Cape Burrowing Scorpion

Opistophthalmus capensis

ScorpionintermediateVenom: Mild

Venom note

Sting may be painful but is not medically important.

About

A stout South African burrower from coastal-dune and semi-arid country. Care follows the Opistophthalmus genus: deep substrate it can dig and pack, kept dry on top with a damp base so it can maintain a humid burrow, plus a hide and a water dish. Defensive and quick with its big pincers, so keep it as a hands-off display animal. Venom is mild and not medically important.

Taxonomy

FamilyScorpionidae

GenusOpistophthalmus

Native regionWestern Cape, South Africa

TypeFossorial

Temperamentdefensive burrower; quick with its pincers

Size & growth

Adult sizeup to ~5 inches

Length100.00–130.00 mm

Growth rateslow

Climate

Temperature72–86 °F

Humidity40–60%

Enclosure

Adult size10-20 gal; deep substrate or rock stacks per type

Substratedeep sandy soil, dry on top and damp at the base for a stable burrow; hide; water dish

Substrate depth3-6 inches

Water dishRequired

Feeding

Feeding modePredator (live prey)

Prey sizecrickets, roaches

Adult cadence1 prey every 1-2 weeks

Times kept: 0