaviour
The Black 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] 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] Habitat
The Black 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 and Humidity
Keep the enclosure maintained at about at 75° - 90 °F with a humidity level of 50 to 55%. It cannot be stressed enough that the too much humidity will kill these scorpions.
[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
Unlike its close relatives the Black Hairy Scorpion is rarely available. These species cannot easily be exported and often require eexpensive and difficult to obtain permits.